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Critical new protection for Magdalena rainforest and the Saffron-headed Parrot
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Photographs © ProAves
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ProAves Colombia has announced that six strategic private properties have been acquired from loggers, to double the size of the Paujil Nature Reserve, and protect an additional 3,356 acres of lowland tropical rainforest in the Magdalena valley of Colombia.
The 700 mile-long Magdalena River basin once held a lush carpet of lowland rainforest, encircled by the mighty Central and Eastern Cordillera mountain ranges. This isolated rainforest has been a biological melting pot, influenced by the flora and fauna of neighboring regions like the Amazon, which has given rise to a rich assemblage of biodiversity, with an exceptional diversity of endemic flora and fauna, like the Blue-billed Curassow and spectacular Saffron-headed Parrot (Pionopsitta pyrilia).
Tragically, intensive colonization across the region continues unabated and has resulted in the elimination of nearly ten million acres for ranching, coca plantations and other activities, while many of the region’s endemic species are now endangered.
The Serranía de las Quinchas, on the border between the Boyacá and Santander departments, and located just 85 miles north of the Colombian capital, Bogotá, represents one of the last opportunities to safeguard a critical area of Magdalena valley rainforest.
In 2003, ProAves acquired a number of properties to consolidate the 3,678 acre El Paujil Nature reserve – the first protected area of Magdalena lowland rainforest. It also started a threatened species research program and engaged local communities in sustainable development and outreach activities around the reserve. However, forests surrounding the reserve were being cleared to sell timber and establish illicit coca plantations and pasturelands.
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ProAves has been working since 2008 to acquire additional properties from loggers and protect those that surround the reserve, to ensure viable populations of the most endangered species.
“Today, the Paujil Nature Reserve is 6,935 acres and protects in perpetuity stronghold populations of the Saffron-headed Parrot, Scarlet Macaw, Blue-billed Curassow and Magdalena Spider Monkey,” commented Dr Paul Salaman, Director of Conservation at the World Land Trust-US. “We wish to extend our deep gratitude to the many donors that contributed saving acres for this appeal and also to the support of American Bird Conservancy.
“We are continuing to raise funds to acquire a further 3,500 acres of pristine forest held in four properties, at $50 an acre. This forest is earmarked for timber and clearance for cattle pasturelands. We would be grateful for your support to save this wonderful rainforest ecosystem and the Saffron-headed Parrot.”
For more information, please contact: Dr Paul Salaman – psalaman@worldlandtrust-us.org
www.worldlandtrust-us.org.
www.proaves.org
