Fortuna Forest Reserve (19267)
Panama, Central America
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1a, A1b, A1e, B1, B2
Year of last assessment: 2026
National site name: Reserva Forestal Fortuna
Central coordinates: Latitude: 8.7138, Longitude: -82.1878
System: terrestrial, freshwater
Elevation (m): 700 to 2213
Area of KBA (km2): 207.83243
Protected area coverage (%): 95.99
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The Fortuna Forest Reserve protects the watershed of the Fortuna Dam, a major hydroelectric project completed in the mid-1990s. It includes the upper watershed of the Chiriquí River, plus an area in the southwest outside the watershed. On the Pacific side of the continental divide, it contains rugged terrain, with the high point, Cerro Chorcha (2,213 m), in the southeast, and the low point (700 m) in the southwest. The Oleoducto (Pipeline) Road between lowland Chiriquí and the town of Chiriquí Grande in Bocas del Toro traverses the reserve. The Fortuna Forest Reserve is a concession of the hydroelectric company that operates the Fortuna Dam. Because of this project, there has been a strong economic incentive to protect its watershed. Protection of the watershed is largely the responsibility of the hydroelectric project, rather than of ANAM. This company has recently changed hands. Although major changes in the status of protection of the area are not anticipated, this remains to be determined. There has been a proposal by another company to construct wind turbines in cloud forest which would destroy extensive areas of habitat. Although this project is no longer under consideration, it could be revived in the future. Since 1997, many species of frogs have disappeared, apparently due to a fungal disease (Lips 1999). Tourism facilities exist at Finca Suiza, at the south entrance.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a KBA due to the presence of 29 species. Among the plant groups, Tessmannianthus gordoni (CR) triggers criterion A1e. In the amphibian group, Oedipina fortunensis (EN) and Bolitoglossa anthracina (EN) meet criterion A1e. Among birds, Cephalopterus glabricollis (EN) triggers criteria A1a, B2; Procnias tricarunculatus (VU) meets criteria A1b, B2; Pselliophorus luteoviridis (VU) meets criteria A1b, B1, B2; Bangsia arcaei (NT) meets criteria B1, B2; Turdus costaricanus (NT) meets criterion B2; and the following Least Concern (LC) species also meet criterion B2: Chlorophonia callophrys, Myadestes melanops, Phainoptila melanoxantha, Troglodytes ochraceus, Semnornis frantzii, Thryophilus pleurostictus, Microchera chionura, Myioborus torquatus, Megascops clarkii, Arremon costaricensis, Zentrygon costaricensis, Selasphorus scintilla, Tangara dowii, Lampornis hemileucus, Odontophorus leucolaemus, Zentrygon chiriquensis, Chamaepetes unicolor, Glaucidium costaricanum, Scytalopus argentifrons, Contopus lugubris, and Euphonia nigricollis. Additionally, there are 16 legacy bird species that need to be re-assessed under current KBA criteria.
Manageability of the site: Site was identified as an IBA/KBA in 2003 by BirdLife partners. A manageability rationale is not available.
Delineation rationale: Site was identified as an IBA/KBA in 2003 by BirdLife partners. A delineation rationale is not available.
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial - Aquatic | 5 | |
| Forest | 95 |
Additional information
Contributors: KBA originally identified using pre-existing criteria. Latest assessment of the KBA includes tree species completed by BGCI.