Mache — Chindul Ecological Reserve

General Information

• Area: 173.000 acres (70.000 ha)
• Date of Creation: August 9, 1996
• Altitude: 984 — 2.624 ft (300 - 800 m)

In 1992, the International Conservation organization determined the importance of the very humid tropical forest in the Mache — Chindul mountain range. The zone is permanently covered by fog, and is home to the tributaries of many important rivers in the area. The indigenous Chachi communities that reside in the reserve have learned to benefit from its resources without altering the ecosystem. However, lumbering companies, attracted by the abundance of trees, have endangered the zone.

Flora and Fauna

Some scientists consider Mache — Chundil one of the ten biodiversity "hot spots" of the world. There is a great number of vines, ferns and plants of the epiphyte species in the reserve. Ten percent of the fruit eating birds are classified as endemic, among them toucans and parrots. The king vulture and the great blue heron may also be found. This zone seems to be an extension of the Chocó system in Colombia, especially considering the similarities in amphibians and reptiles.

Tourism

The best time to visit the reserve is in the dry season, between July and December. The reserve was instituted recently, so there are no facilities for tourists yet. One can ask a guide, recommended to tour the area, to be taken to sites like the natural pools and waterfalls formed in Boca del Sucio and Boca del Ene, or to the beautiful Cube lake. In Bilsa reserve representative specimens of the flora and fauna are kept. The reserve is located near important beaches like Muisne, Atacames, Sua and Same.