High Andean Paramos and Forests of Génova (14412)
Colombia, South America
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1a
Year of last assessment: 2023
National site name: Páramos y Bosques Altoandinos de Génova
Central coordinates: Latitude: 4.1657, Longitude: -75.7185
System: terrestrial, freshwater
Elevation (m): 2500 to 3800
Area of KBA (km2): 127.33507
Protected area coverage (%): 63.92
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The paramos and high Andean forests of the municipality of Génova are located on the western flank of the Central Cordillera, in the southern part of the Quindío department. The area covers a total surface of 8,800 hectares within an altitudinal range that varies between 2,500 and 3,800 meters. It includes the upper parts of three watersheds, from north to south: Rojo, Gris, and San Juan rivers, where 22 properties are distributed among four villages: Río Rojo, Pedregales, Río Gris, and San Juan. Is mainly covered by montane forests and paramos, although there are also patches of shrubland and grasslands. The latter are primarily used for agriculture and livestock farming. Around 40% of the area is primarily used for research and nature conservation.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that meets the thresholds for at least one criterion described in the Global Standard for the Identification of KBAs. KBA were identified by Instituto Humboldt and a group of experts for re-assessment and nomination of this area in Colombia. Taxonomy, nomenclature and threat status follow the 2023 IUCN Red List. This KBA is important for the conservation of the threatened plant species Plutarchia monantha and the threatened bird species Hapalopsittaca fuertesi (Indigo-winged parrot) that triggered the A1a criteria.
Manageability of the site: Managed by the Autonomous Corporation from Quindío, CRQ.
Delineation rationale: Polygon modified to fit the boundaries of the DRMI Paramos and Andean Forests of Genova, avoiding overlap with the KBA Roncesvalles, the DRMI Alegrias, and the DRMI Chili.
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial - Aquatic | Urban Areas | |
| Shrubland | Shrubland – Subtropical/tropical high altitude | |
| Forest | Forest – Subtropical/tropical moist montane | |
| Artificial - Aquatic | Rural Gardens |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threat faced by the IBA is the deterioration of forests and high-altitude grasslands as a result of the expansion of human activities such as agriculture and livestock farming.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Agro-industry grazing, ranching or farming | Ongoing |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Work & other activities |
Additional information
Contributors: Alexander von Humboldt Institute