Sandia (200872)
Peru, South America
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1a, A1e, B1, B2
Year of last assessment: 2024
National site name: Sandia
Central coordinates: Latitude: -14.3199, Longitude: -69.3873
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 1700 to 4200
Area of KBA (km2): 521.53642
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: No
Site details
Site description: The KBA Sandia covers an area of 521.536 km and it's located within Perú, in the department of Puno, province Sandia, district of Sandia. The altitude range of the KBA is 1700 to 4200 masl and it is located in the Sandia valley along the river of the same name. The KBA covers a very narrow and steeply sloping valley on the banks of the Sandia river, which forms a deep and narrow canyon and the transition from montane forest, scrub and cultivated fields to Amazonian forest. On the steep slopes north of the town of Sandia in the vicinity of Quiaca is a montane forest. In this narrow valley and steep hillsides there are riparian forests, ravines and fields with Eucalyptus hedges. The most important economic activity for the local inhabitants is agriculture. The climate is varied in this KBA: cold and dry in the higher altitudes, cold and humid with constant fog in the jungle and warm and humid in the jungle. The temperature ranges from a maximum of 25°C to a minimum of -3°C, with an average temperature of 7.5°C, and rainfall varies from 901 to 5140 mm.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: The KBA Sandia qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that meets the thresholds for the A1, B1 and B2 criteria described in the Global Standard for the Identification of KBA. This KBA harbors at least five range-restricted birds (Asthenes helleri, Cranioleuca albiceps, Scytalopus simonsi, Scytalopus schulenbergi and Tangara meyerdeschauenseei) and one endangered plant species, Pfeiffera micrantha.
Additional biodiversity: Birds: Megascops marshalli, Bolborhynchus orbygnesius, Tigrisoma fasciatum, Thamnophilus aroyae, Thlypopsis ruficeps
Manageability of the site: This site could be managed by the regional government of Puno such as Regional forestry and wildlife authority. Part of the area is affected by cattle ranching and agriculture and has been included because several of the trigger species are birds that may use the patches of forest between agricultural areas. It is necessary to carry out awareness campaigns with the community and support them in the conservation and restoration of their forests. The National Coordination Group of KBAs has a conservation promotion and monitoring committee, which is composed of various governmental and civil society institutions that will work to promote conservation actions in the KBAs.
Supersedes another site: Valcon 14694 and Sandia 14692
Other site values: Quechuas and Aymara Indigenous Communities. In this KBA there is a Quechua and Aymara population dedicated mainly to agriculture, being very well known by its coffee crops (https://drwakefield.com/news-and-views/puno-coffee-and-conservation-project/).
Delineation rationale: The KBA Sandia is delineated to cover 100% of the trigger species Pfeiffera micrantha and its ecological characteristics, which include its presence in small patches of forest between agricultural areas and even the town center of Sandia and surrounding areas. Several of the trigger species are birds and may use the patches of forest between agricultural areas. To the northwest follows the mountainous relief above 3900 meters above sea level on the left bank of the Huari Huari River to the town of Wayra Pauchinta Falls and then follow the tributary of the River until the junction with the Sina River in the limit of the Sandia district and the Alto Inambari district. To the east it follows the district boundary of Sandia and along the Sina River to the town of Quiaca in the south. To the southwest it extends to the surroundings of the town of Cuyocuyo, excluding the town of Ura Ayllu.
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: Forest 80-90%
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Among the threats to this site are landslides, fires, river overflows and the effects of urban development.
References:
https://repositorio.ingemmet.gob.pe/bitstream/20.500.12544/2273/1/A5741-Evaluacion_de_peligros_Sandia-Puno.pdf, https://www.regionpuno.gob.pe/descargas/planes/seguridadciudadana/Plan%20de%20Prevenci%C3%B3n%20y%20Reducci%C3%B3n%20del%20Riesgo%20de%20Desastres%20de%20la%20Regi%C3%B3n%20Puno%20al%202026.pdf.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential & commercial development | Housing & urban areas | Ongoing | |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Small-holder grazing, ranching or farming | Ongoing |
Additional information
References: MINAM (2018) National Ecosystems Map of Peru. In SINIA (National Environmental Information System). https://sinia.minam.gob.pe/mapas/mapa-nacional-ecosistemas-peru.
Castro, A., Dávila, C., Laura, W., Cubas Saucedo, F., Ávalos, G., López, C., ... & Marín, D.(2021). Climate of Perú: National climate classification map. https://www.senamhi.gob.pe/?p=mapa-climatico-del-peru
Contributors: Mónica Arakaki, Letty Salinas, Victor Sánchez, Laura Graham-Angeles and Camila Dávila.