Flora and Fauna

Fauna

In the vicinity of the southern area of Sumaco National Park, where RBBR is located, fauna diversity is particularly high. Close location of the Sumaco volcano (3732 meters), a mere ecological haven, is incrementing the chances of endemism amongst animals of the area.

Studies in the whole sector are scarce and there has never been a true and complete biodiversity's data recollection. Nevertheless, in some areas very close to RBBR, the following species have been registered:

Mammals: 101 species of mammals; including 35 species of bats and 18 species of rodents. Evidence of large size and endangered species have also been recorded, like jaguar (Panthera onca), puma (Puma concolor), tigrillo chico (Leopardus tigrinus), tapir (Tapirus terrestris), tigrillo (Leopardus pardalis), yaguarundi (Puma yagouaroundi), pecari (Pecari tajacu), long tailed tigrillo (Leopardus wiedii), among many others.

Amphibians: Around San Jose de Payamino Investigation Center, very close to RBBR, 22 species of amphibians were found, such as: sapo (Rhinella margaritifer), ranita de cristal (Cochranella midas), rana venenosa (Ameerega bilinguis), rana arboricola (Dendropsophus sarayacuensis), rana amazonica (Eleutherodactylus altamazonicus), rana verde neotropical (Lithobates palmipes).

Birds: A study around San Jose de Payamino in 1999 registered the highest level of bird species in the world, with 840 species of birds in an area of 110 x 110 km#178;.

Reptiles: In the lower areas of Sumaco National Park, 36 species of reptiles were found, including snakes and tortoises.

Flora

The area's botanical level of diversity is one of the highest in Ecuador, harboring many endemic species.

It offers large tracks of evergreen tropical forest, hosting trees ranging between 40 and 50 meters in height, the under brush being itself relatively high (10 to 15 meters). A lot of flowering species families are represented here.

Vegetation is always lush and in constant evolution. According to a study performed in this area, 225 species of trees were found in only one hectare of forest.

The local flora includes species such as « el guarumo », « heliconias », the balsa tree, the medicinal « sangre de drago », « el palmito », « el matapalo » and « la tagua ». Among the most important forest tree species are: « el cedro » (Cedrela odorata), « el colorado » (Guarea kunthiana), « el porotillo » (Erythrina edulis), « el copal » (Dacryodes cupularis); among the palms family we find « la chonta » (Bactris gasipaes) and « la chambira » (Astrocaryum chambira), used for food, construction and handicrafts.