Cerro Blanco

The Tumbesian ecoregion is characterised by its dry forests which are endangered themselves and provide vital habitats for a host of threatened species. Despite being only 15 km from Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city, and a long history of wood-cutting, Cerro Blanco is one of the best remaining examples. The Cerro Blanco Reserve, managed by Fundación Pro-Bosque, covers 6,078 ha and protects significant biodiversity which includes 54 mammal species – including Jaguar and Mantled Howler Monkey. 219 bird species have been recorded including eight which are considered globally threatened; the flagship bird species is a small population of Great Green Macaws.

Great Green Macaw. Flagship species of Cerro Blanco. Endangered in Ecuador. © Fundación Pro Bosque

Tree planting on Earth Day 2007, Cerro Blanco, Ecuador © Fundación Pro Bosque

Patches of good forest within the region are separated by large tracts of degraded woodland, poor pasture and worn-out fields. These degraded areas are dominated by the exotic African Grass Panicum maximum, which can always out-compete tree seedlings for light and are also prone to extensive fires in the dry season. The tree-planting programme targets these areas, using enrichment planting in the degraded woodland and plantings in the grassland. Conditions are challenging – poor soils, severe dry seasons and this vigorous grass mean that the seedlings need much care, and fire control is an important element.

Tree planting to re-establish dry forest, Cerro Blanco, Ecuador. © Fundación Pro Bosque

Watering, dry forest at Cerro Blanco, Ecuador. © Andrew Smiley

Some 228 ha is being planted up with 196,000 saplings of 30 native species. The mix includes soil-improving, pioneering and fast-growing trees to create the conditions for growth of the slower-growing high forest species, with emphasis on those which are important to the macaws for food and nesting.

Reserve map

Cerro Blanco reserve map. View larger version of reserve map.