Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cotacachi Cayapas Reserve |
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Cotacachi volcano, the park's namesake
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 Cotacachi Cayapas Reserve
Location in Ecuador
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| Location | Ecuador Imbabura Province, Esmeraldas Province |
| Area | 2044.2 km² |
| Established | 1968 |
The Cotacachi Cayapas Reserve is a huge protected area in Ecuador. It covers about 2,044 square kilometers (789 square miles) of land. You can find it in the Imbabura and Esmeraldas provinces, about 140 kilometers (87 miles) from Quito.
Its height above sea level changes a lot. Some parts are as low as 300 meters (984 feet). But it also includes the top of the Cotacachi Volcano, which is 4,944 meters (16,220 feet) high! The reserve is a mix of different natural areas. It has parts of the rainforest and cool mountain zones. You'll find both cool mountain areas (around 15°C or 59°F) and warmer, sub-tropical areas (around 25°C or 77°F). The condor, a large bird, is a special symbol of this reserve. It's one of many important protected places in Ecuador.
This reserve is a key part of Ecuador's system of protected lands. It stretches from the Andes mountains to the edge of the coastal rainforest. This area is special because it hasn't been widely farmed. This means many original plant species are still here. These plants have learned to live in high places. They can handle less water, cold temperatures, and strong winds.
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Amazing Ecosystems
The Cotacachi Cayapas Reserve is very important. It protects one of the last remaining coastal rainforests in Ecuador. This type of forest is part of the Chocó region. The Chocó is a huge natural area that goes from southern Panama to northern Peru. It's known as a global biodiversity hotspot. This means it has a huge variety of plants and animals.
Wild Animals
Because the reserve is so big, it's home to many different animals. Over 500 types of birds live here. You might also spot anteaters, sloths, ocelots, culpeos (a type of fox), and deer. The reserve also has many lakes and rivers. This means you can find lots of water animals and amphibians here too.
Beautiful Plants
The park is full of many kinds of plants. You'll find small plants, shrubs, and a wide variety of trees. There are also vines and ferns. Scientists have found over 2,000 different types of flora (plants) in the reserve.
Cuicocha Lake
This lake is very deep, about 200 meters (656 feet). It sits inside a volcanic crater. Three small volcanic islands rise out of the lake.
Things to See and Do
The reserve offers amazing sights like volcanic lakes and waterfalls. You can also see fast-flowing rivers. Some local communities live here, including the Cayapa Indigenous people and Afro-Ecuadorian communities. If you love hiking, you can book guided walks that last up to eight days.
The Cotacachi Volcano is inside the park. You can climb it, but it's best if you have some rock climbing experience. The lake also has some warm hot springs, which are fun to visit.
Protecting the Reserve
Even though the reserve is protected and important worldwide, it faces challenges. A small team of park rangers works hard to protect it. They patrol the reserve's borders to stop illegal activities. These activities include loggers cutting down trees, poachers hunting animals, and people trying to settle in the reserve.
In recent years, these problems have grown. This is because more people live near the reserve. They also need more natural resources. Park rangers often find it hard to patrol the long borders. They also might not have enough equipment to handle conflicts when they happen.
There have also been concerns about mining in the area. People living nearby have protested against plans to look for minerals. They worry that finding mineral deposits will bring more miners to the area. These protests have helped stop some mining projects. This shows how important it is for communities to work together to protect these special places.
See also
In Spanish: Parque nacional Cotacachi-Cayapas para niños
- Cotacachi
- List of national parks in Ecuador
