Saving Nature and Fundación Camaná's Landmark Acquisition for the Cundinamarca Antpitta in Colombia

Landmark Conservation Effort in Colombia

In a bold initiative to protect one of the rarest birds on the planet, Saving Nature has announced the purchase of two crucial land parcels in Colombia's Eastern Andes. Partnering with the local environmental organization, Fundación Camaná, this acquisition spans 46 acres and aims to safeguard the habitat of the critically endangered Cundinamarca Antpitta (Grallaria kaestneri).

The Endangered Cundinamarca Antpitta

The Cundinamarca Antpitta is endemic to the humid montane forests of the Eastern Andes, residing at elevations between 5,575 and 7,545 feet. Unfortunately, only a small fraction of its habitat is currently protected, rendering the species vulnerable to threats like deforestation and habitat fragmentation. This new project not only protects the antpitta’s existing environment but also extends the protection from the nearby Refugio del Tororoi, reinforcing a crucial habitat corridor.

Dr. Stuart Pimm, Founder and President of Saving Nature, emphasized the significance of this project, stating, "The Cundinamarca Antpitta is among Earth’s most range-restricted and endangered birds. By connecting its high-elevation habitat with the valley below, we provide it with the necessary space and resilience to survive."

Restoration Efforts

The plan includes transforming previously degraded lands into thriving wildlife corridors populated with native trees. This effort enables species to move freely between the mountain and valley ecosystems, addressing the urgent need for the antpitta’s survival. Dr. Natalia Ocampo-Peñuela, a Scientific Advisor on the project and Assistant Professor of Conservation Ecology at the University of California, Santa Cruz, remarked, "This project is vital for the long-term survival of the Cundinamarca Antpitta. Restoring these lands gives the species a fighting chance to recover while benefitting many other Andean species that share this ecosystem."

To achieve these goals, the restoration approach will focus on natural regeneration, fencing off areas to exclude livestock and allow native vegetation to flourish. As vegetation returns, the wildlife corridor will enhance habitat for a variety of species, including the Flame-winged Parakeet and the Spectacled Bear. Furthermore, this initiative contributes to regional ecological balance by safeguarding water sources and stabilizing soils across the mountainous terrain.

About the Organizations

Saving Nature is a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing species extinction and restoring ecosystems. They uniquely focus on purchasing degraded lands and restoring them with native vegetation, ultimately creating wildlife corridors that reconnect isolated forests in biodiversity hotspots. Their work aims to promote genetic diversity and enhance climate resilience for numerous species.

Fundación Camaná, the Colombian partner in this conservation endeavor, is committed to restoring ecosystems in the Eastern Andes. They manage the Refugio del Tororoi Nature Reserve and lead initiatives like the Mágia Harpía project, aimed at protecting the Harpy Eagle. Their efforts effectively combine research, education, and community involvement to secure a sustainable future for Colombia's rich wildlife.

For further details about their initiatives, visit Saving Nature and Fundación Camaná.