Cordillera de Sama - Tajzara (14374)
Bolivia, South America
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1b, A1d
Year of last assessment: 2023
National site name: Cordillera de Sama - Tajzara
Central coordinates: Latitude: -21.5905, Longitude: -64.9425
System: terrestrial, freshwater
Elevation (m): 1800 to 4700
Area of KBA (km2): 1556.26467
Protected area coverage (%): 68.62
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: This KBA cooresponds to the National Protected Area "Reserva Biológica Cordillera de Sama" and the RAMSAR site "Cuenca Tajzara". Site is located in the department of Tarija (southern part of the country), in the provinces of Méndez and Avilés, west of the city of Tarija. The area's hydrography is defined by the Tajzara, Camacho, San Juan del Oro and Guadalquivir rivers. This region is located within the Eastern Cordillera and has a fairly extensive altitudinal range. It includes several high Andean ecological systems composed of fragments of dry high altitude forests, with Polylepis sp. and extensive high altitude plains dominated by grasses. There are also high altitude lagoons that congregate aquatic bird species, such as the three species of Andean flamingos and the horned gallinule. The main activity in this protected area is the grazing of sheep, camelids and cows and the cultivation of tubers such as potatoes. PROMETA (Protección del Medio Ambiente Tarija) carries out several environmental education and sustainable development projects.
Este sitio corresponde con el Área Protegida Nacional "Cordillera de Sama" y el sitio RAMSAR "Cuenca de Tajzara". Se encuentra en el departamento de Tarija (al sur del país), en las provincias de Méndez y Avilés, al oeste de la ciudad de Tarija. La hidrografía del área está definida por los ríos Tajzara, Camacho, San Juan del Oro y Guadalquivir. Esta región se encuentra dentro de la cordillera Oriental y posee un rango altitudinal bastante extenso. Comprende varios sistemas ecológicos altoandinos compuestos por fragmentos de bosques secos de altura, con Polylepis sp. y extensas planicies de altura dominadas por pastos. También hay lagunas de altura que congregan a especies de aves acuáticas, como las tres especies de flamencos andinos y la Gallareta Cornuda. La principal actividad en esta área protegida es el pastoreo de ovejas, camélidos y vacas y el cultivo de tubérculos como la papa, en forma artesanal. PROMETA (Protección del Medio Ambiente Tarija) lleva a cabo varios proyectos de educación ambiental y desarrollo sostenible.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance because it meets one or more previously established criteria and thresholds for identifying sites of biodiversity importance (Cinclus schulzii A1b; Phoenicoparrus andinus A1d)
Additional biodiversity: Other species of conservation concern are: Hippocamelus antisensis, Atlapetes fulviceps, Phoenicoparrus jamesi, Phoenicopterus chilensis, Poospiza boliviana, Tinamotis pentlandii, Upucerthia jelskii, Vultur gryphus.
Manageability of the site: It is administered by the National Service of Protected Areas (SERNAP) dependent on the Ministry of Environment and Water (MMAyA).
Delineation rationale: Site delineation follows the exact boundaries of the National Protected area "Cordillera de Sama" and the boundaries of the RAMSAR site "Cuenca Tajzara" (Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Agua de Bolivia)
Habitats
Land use: It is administered by the National Service of Protected Areas (SERNAP) dependent on the Ministry of Environment and Water (MMAyA).
Es administrada por el Servicio Nacional de Áreas Protegidas (SERNAP) dependiente del Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Agua (MMAyA).
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 40 | Wetlands (inland) – Seasonal/intermittent freshwater lakes (over 8 ha) |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 60 | Wetlands (inland) – Permanent rivers/streams/creeks (includes waterfalls) |
Threats
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Climate change & severe weather | Droughts | Ongoing | |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Small-holder grazing, ranching or farming | Ongoing |
| Natural system modifications | Dams & water management/use | Abstraction of surface water (domestic use) | Ongoing |
Additional information
Contributors: Adriana Ávila Ex funcionaria Alcaldía de Tarija
Diego Peñaranda Asociación Civil Armonía
Enrique Domic Red para la Conservación de Tortugas de Bolivia (RTB)
Victor Hugo García Consultant - Asociación Civil Armonía