The Alto de Ventanas ecoregion in Colombia contains some of the highest levels of endemic and threatened species in the country’s Antioquia district. Home to numerous imperiled animals and plants – including rare magnolias and orchids – this region is threatened by the continuous fragmentation of forests, primarily resulting from livestock farming and the creation of new pastures.

Rainforest Trust and partner SalvaMontes Corporation are working to expand Selva de Ventanas Natural Reserve by 120 acres. This is a vital component of the strategic network of biological corridors being created to connect remaining forest fragments. This proposed expansion contains 32 percent of the global population of Ventanas Magnolia (Magnolia polyhypsophylla), the most endangered tree species in the region with only 25 adult individuals known in the world. It is urgent that properties available for sale which strategically link this biological corridor be purchased for conservation efforts instead of being auctioned for farming purposes.

The greatest threat to the biodiversity in this region is the continuous fragmentation of forests, primarily resulting from livestock farming and the creation of new pastures.

It is urgent that properties available for sale which strategically link a vital biological corridor be purchased for conservation efforts instead of being auctioned for farming purposes.

Rainforest Trust is supporting our partner’s expansion of Selva de Ventanas Natural Reserve by 123 acres.

This expansion will greatly contribute to the creation of a protected biological corridor, with the goal of safeguarding 2,471 acres by 2020. Programs will be established to reintroduce plant species such as the Critically Endangered Ventanas Magnolia and Endangered Yarumal Magnolia, and the creation of a commercial nursery of native and ornamental species will help financially support the management of the reserve.