From headwaters born deep within the eastern slopes of the Peruvian Andes, the Marañon and Utcubamba Rivers join forces as a principal source of the mighty Amazon. Between these rivers, a rich mosaic of rainforest and grasslands is being destroyed by expanding agriculture, logging and fires deliberately set to clear land.

This irreplaceable habitat is a refuge for the Andean Night Monkey (EN) and Andean Bear (VU) and two endemic birds, Lulu’s Tody-flycatcher (EN) and the Speckle-chested Piculet (EN).

Rainforest Trust and our partner, the Andean Ecosystems Association, will protect 74,306 acres as the Vilaya Condorpuna Shipago Regional Conservation Area. These safeguarded acres will connect with other conservation areas and benefit hundreds of species, habitat and people.

Save Imperiled Species

This hotspot harbors many threatened species, including the endemic Andean Night Monkey, which has lost almost 50% of its only habitat in the Peruvian Andes. Scientists estimate a 50% decline in their population. Threatened birds include the Masked Mountain-tanager (VU) and Rusty-tinged Antpitta (VU). Amphibians in jeopardy include Rhinella arborescandens (EN) and Pristimantis wagteri (EN) as well as two species of Pristimantis frogs (rain frogs) new to science whose populations may be restricted to this site.

Protect Andean Watersheds

Without protection, the rich biodiversity of this area will be devastated by illegal logging, the rapid expansion of agriculture and illegal trafficking of rare orchids and timber. The degradation of streams and rivers will impact hundreds of species and 25,000 residents of the Bagua and Utcubamba provinces who depend on this irreplaceable water source for themselves and their crops.