Bosque de Polylepis de Taquesi (19142)
Bolivia, South America
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1a, A1b, A1d
Year of last assessment: 2023
National site name: Bosque de Polylepis de Taquesi
Central coordinates: Latitude: -16.4111, Longitude: -67.8555
System: terrestrial, freshwater
Elevation (m): 3100 to 4800
Area of KBA (km2): 37.76757
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: These forests are located within the department of La Paz. Most of the area of this KBA is located in the Sud Yungas province. The area of interest is located above 4,000 meters above sea level. With a humid climate and a characteristic topography of slopes and ravines, the Polylepis forest fragments develop on rocky soil that, due to high humidity and precipitation, also develop a dense layer of mosses. Polylepis forests are ecosystems that are home to unique fauna and flora, especially habitat specialist birds with high levels of endemism. The dominant species of the forest relics is Polylepis pepei, mixed with Gynoxis asterotrichia thickets. This area is called 'Páramo Yungueño', already similar to the páramo found in Venezuela and Colombia, the most marked difference being the absence of the characteristic species of the genus Espeletia. Activities that local communities carried out include grazing of camelids and sheep by the residents of the area, as well as the extraction of wood for combustion. In addition, several wolfram mines were in operation in the area until a decade ago. Since the Polylepis relicts are outside any protected area, there is no degree of habitat protection. Armonía Association, carries out research on the bird community, mainly population studies of Anairetes alpinus and its possible distribution in nearby areas that contain relicts of Polylepis.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance because it meets one or more previously established criteria and thresholds for identifying sites of biodiversity importance (including Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, Alliance for Zero Extinction sites, and Key Biodiversity Areas) KBA identified in the CEPF Ecosystem Profile of the Tropical Andes Hotspot (2015). Trigger species: Polylepis pepei A1b and A1d; Anairetes alpinus A1a
Additional biodiversity: Other species of conservation concern are:
Spizaetus isidori
Vultur gryphus
Aglaeactis pamela
Andigena cucullata
Asthenes harterti
Asthenes maculicauda
Atlapetes rufinucha
Coeligena violifer
Cranioleuca albiceps
Grallaria erythrotis
Hapalopsittaca melanotis
Kleinothraupis calophrys
Metallura aeneocauda
Scytalopus schulenbergi
Manageability of the site: The KBA does not have any current form of management. However, due to the interest of the Departmental Government on KBAs it is possible in the future to foster its conservation and management.
Delineation rationale: Site delineation first considered the trigger species’ occurrence records provided by experts and collaborating institutions. Experts then discussed the species occupation according to those records in the site, their altitudinal ranges and the extent of the species’ main habitats/ecosystems, to define the final boundaries of the site.
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: Rocky areas 30%
Land use: Local communities and/or indigenous peoples carry out agricultural and livestock activities on the site.
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 40 | Wetlands (inland) – Permanent rivers/streams/creeks (includes waterfalls) |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 10 | Wetlands (inland) – Seasonal/intermittent freshwater lakes (over 8 ha) |
| Forest | 20 | Forest – Subtropical/tropical moist montane |
Threats
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Annual & perennial non-timber crops | Small-holder farming | Ongoing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Small-holder grazing, ranching or farming | Ongoing |
| Climate change & severe weather | Droughts | Ongoing | |
| Energy production & mining | Mining & quarrying | Ongoing |
Additional information
Contributors: Arely Palabral Herbario Nacional, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés (HNB)
Carla Brenda Maldonado Herbario Nacional, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés (HNB)
Claudia Miguez Herbario Nacional, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés (HNB)
David Villalba Herbario Nacional, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés (HNB)
Freddy Zenteno Herbario Nacional, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés (HNB)
Juan Carlos Peñaranda Herbario Nacional, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés (HNB)
Laura Moya Herbario Nacional, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés (HNB)
Stephan Beck Herbario Nacional, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés (HNB)
Edgar Gareca Centro de Biodiversidad y Genética, Universidad Mayor de San Simón (CBG)
Alfredo Fuentes Claros Missouri Botanical Garden-Bolivia (MBG)
Diego Peñaranda Asociación Civil Armonía
Enrique Domic Red para la Conservación de Tortugas de Bolivia (RTB)