The Río Machay Reserve in Ecuador is an exceptional haven for biodiversity, home to many threatened and newly discovered species. Credit: Lou Jost/EcoMinga
Exciting news has reached us from the lush cloud forests of Ecuador: the Río Machay Reserve, created with World Land Trust (WLT) support, has now been officially declared a Wildlife Refuge.
This designation – granted by Ecuador’s Ministry of Environment, Water, and Ecological Transition (MAATE) – incorporates Río Machay into the country’s National System of Protected Areas (SNAP). It is a recognition of the reserve’s crucial role in safeguarding biodiversity and will bring stronger, long-term protection to one of Ecuador’s most important wildlife corridors.
Our partner, Fundación EcoMinga (EcoMinga), called the declaration “a major milestone which will help connect the Llanganates and Sangay National Parks”. They also highlighted the role of WLT supporters, noting that “this achievement was made possible thanks to the generous support of WLT, which provided the great majority of the funding for land purchases”.
The view across the Pastaza River basin and to the Machay Reserve. Credit: Charlotte Beckham/WLT
A vital refuge and a site of new discoveries
Spanning 1,160 hectares (2,866 acres) in the upper Pastaza River basin, Río Machay protects a rich mosaic of habitats, from cloud-draped forests to expansive páramo grasslands. These ecosystems shelter at least 35 threatened species, including the iconic Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatus) and the Endangered Black-and-chestnut Eagle (Spizaetus isidori).
The reserve is also home to species new to science. Among these is Seth Macfarlane’s Torrent Frog (Hyloscirtus sethmacfarlanei), described in 2022 from just four individuals found on a single ridgeline within Río Machay. Its discovery offers a tantalising glimpse into the hidden diversity these forests still hold.
Protecting people and water
The benefits of this increased protection extend far beyond wildlife. The reserve’s forests also regulate the climate, purify air, and provide clean water for the surrounding communities.
But these ecosystems remain fragile, threatened by deforestation, habitat loss, and the impacts of climate change. This recognition as a Wildlife Refuge represents a decisive step towards their long-term conservation.
A testament to your support
In 2015, we launched our Forests in the Sky Appeal to raise funds for the expansion of the Río Machay Reserve. Now, ten years on, this reserve is recognised as a Wildlife Refuge and officially included within Ecuador’s National System of Protected Areas (SNAP).
This is a brilliant example of how your generosity creates lasting conservation impact. Your support doesn’t stop at land purchase – it sets in motion a cascade of positive changes for both wildlife and local communities.
You can help support more projects like this by supporting the Action Fund today.
