Refugio de vida silvestre El Zarza, Nature reserve in Los Encuentros, Ecuador.
Refugio de vida silvestre El Zarza is a protected forest reserve in the Cordillera del Condor mountain range at elevations between 1,400 and 1,680 meters. The landscape consists of dense mountain forest with steep terrain and river valleys running through it.
The reserve was established in June 2006 through a ministerial agreement as part of a joint conservation effort between Ecuador and Peru. This binational approach reflects a commitment to protecting the forest region across national borders.
The Shuar communities living near the reserve practice traditional ways of using the land that respect its resources. Visitors can observe how local knowledge shapes the relationship between people and forest.
Visiting requires advance coordination with the local environmental authorities before planning your trip. Tours are typically guided experiences that follow river systems and forest trails throughout the reserve.
The forest contains more than 80 tree species in each hectare, making it exceptionally rich in plant diversity. This botanical wealth rivals some of the most biodiverse forests on Earth.
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