New Ausangate Private Conservation Area Safeguards Tropical Glaciers and High-Andean Ecosystems in Cusco, Peru

In an important decision for conservation in the tropical Andes, the Peruvian Ministry of Environment formally recognized the Ausangate Private Conservation Area (Área de Conservación Privada) on August 4th, 2025, a new protected area on communally titled land which includes 31,745 acres (12,847 hectares) of critical high-Andean ecosystems. Located in Peru’s Cusco region, the Ausangate Private Conservation Area (PCA) stands as a model for community-led conservation. Its primary goal is to conserve the area’s unique biodiversity and vital ecosystems, such as “puna” grasslands and high-altitude wetlands called “bofedales” that characterize this stunning Andean ecoregion. The landscape is dominated by the immense, glaciated peaks of several mountains including the “Apu” (sacred mountain) Ausangate, which towers over the hills below.

A Landscape of Vital Ecosystems

Located west of the Ausangate Regional Conservation Area, the Ausangate Private Conservation Area (PCA) contributes to the protection of a mosaic of high-Andean environments. The most extensive ecosystem within the new PCA is the humid puna grassland, which accounts for nearly half of the area. This landscape, characterized by native grasses like ichu (Stipa ichu) and chiliwa (Festuca dolicophylla), is crucial for the region’s ecological balance and an important habitat for birds.

The glaciers and periglacial zones, including the Apu Ausangate itself—Cusco’s highest peak—make up a third of the PCA. These frozen reservoirs, along with a network of seven glacial lakes and lagoons across several mountains, feed into the Mapocho, Lauramarca, Pacchanta, and Pinchimuro Mayu Rivers below and are a critical source of water for the entire region. The glaciers store this water, and although glacial recession has caused significant decreases, the newly established area will enable protection and recognition of the environmental services they have to offer.

Additionally, the high-altitude wetlands called “bofedales” cover about 5% of the area, mostly in areas over 13,700 feet (4,200 meters) above sea level. These ecosystems are filled with spongy, dense ground cover vegetation which effectively stores water and locks away carbon.

Ronald Catpo, Conservation Director of Conservación Amazónica – ACCA underscores the importance of the PCA’s ecosystems: “We are very proud to accompany this process that protects not only biodiversity, but also the water sources on which communities like Ocongate and Tinki depend; and now it is our turn to support the beginning of the management of this new PCA.”

A Haven for High-Andean Wildlife

The extreme conditions of the PCA have fostered a unique array of wildlife adapted to high-altitude living. The area provides a sanctuary for several protected mammal species, including the vicuña (Vicugna vicugna), the puma (Puma concolor), and the endangered Andean cat (Leopardus jacobita). The skies and grasslands are home to 53 bird species such as the Andean flicker (Colaptes rupicola), a woodpecker with beautifully patterned plumage often seen foraging on the ground, and the Andean ibis (Theristicus branickii), with its distinctive slender, curved beak.

The area’s wetlands and rocky outcrops also support a variety of amphibians and reptiles. The small, dark Rhinella spinulosa toad can be found nestled amongst dense, bright green cushions of vegetation. On lichen-covered rocks, the mottled skin of the marsupial frog Gastrotheca marsupiata provides excellent camouflage, while the patterned lizard Liolaemus thomasi basks in the Andean sun. Another amphibian, the marbled water frog (Pleurodema marmoratum), showcases intricate patterns that blend in with the mossy stones of its habitat.

A Community Commitment to Conservation 

The management of the Ausangate PCA is structured to balance conservation with the traditional livelihoods of the local communities. As Catpo mentions: “The recognition of this PCA is an example of how communities can take the lead in the conservation of their territories.”

 The proposal for the PCA was promoted by the Ausangate Campesino Community which is a collective composed of six smaller communities. The PCA balances strict protection of the more sensitive areas which includes the most fragile ecosystems like glaciers, bofedales, and puna grasslands with low-impact traditional uses of local communities. This arrangement is based on a model of community-driven conservation, with a vision towards the future and adherence to the traditions that have cared for these ecosystems for generations.

Acknowledgements: 

The formal recognition of the Ausangate Private Conservation Area was approved by Peru’s Ministry of Environment and was accomplished through the leadership of the Ausangate Campesino Community, a collective made up of the smaller communities of Rodeana, Pucarumi, Upis, Rocca Rocca, Pacchanta Alta and Pacchanta Baja. Community leaders spearheaded the recognition process throughout the last two years accompanied by Peru’s National Service of Protected Areas – SERNANP and with the technical support of Conservación Amazónica – ACCA with financial contributions from the Andes Amazon Fund, and Art into Acres with Re:wild.