Cotopaxi National Park and El Boliche (14555)
Ecuador, South America
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: B2
Year of last assessment: 2023
National site name: Parque Nacional Cotopaxi y El Boliche
Central coordinates: Latitude: -0.6438, Longitude: -78.4610
System: terrestrial, freshwater
Elevation (m): 3500 to 5660
Area of KBA (km2): 326.28211
Protected area coverage (%): 99.85
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: This KBA include an iconic national park and and the nearest recreational area named El Boliche. Located in Cotopaxi province in an altitudinal range going from 3500 to 5897m (summit of Cotopaxi volcano). This paramo region feeds with water a considerable extension of agricultural zones on the base of the volcano. Moreover, this Andean water related area presents ecosystems influenced by the continuous melt of Cotopaxi volcano glacier as follows: flooded paramo grasslands, evergreen shrublands; paramo grasslands and humid subnival paramo grasslands including upper montane humid paramo grasslands and subnival evergreen paramo grasslands and shrublands. Finally, the upper montane evergreen forests of the northern slope of the Andes.
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. Four Andean range restricted bird species meets the thresholds of the KBA' B2 criterion. This KBA presents an considerable extension of suitable habitat. Species are: Oreotrochilus chimborazo; Phalcoboenus carunculatus; Cinclodes excelsior and Muscisaxicola alpinus.
Additional biodiversity: Gastrotheca riobambae, Vultur gryphus, Tremarctos ornatus, Puma concolor.
Manageability of the site: Both areas, Cotopaxi National Park and El Boliche (recreational area) are part of the national system of protected areas under the responsibility of the government of Ecuador via the Ministry of Environment, Water and Ecological Transition.
Other site values: NA
Delineation rationale: This KBA follows the official limits of two national protected areas, Cotopaxi National Park and El Boliche Recreational Area. On north, the agricultural landscapes between Machachi and El Porvenir in Cotopaxi province. Northeast, east and southeast, the paramo regions of the Central Volcanoes KBA. Southwest and west, the industrial and agricultural landscape of Cotopaxi province facing towns, villages and haciendas over the region of El Chaupi and El Chasqui,
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 80 | Wetlands (inland) – Permanent rivers/streams/creeks (includes waterfalls) |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 10 | Wetlands (inland) – Permanent freshwater lakes (over 8 ha) |
| Shrubland | 20 | Shrubland – Subtropical/tropical high altitude |
Threats
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Small-holder grazing, ranching or farming | Ongoing |
| Natural system modifications | Fire & fire suppression | Increase in fire frequency/intensity | Ongoing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Annual & perennial non-timber crops | Agro-industry farming | Ongoing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Wood & pulp plantations | Agro-industry plantations | Ongoing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Agro-industry grazing, ranching or farming | Ongoing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Nomadic grazing | Ongoing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Annual & perennial non-timber crops | Small-holder farming | Ongoing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Wood & pulp plantations | Small-holder plantations | Ongoing |
| Geological events | Volcanoes | Ongoing | |
| Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases | Invasive non-native/alien species/diseases | Named species | Only in the past and unlikely to return |
| Biological resource use | Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals | Persecution/control | Ongoing |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing | |
| Pollution | Agricultural & forestry effluents | Herbicides and pesticides | Ongoing |
Additional information
Contributors: Experts, birders and ornithologists that participate in the KBA workshop on birds.