Maquipucuna: A Cloud Forest Home

Established in 1988, the reserve was a pioneer in private conservation in Ecuador. It has focused on scientific research, environmental education, and the protection of the Spectacled Bear population.

The reserve is particularly noted for its population of Tremarctos ornatus, which utilizes the reserve's altitudinal gradient to follow seasonal food sources like wild avocados.

Located in the Pichincha Province, Maquipucuna encompasses a range of elevations that create diverse microclimates. It is part of the Chocó-Andean biodiversity hotspot, one of the most biologically rich regions on Earth.

The reserve is vital for the preservation of the Chocó-Andean corridor. It provides a sanctuary for species that are threatened by habitat fragmentation and deforestation in the surrounding regions.

Conservation at Maquipucuna relies on the protection of the cloud forest canopy. This ecosystem regulates local climate and water cycles, which are essential for both wildlife and the human communities downstream.