Capellanía, Protected wetland in Fontibón, Colombia.
Capellanía is a protected wetland in Bogotá's Fontibón district that spans an area within the Fucha River basin. It contains native plant species including southern bulrush and larger bur-marigold in a region managed for conservation purposes.
The area was first divided in the 1950s by the construction of a railway avenue and was later split into two separate sections by Avenida La Esperanza. These infrastructure projects permanently altered the original structure of this natural ecosystem.
The wetland functions as a place where local universities and community groups gather to observe and study native and migratory bird species. These activities connect people to the living world around them and demonstrate the importance of protecting natural spaces within the city.
The location sits at an elevation of around 2,500 meters and is managed by Bogotá's environmental department. When visiting, wear sturdy footwear and stick to marked trails to protect the fragile vegetation.
Despite industrial pressure and urban development, the area maintains populations of local species such as the savanna frog and the thick-tailed ground snake. These resilient animals demonstrate how wildlife can persist even in heavily built environments.
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