Conservation of ten Threatened Tree Species in the Podocarpus-El Cóndor Region, Ecuador

Conservation and Restoration of ten Threatened Tree Species in the Botanically Rich Podocarpus-El Cóndor Region of Ecuador

Partner: Fundación de Conservación Jocotoco
Years: 2025-2028

The Podocarpus-El Cóndor region, encompassing part of Podocarpus National Park and the Cordillera del Cóndor, is a biodiversity hotspot, home to an extraordinary diversity of endemic plant species. However, many of its tree species face critical threats due to habitat loss and climate change.

Reserva Tapichalaca

Fundación Jocotoco is dedicated to protecting this fragile ecosystem and safeguarding the exceptionally vulnerable flora of the region. Through its Tapichalaca Reserve (>6,000 hectares) and collaboration with local authorities to strengthen the 70,000-hectare Palanda Municipal Reserve (PALM), Jocotoco is building a 300,000-hectare network of protected areas to preserve vulnerable biodiversity.
This project focuses on protecting and increasing the population of 10 threatened tree species, namely Aiphanes verrucosa (EN), Brunellia zamorensis (EN), Cedrela odorata (VU), Ceroxylon amazonicum (EN), Ceroxylon echinulatum (VU), Cinchona mutisii (EN), Handroanthus chrysanthus (VU), Magnolia palandana (EN), Magnolia shuarorum (EN), Podocarpus sprucei (EN) by (i) Training park guards to identify and monitor these species; (ii) Conducting population surveys in Tapichalaca and PALM; (iii) Collecting 3,000 seeds and propagating at least 2,000 for enrichment plantings in Tapichalaca and PALM; and (iv) Expanding Tapichalaca by acquiring priority conservation areas.
By combining scientific research, capacity building, and land protection, this initiative will strengthen conservation efforts, enhance habitat resilience, and secure the future of endangered trees in this critical region.