El Quetzal Bosque Protegido
El Quetzal Bosque Protegido
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NAPO
Wayra Reserve, located near the Guacamayos Ridge in Ecuador’s Napo Province, is a rising star among birding destinations on the eastern Andean slope. This rewilded property, once used for cattle grazing, now protects a mosaic of regenerating forest and native gardens that attract an astonishing diversity of birdlife. Over 470 species have been recorded here, including cloud forest gems like the Paradise Tanager, Red-headed Barbet, and Russet-backed Oropendola. Hummingbirds such as the Sparkling Violetear, Black-throated Mango, and Long-billed Starthroat flit among flowering plants, while antbirds, woodcreepers, and quail-doves haunt the dense understory. The reserve’s varied elevation and habitat types—from secondary forest to riparian edges—create ideal conditions for mixed-species flocks and rare sightings.
The natural history of Wayra is deeply tied to its location at the intersection of Andean and Amazonian bioregions. Its proximity to the Guacamayos Ridge, a known biodiversity hotspot, means that species turnover is high, and birders can encounter both foothill specialists and lowland migrants. The reserve’s founders, Graciela Erazo and José Vega Pérez, have embraced conservation through regenerative tourism, transforming their land into a haven for wildlife and a model for sustainable stewardship. Visitors often spot charismatic species like the Red-crested Finch and White-banded Swallow from shaded blinds or quiet trails, and the occasional appearance of Black-mantled Tamarin monkeys adds to the sense of wild abundance. Wayra Reserve is not just a birding site—it’s a living testament to the resilience of nature and the power of community-led conservation.
IMAGE KEY TERMS:
IMAGE KEY TERMS:
2025; Ecuador; Napo Province; Subtropical Montane Zone; Wayra Reserve; Eastern Andes
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