Roncesvalles Community Reserves (14457)
Colombia, South America
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1a, B2
Year of last assessment: 2023
National site name: Reservas Comunitarias de Roncesvalles
Central coordinates: Latitude: 4.0123, Longitude: -75.6647
System: terrestrial, freshwater
Elevation (m): 1500 to 3500
Area of KBA (km2): 364.27708
Protected area coverage (%): 6.15
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The area is located on the western slope of the Central Cordillera, in the municipality of Roncesvalles, Tolima department. The habitat is composed of high Andean forests, paramos, and artificial meadows. The landscape is formed by large patches of native vegetation, with forests reaching a canopy height of almost 30 meters. Between 2,400 and 2,900 meters, there are areas of pastureland dedicated to livestock farming, with varying dispersion of mature Wax Palm (Ceroxylon quindiuense). Additionally, there are significant portions of land dedicated to grain and vegetable crops, and to a lesser extent, fruit trees.
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's important by the conservation of two birds species: Hapalopsittaca fuertesi that triggered the A1a and B2 criteria and also Urothraupis stolzmanni that triggered only B2 criteria.
Additional biodiversity: In the area, 281 bird species have been recorded (Q. Rodríguez, in litt.), and the presence of species such as the Yellow-eared Parrot (Ognorhynchus icterotis) and the Tolima Blossomcrown (Anthocephala berlepschi) is highlighted, among other threatened species.
Manageability of the site: Managed by local communities and Autonomous Regional Corporation in charge of Tolima Reserves: CORTOLIMA.
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 | Plantations | |
| Forest | Forest – Subtropical/tropical moist montane | |
| Artificial - Aquatic | Rural Gardens |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The burning of vegetation, disturbance of birds, infrastructure development, and shifting agriculture are the threats present in the area. As part of an educational campaign, the ProAves Foundation has conducted conservation workshops on topics such as silvopastoral systems, handicrafts, and sustainable use, among others.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Annual & perennial non-timber crops | Small-holder farming | Ongoing |
| Natural system modifications | Fire & fire suppression | Increase in fire frequency/intensity | Ongoing |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Work & other activities | Ongoing |
Additional information
Contributors: Alexander von Humboldt Institute