Paraguay Farm (14513)
Colombia, South America

Site overview

KBA status: confirmed

Global KBA criteria: A1b, B2

Year of last assessment: 2023

National site name: Finca Paraguay

Central coordinates: Latitude: 4.7500, Longitude: -75.2800

System: terrestrial, freshwater

Elevation (m): 3280 to 3760

Area of KBA (km²): 112.30676

Protected area coverage (%): 3.03

KBA classification: Global

Legacy site: Yes

Site details

Site description: Finca Paraguay is located on the eastern slope of the Central Cordillera. It is part of the municipality of Santa Isabel in the northern sector of the Tolima department. The undulating terrain has a slope of 50 degrees, widespread throughout the area. Additionally, the geography of the region features some remnants of water, likely resulting from hillside waters. The different forests exhibit a high degree of epiphytism. This area presents a well-defined strip of subparamo, which is composed of small sectors of stunted forest in fair condition, some of which are interrupted by extensive open areas designated for cattle grazing, mainly for beef cattle. The landscape is heavily modified and degraded in some sections, with vegetation burning being common. The primary land use is for agricultural products such as potatoes, and in some areas, there are designated zones for cattle grazing. Despite being part of the buffer zone of Los Nevados National Natural Park, the area is not protected.

Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This KBA is important for the conservation of two threatened and range-restricted birds species: Bolborhynchus ferrugineifrons (Rufous-fronted Parakeet) that triggered A1b and B2 criteria and Oxypogon stuebelii (Buffy Helmetcrest) that triggered only B2 criteria.

Manageability of the site: Managed by local communities and Autonomous Regional Corporation in charge of this region which it is 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
Shrubland		Shrubland – Subtropical/tropical high altitude
Artificial - Aquatic		Rural Gardens
Forest		Forest – Subtropical/tropical moist montane

Threats

Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The overall ecosystem still shows remnants of biological richness, despite the significant changes that the original landscape has undergone. The main threats include land management reduction, expansion and intensification of agriculture, vegetation burning, and grazing.

Threat level 1	Threat level 2	Threat level 3	Timing
Transportation & service corridors	Roads & railroads		Ongoing
Human intrusions & disturbance	Work & other activities		Ongoing
Agriculture & aquaculture	Livestock farming & ranching	Small-holder grazing, ranching or farming	Ongoing
Natural system modifications	Fire & fire suppression	Increase in fire frequency/intensity	Ongoing

Additional information