Eastern Risaralda Forests (14464)
Colombia, South America
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1a, A1b, A1e, B2
Year of last assessment: 2024
National site name: Bosques del Oriente de Risaralda
Central coordinates: Latitude: 4.7996, Longitude: -75.5240
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 1800 to 3800
Area of KBA (km2): 335.87472
Protected area coverage (%): 97.64
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Set of protected areas of different categories. Area with more than 30 years of recovery and of great importance for water regulation. The site is located on the western slope of the Central Mountain Range, in the eastern part of the department of Risaralda. The area has more than 30 years of recovery through different protected areas and is of great importance for water regulation in the region. The Campoalegre Municipal Natural Park, the Otún-Quimbaya Flora and Fauna Sanctuary, the Ucumarí Regional Natural Park, and the lower part of Los Nevados National Natural Park are part of the KBA. According to the delimitation of the area and the map drawn by Luis Miguel Renjifo, the zone is made up of a continuous strip of premontane and montane forest that covers approximately 85% of the area, and areas used for agriculture and cattle ranching, which represent the remaining 15%. Within the area there are human settlements and deforestation related to cattle grazing and agricultural activities. This area has been the object of various conservation efforts by governmental and non-governmental entities.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This KBA is important for the conservation of the threatened and range-restricted birds species: Grallaria milleri (A1b and B2) and Hapalopsittaca fuertesi (A1a and B2). The site also supports the only known population of the Critically Endangered tree species, Myrsine perreticulata (A1e).
Additional biodiversity: In eBird this KBA presents 643 bird species: https://ebird.org/region/BIRDLIFE_14464?yr=all. As for other elements, the following have been recorded: Andean Bear (Tremarctos ornatus-VU), Puma (Puma concolor-NT), Mountain Tapir (Tapirus pinchaque-EN), Colombian Red Howler (Alouatta seniculus), Quimbaya Toad (Atelopus quimbaya-CR(PE)), and Myrsine perreticulata (a CR tree species).
Manageability of the site: Entities such as UAESPNN, the EcoAndina Foundation, the Alexander von Humboldt Institute, the National Research Center, the Natural Sciences Institute of the National University of Colombia, and the University of Valle have developed different research and conservation projects in the area.
Delineation rationale: The limits of the KBA correspond to the area and added limits of the four protected areas: Ucumarí Regional Park, Campoalegre Municipal Natural Park, Los Nevados National Natural Park and the Otún Quimbaya Fauna and Flora Sanctuary.
Based on the original polygon, the boundaries were adjusted to fully include the Soil Conservation District CampoAlegre, the Fauna and Flora Sanctuary Otun-Quimbaya, and the Natural Regional Park Ukumari. Overlap with the Natural National Park Los Nevados is maintained. Adjustments were made to avoid overlap with the KBA Barbas-Bremen and Alto Quindio, and the La Betulia area.
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Shrubland | Shrubland – Subtropical/tropical high altitude | |
| Artificial - Aquatic | Plantations | |
| Forest | Forest – Subtropical/tropical moist montane | |
| Artificial - Aquatic | Urban Areas | |
| Artificial - Aquatic | Rural Gardens |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Some of the current threats include poor planned management of the area, the intensification and expansion of agriculture, deliberate fires, and firewood collection, in addition to selective logging.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological resource use | Logging & wood harvesting | Intentional use: large scale (species being assessed is the target) [harvest] | Ongoing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Agro-industry grazing, ranching or farming |
Additional information
Contributors: Alexander von Humboldt Institute
Ryan Hills (BGCI)