January 29, 2015

Thanks to the active participation and generosity of its supporters, Rainforest Trust saved thousands of acres of critical habitat in a series of landmark victories for wildlife in 2014.

In Colombia, Rainforest Trust teamed up with conservation partner ProAves to create a new 1,850-acre reserve in the remote Serranía de Perijá mountain range that offers protection for endemic bird species like the Perijá Thistletail, Perijá Metaltail and Perijá Brush-finch in one of Colombia’s most threatened ecosystems. This conservation victory not only conserves habitat for endangered species but also saves the last remnants of a vanishing cloud forest that shelters newly discovered plant species. In addition, it safeguards a critical source of drinking water for nearby communities.

Guatamala’s Sierra Caral Amphibian Reserve, established with Rainforest Trust’s support in 2012, grew by 41,000 acres this year and was designated a national park by the Guatemalan National Congress. This lasting achievement occurred, in large part, as a result of the efforts of Rainforest Trust’s Guatemalan partner FUNDAECO. The new designation offers increased protection for a dozen globally threatened amphibians in one of Guatemala’s most biodiverse landscapes.

Colombia’s Chocó Rainforest, legendary for its biological richness, received increased protection when Rainforest Trust supported ProAves in the purchase of 1,772 acres to expand the Las Tangaras Reserve. Located near Colombia’s Pacific Coast, the reserve is a stronghold for rare bird species like the Gold- ringed Tanager, Black-and-gold Tanager, and the Chocó Vireo. This major expansion provides hope for many of the Chocó Rainforest’s endemic species.

The Chocó Rainforest received further protection when Rainforest Trust collaborated with Ecuadorian partner Jocotoco to enlarge the Rio Canandé Reserve by 1,222 acres. Like the Las Tangaras Reserve, Rio Canandé hosts an incredible diversity of animal species. Among its most threatened wildlife are its Great Green Macaws and Brown-headed Spider Monkeys.

In Borneo, Rainforest Trust worked with a conservation partner to purchase over 20 properties of rainforest that will serve as a critical wildlife corridor connecting protected areas. The purchase will provide safe passage for Orangutans and Pygmy Elephants along the Kinabatangan River.

Finally, Rainforest Trust supported Brazilian partner REGUA in the purchase of 449 acres to continue expansion of its Atlantic Rainforest Reserve. The purchase will help conserve one of South America’s most threatened forests and will provide refuge for Woolly Spider Monkeys and Red-billed Curassows.