Refugio de Vida Silvestre El Pambilar, Schutzgebiet im Nordwesten von Ecuador
Refugio de Vida Silvestre El Pambilar is a protected area in Esmeraldas Province, Ecuador, where rainforest habitat remains largely intact. The land features numerous rivers and streams flowing through stands of ancient trees, creating habitat for jaguars, howler monkeys, tapirs, harpy eagles, macaws, and countless other species.
The refuge was officially designated as a protected area approximately four years ago to preserve threatened species and their natural habitats. This designation became necessary as logging, agricultural expansion, and other human activities had already damaged surrounding forests in the Choco region.
The name reflects local understanding of this space as a refuge where both wildlife and people can coexist. Communities here practice sustainable land use that respects the forest and its inhabitants.
Expect warm, wet tropical conditions year-round, as this is one of the world's wettest ecosystems with rainfall throughout all seasons. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear, bring rain protection, and follow refuge rules such as staying on designated paths and avoiding disturbance to wildlife.
The refuge sits within the Choco rainforest, a region stretching from Panama through Ecuador that ranks among Earth's wettest and most biodiverse places. Many species found here exist nowhere else on the planet, making even a small protected area like this one invaluable for global biodiversity.
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