Sabana de Bogota Wetlands (14413)
Colombia, South America

Site overview

KBA status: confirmed

Global KBA criteria: A1b, A1d, B2

Year of last assessment: 2023

National site name: Humedales de la Sabana de Bogotá

Central coordinates: Latitude: 4.6852, Longitude: -74.1897

System: terrestrial, freshwater

Elevation (m): 2540 to 2600

Area of KBA (km²): 186.42547

Protected area coverage (%): 9.48

KBA classification: Global

Legacy site: Yes

Site details

Site description: The Bogotá savanna is located in the Colombian Eastern Cordillera, in the department of Cundinamarca. In the past, this was a wetland-covered area with various bodies of water. However, it is estimated that by 1950, the wetlands covered approximately 50,000 hectares, and currently, only around 5% of the wetlands from that time persist. The significant reduction in these habitats is a consequence of rapid population growth in the area, as it is home to nearly 20% of Colombia's population. Is primarily located around the Bogotá River and its tributaries, and it comprises the following wetlands: Torca, Guaymaral, La Conejera, Córdoba, Tibabuyes, Tibanica, Jaboque, La Florida, Capellanía, Gualí, Tres Esquinas, El Cacique, Techo, El Burro, La Vaca, Juan Amarillo, Laguna La Herrera, Neuta, Meridor, and Santa María del Lago. Essentially, the KBA is situated within the urban area of the city of Bogotá and extends towards its northeastern surroundings. The KBA consists of wetlands (60%), shrublands (19%), and pastures (20%). However, almost all of its surroundings are urban areas or heavily intervened zones. It can be said that the IBA is an island amidst the city of Bogotá. The wetlands are mainly used for infrastructure development for housing, industrial activities, and transportation (40%), as well as water management (50%). Additionally, some wetlands are used for recreational purposes, and in certain areas, pastures are used for non-mechanized livestock farming. The area contains the following habitat types: shrublands (15%), grasslands (15%), wetlands (60%), and artificial landscapes (10%). Regarding land use, it has been dedicated to conservation, pastures, tourism, industries, urbanization, and water management. These wetlands have been studied by various entities involved in research and conservation of natural resources.

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. It contains the presence threatened and range-restricted species as the Bogota Rail (Rallus semiplumbeus) that triggered de A1b and B2 criteria and the Silvery-throated Spinetail (Synallaxis subpudica) which triggered B2 criteria. Also, by the Vulnerable plant species known as Cedro (Cedrela montana) that triggered A1d criteria.

Additional biodiversity: Among the numerous bird species, Rallus semiplumbeus and Cistothorus apolinari stand out, both of which are endemic species of this region of the Colombian Eastern Andes and are endangered. It has been demonstrated that the wetlands of the Bogotá savanna are an important center of endemism for South American bird species (Fjeldså 1985), and therefore, the number of species and subspecies restricted to this area is considerably high. However, the critical status of some populations at present is an inescapable reality. The current balance of extinct and threatened species and subspecies is as follows: one extinct species (Podiceps andinus), three extinct subspecies (Anas georgica niceforoi, Polystictus pectoralis bogotensis, and Anas cyanoptera borreroi), two nationally and globally threatened species (Rallus semiplumbeus and Cistothorus apollinari), four nationally threatened species (Gallinula melanops, Oxyura jamaicensis, Muscisaxicola maculirostris, and Eremophila alpestris), and two regionally threatened subspecies (Ixobrychus exilis bogotensis and Agelaius icterocephalus bogotensis). Additionally, records from several decades ago reported the presence of species that are now considered nationally threatened; this is the case of the Brazilian Teal (Sarkidiornis melanotos) and the Rosy-billed Pochard (Netta erythrophthalma) (Renjifo et al. 2002). Non-bird biodiversity: The following species of fauna of interest have been recorded in the area: Akodon (Microxus) bogotensis, an endemic species of the Bogotá savanna, Sturnira bogotensis, an endemic species of the Bogotá savanna, Eremophilus mutisi (DD), and Grundulus bogotensis.

Manageability of the site: This site is managed by the SDA (Secretaría Distrital de Ambiente) from Bogotá Capital District and also by Autonomous Regional Corporation CAR Cundinamarca

Delineation rationale: This area was delineated following the whole wetlands distribution on Bogotá D.C., also covering the areas of the rivers that cross the city.

Habitats

IUCN Habitat	Coverage %	Habitat detail
Wetlands(Inland)		Wetlands (inland) – Permanent freshwater lakes (over 8 ha)
Artificial - Aquatic		Plantations
Artificial - Aquatic		Water Storage Areas [over 8 ha]
Artificial - Aquatic		Rural Gardens

Threats

Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main factor that has contributed to the severe deterioration of these wetlands is the accelerated growth of the city of Bogotá. The Bogotá River has undergone various hydraulic adjustments, such as the construction of dams in the upper and middle parts to control its flooding. Practically all of its tributaries have been contaminated by the wastewater from the city and municipalities. Additionally, the transformation of the buffer zones of the wetlands for legal or illegal construction of buildings has been allowed. On the other hand, many wetlands have become sites for informal settlements and have turned into garbage dumps. It is necessary to implement actions that allow for a proper understanding of the functioning of the wetlands.

Threat level 1	Threat level 2	Threat level 3	Timing
Residential & commercial development	Housing & urban areas		Ongoing
Natural system modifications	Dams & water management/use	Abstraction of surface water (domestic use)
Pollution	Domestic & urban waste water	Sewage	Ongoing

Additional information