El Tundo Natural Reserve

Recent History

El Tundo Natural Reserve was created in August of 1996 through the acquisition of some land by Arcoiris. The area included 158 hectares (390 acres) of walnut forest, an ecosystem considered to be in a critical state in the southwestern Andes of Ecuador. This happened thanks to students from Cambridge University in England through their Sozoranga Forest Project, which provides funds to causes such as this.

Geographical Location and Politics

The reserve is located in the southwest of Ecuador, in the province of Loja, Sozoranga county, Sozoranga parrish. It contains forest in a sub-mountain region of moderate altitude. It is located within the Jatumpamba Jorupe Protected Forest, which is in turn located in the Endemismo Tumbesino region.

Climate and Terrain Information

Biodiversity - Flora

The countryside is dominated by walnut trees enveloped in fog and covered by bromelias, which contrasts drastically with the dry forests encountered at lower altitudes. The frequent rains here result in steep slopes facing towards the south, and the Pacific winds ascend rapidly and form a near permanent covering of clouds during the rainy season, between January and June.

The forest sustains an unusual mix of species, including typical Andean cloud forest species like the walnut tree (Juglands neotropica Diels.) and the duco (Clusia sp.), as well as dry forest species from lower in altitude such as the Chaquino (Myroxylon peruiferum), among others currently in danger of disappearing.

Biodiversity - Fauna

The reserve is of great interest to ornithologists. As of now, around 130 species of birds have been identified in El Tundo, of which 8 are catalogued as endangered species. These are Hormiguero Cabecigris (Myrmecyza griseiceps), Limpiafronda cuellirrufa (Syndactyla ruticollis), Gralaria de watkins (Grallaria watkinsi) Gavilán Dorsigris (Leucopternis occidentalis), Paloma Ventriocracea (Leptotila ochraceiventis), and Colaespina Cabecinegruzca (Synallaxis tithys). There also exist 4 species labeled as vulnerable, which are Chachalaca Cabecirrufa (Ortalis erythroptera), Atila Ocráceo (Attila torridus), Rascahojas Capuchirrufa (Hylochryptus erythrocephalus) and the Mosquerito Pechigris (Latrhotriccus griseipectus).

The mammals in the reserve live in both the dry and humid sections of the region. The puma (Felis concolor), the Guayaquil squirrel (Sciurus stramineus), the white nosed coati (Nasua Larica), and the red brocket deer (Mazama americana) have been registered in this reserve, among others.

Installations

The El Tundo Natural Reserve has a great system of paths that allows access to all parts of the forest. There is also a refuge situated in the park where visitors can camp and take part in recreational activities.

Turist Attractions

One of the principal attractions in mixed cloud and dry forests such as El Tundo is the observation of unique plant species such as the moshquera (Croton rivinnaefolius). One can also find unmatched views of the countryside within the reserve.

The time of year most recommended for a visit depends of the interests of the visitor. For example, in order to see orchids in bloom it is recommended to make the trip in November or December. For general hiking and camping, the park is equally enjoyable all year long.