A New Conservation Area in Ecuador Contributes to the Sangay-Podocarpus Connectivity Corridor

The Santiago de Méndez Municipal Conservation Area, created on March 9, protects 34,051 acres of montane forests and páramo grasslands in Morona Santiago, Ecuador. It conserves ecosystems and wildlife in the Sangay-Podocarpus Connectivity Corridor and safeguards water sources for more than 15,000 people living in nearby communities.

Its abundant fauna includes 47 species of mammals, 152 species of birds, 57 amphibian species, 344 plant species, and 11 species of reptiles. The area is also home to endangered animals like the black-and-chestnut eagle (Spizaetus isidori) and mountain tapir (Tapirus pinchaque).

You can read more about Santiago de Méndez through the link below:

Santiago de Méndez Municipal Conservation Area was made possible through AAF grantee Nature and Culture International, who collaborated with the Municipality of Santiago, the FONAPA water fund, and Ecuador’s Ministry of Environment and Water. Financial support was provided by World Land Trust, Moxie Foundation, Bobolink Foundation, Andes Amazon Fund, and Natura International.