The Abra de Zamora region of southeastern Ecuador is a hotspot for biodiversity and endemism. But this exceptionally rich habitat and the species living here are threatened by encroaching deforestation, degradation and development.

Rainforest Trust and our partner, Nature and Culture International-Ecuador (NCI-Ecuador) plan to purchase 4,814 acres of critical habitat within the northern buffer zone of the 360,000-acre Podocarpus National Park to safeguard many endemic amphibians as well as the Black-and-chestnut Eagle (EN) and more than 4,000 species of plants.

Lying between the Central and Eastern mountain ranges of the Andes, this transition zone is an intersection of four ecosystems with dramatic changes in elevation. With 29 species of amphibians in this area, 11 are considered endemic to Abra de Zamora and 12 are considered new-to-science. They include Morona-Santiago Stubfoot Toad (CR), Loja Water Frog (CR), Atelopus podocarpus (CR), Rhinella amabilis (CR), Pristimantis vidua (EN) and Pristimantis atratus (EN). Many of these amphibians have only been recorded in the Abra de Zamora area and their habitats are extremely fragile. These restricted-range amphibian populations can easily be obliterated if any one of their small habitats is destroyed.

In addition to safeguarding many rare species, this vital habitat—once protected—will permanently lock up 887,696 metric tons of CO₂ equivalents, comparable to 99.9 million gallons of gasoline consumed.

_{(Header photo:  Gastrotheca, photo courtesy of EcoSs Lab/UTPL)}

Safeguard rare, restricted-range amphibians and thousands of species

The diversity and endemism found in this complex landscape is not limited to amphibians. Other threatened species in this region include the Vulnerable Spectacled/Andean Bear. Podocarpus National Park is also one of the most diverse and important areas for birds, with nearly 600 species registered. Several threatened species have been documented here, including the Black-and-chestnut Eagle (EN). In addition, more than 4,000 species of plants have been recorded to date, excluding epiphytes, lichens and mosses.

Protect this habitat from deforestation

This species-rich habitat is threatened by deforestation and degradation due primarily to burning of páramo for cattle grazing and inefficient farming practices. Additionally, the area’s proximity to Loja, a major city, has brought increased development as city-dwellers relocate to this area. These activities are a serious threat to range-restricted amphibian populations that could easily be entirely obliterated if any one of their small habitats is destroyed. As more land is lost, these amphibians and other species have nowhere left to go.

Support Proactive Conservation Methods

Once the land is purchased, our partner, NCI-Ecuador, will work with the local government to incorporate the land into the Podocarpus National Park. This will include collaborating with park staff to create a conservation management plan with the local scientific and academic community, training park rangers and raising awareness of the importance of this habitat with local residents.