Critical refuge for endangered birds in Colombia devastated by recent natural disasters.

El Dorado Nature Reserve that is managed by Rainforest Trust’s partner Fundación ProAves is part of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range, which boasts the highest concentration of endemic birds in the world and protects a breeding stronghold of the Santa Marta Parakeet along with a variety of rare amphibians and plants.

Unfortunately, these species are now struggling to survive amidst the tragic destruction of their habitats. Though the reserve is a designated protected area which prevents logging and other negative land uses, it has been drastically impacted by recent ecological disasters.

In the spring, two fires swept through the reserve and spread rapidly since they occurred during the dry season. This catastrophe damaged nearly 124 acres of forest habitat, including the nest boxes for the Endangered Santa Marta Parakeet.

This fall, Hurricane Matthew caused major damage to the reserve’s infrastructure and trees, and wildlife populations that depend on this land severely suffered. The ProAves staff witnessed heartbreaking scenes when surveying the destruction, including lifeless hummingbirds and a Scarlet-fronted Parakeet that had plummeted to its death because of the intense storm, a branch still clutched in its claw.

Fortunately no humans were hurt, but it will take momentous efforts to return this reserve to its spectacular nature. ProAves is working to restore the El Dorado Nature Reserve so that it can once again be a safe haven for wildlife in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range. ProAves is repairing infrastructure, clearing damaged trails and reviving habitat through forest restoration in areas that were most impacted by the fires and hurricane.

With your help, El Dorado Nature Reserve can once again be a safe refuge for the species that call this place home.