Private conservation area in northern Peru will protect 30 percent of region’s montane forests

Nature and Culture International (NCI) has announced the creation of a 66,954-acre protected area in northern Peru, the Chicuate Chinguelas Private Conservation Area.

The new conservation area in the Huancabamba Province of Peru will protect 30 percent of the Piura region’s montane forests, including critical habitat for the Andean Night Monkey (Aotus miconax), an endemic species, plus the Golden-plumed parakeet (Leptosittaca branickii), the White-capped tanager (Sericossypha albocristata), and the Red-faced parrot (Hapalopsittaca pyrrhops) — all of which are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Populations of the endangered Mountain Tapir (Tapirus pinchaque) and Red Howler Monkey (Alouatta seniculus) also call the area home.

The forests are populated by the endangered Mountain palm tree (Ceroxylon parvifrons) as well as the Romerillo or podocarpus tree (Podocarpus oleifolius, Nageia rospigliosii), which is also an endangered species protected under Peruvian law but still targeted by illegal loggers, according to NCI.

NCI has worked since 2013 with the community of Segunda y Cajas, the Provincial Municipality of Huancabamba, and the Regional Government of Piura to make the protected area a reality.

“The community of Segunda y Cajas knew that by protecting their land, they would also protect their natural resources – including the water supply they depend on,” NCI said in a statement. “In addition to supporting the declaration, around 190 families have been involved in sustainable development activities including reforestation and the cultivation of passion fruit, sugar cane and coffee.”

Article published by Mike Gaworecki

Animals, Biodiversity, Birds, Endangered Species, Environment, Forests, Mammals, Protected Areas, Wildlife

Peru, South America

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