Eco-parque Los Besotes (14408)
Colombia, South America
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1a
Year of last assessment: 2023
National site name: Eco-parque Los Besotes
Central coordinates: Latitude: 10.5500, Longitude: -73.2920
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 260 to 2000
Area of KBA (km2): 16.60287
Protected area coverage (%): 93.48
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The Eco-parque Los Besotes is located 9 km northeast of the city of Valledupar and is part of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range, specifically the Los Besotes hill. The Eco-parque has a horseshoe shape, taking its name from the Murillo hill in the eastern sector and the Los Besotes hill in the western sector, which reaches its highest altitude (2,000 m) at the Alto del Cóndor. The lower part is characterized by streams that form two ravines, which contain riparian vegetation. The slopes of both hills are steep, with gigantic stone walls resembling cliffs dominated by grassland and shrub vegetation. Towards the ravines, the vegetation consists of trees with remnants of evergreen forests. The land use in the Eco-parque Los Besotes was previously dedicated to livestock farming and cultivation of plantain, cassava, maize, avocado, as well as small coffee crops. Currently, 92% of the area is dedicated to conservation; the secondary regrowth forest, which covered approximately 40% of the area, has undergone a natural recovery process of over 10 years; the forests at the mountaintop and flat areas (riparian) maintain their natural coverage characteristics. The Ornithological Foundation of the Atlantic (ORNIAT) has conducted regular visits to monitor the bird species in the Eco-parque Los Besotes and small research projects on the fauna and flora of the area. Additionally, the following conservation measures have been implemented: 1) purchase of lands from settlers to halt logging and burning for cultivation; 2) effective control of hunting in the site; 3) strict control of human entry and domestic animals (cattle or horses); 4) total suspension of agricultural activity; and 5) restoration of highly disturbed areas with fruit-producing vegetation that serves as food for animals.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: The main reason for the nomination of this KBA is the species Crax alberti (Blue-billed Curassow), an endemic bird from northern Colombia, classified by the IUCN as Critically Endangered that triggered A1a criterion.
Manageability of the site: This site is managed only by Tomas Dario Gutiérrez who owns the reserve.
Other site values: Presence of indigenous communities Kankuamo and Ojka
Delineation rationale: Only new biodiversity was added to this KBA, so there was no change to its original boundaries.
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial - Aquatic | 59.248 | Ponds [below 8 ha] |
| Forest | 40.74 | Forest – Subtropical/tropical dry |
Threats
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy production & mining | Oil & gas drilling | Ongoing | |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Agro-industry grazing, ranching or farming | Ongoing |
| Transportation & service corridors | Roads & railroads | Ongoing | |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Work & other activities | Ongoing |
Additional information
Contributors: Tomas Dario Gutiérrez - Owner of Besotes Reserve.