Yunguilla and surrounding areas (14586)
Ecuador, South America
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1a, A1e, B2
Year of last assessment: 2023
National site name: Yunguilla y alrededores
Central coordinates: Latitude: -3.2417, Longitude: -79.2885
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 1090 to 2630
Area of KBA (km2): 35.52875
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: This is an iconic KBA. The steep temperate southwestern Andean endemic dry shrubs and scrubs mountains where the ecuadorian endemic brushfinch, Atlapetes pallidiceps was saved from extinction. Located in Azuay province between 1090 and 2630m in Yunguilla valley. The main ecosystems here, are: montane evergreen shrubs of the southern Andes and the semi-deciduous forests and shrublands of the southern inter-Andean valleys.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that meets the thresholds for at least three criteria described in the Global Standard for the Identification of KBAs. Threatened of extinction species like the two critically endangered reptiles, Holcosus orcesi (A1a, A1e, B2) and Tantilla insulamontana (A1a, B2) and the ecuadorian endemic and globally endangered, Atlapetes pallidiceps (A1a).
Manageability of the site: A relevant part of the KBA, the Yunguilla Reserve is administrated by Jocotoco Foundation. The foundation with local actors and conservation organizations leads conservation projects of endangered species.
Delineation rationale: It follows the limits that adequately aims to contain the localities of the trigger species and remnants of adequate habitat. Surrounded by agricultural fields and deforestation including roads, towns and villages.
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Shrubland | 75 | Shrubland – Subtropical/tropical dry |
Additional information
Contributors: Jocotoco Foundation
QCAZ - Herpetofauna Universidad Católica del Ecuador
AMARU FOUNDATION AND ZOO-BIOPARK
Experts that participated in the KBA workshops on birds and herpetofauna