La Ceiba-Zapotillo (14611)
Ecuador, South America
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1d, B1, B2
Year of last assessment: 2023
National site name: La Ceiba-Zapotillo
Central coordinates: Latitude: -4.3185, Longitude: -80.3276
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 140 to 550
Area of KBA (km2): 398.32758
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: One of the most important tumbesian KBA. Located in Loja province on the borders with Peru. This KBA comprises an impressive extension of endemic dry forests. The altitudinal range goes from 150 to 550m. The main ecosystems are, the foothill deciduous forests of the southwestern tumbesian cordillera. Moreover, the lowland forest and deciduous lowland forests and shrublands of the southwestern tumbesian cordillera.
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 and range restricted species like: Pachyramphus spodiurus (A1d); Leptotila ochraceiventris (A1d); Engystomops puyango (B2); Atlapetes albiceps (B2); Lithobates bwana (B2); Dipsas oswaldobaezi (B1); Coniophanes longinquus (B2); Ochthoeca salvini (B2); Thaumasius baeri (B2) and Picumnus sclateri (B2).
Additional biodiversity: Crocodylus acutus, Alouatta palliata
Manageability of the site: This KBA comprises a private reserve administrated by Naturaleza y Cultura Internacional, named La Ceiba. It covers around a 30% of the KBA approximately. The conservation activities leaded by this NGO influence the conservation of this site.
Other site values: NA
Delineation rationale: On west and south, the borders with Peru. On east, the regions of Tamarindo and Zapotillo. On north, the forest remnants towards Sabanilla and El Pindo.
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 85 | Forest – Subtropical/tropical dry |
Threats
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential & commercial development | Housing & urban areas | Ongoing | |
| Residential & commercial development | Tourism & recreation areas | Ongoing | |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Small-holder grazing, ranching or farming | Ongoing |
| Transportation & service corridors | Roads & railroads | Ongoing | |
| Biological resource use | Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals | Intentional use (species being assessed is the target) | Ongoing |
| Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases | Invasive non-native/alien species/diseases | Named species | Ongoing |
| Pollution | Domestic & urban waste water | Sewage | Ongoing |
| Pollution | Garbage & solid waste | Ongoing | |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Work & other activities | Ongoing |
Additional information
Contributors: Experts participating in the KBA workshops on birds.
Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja: Diego Armijos, Diana Székely, Paul Székely, Pablo Loaiza (amphibians and reptiles)