Uniquely, in this area, Andean bears have adapted to rear their families in seasonal dry forest. Migrating down to steep escarpments to dry forest lowlands, they fatten-up (putting on around 40 kg or more) gorging on fruit such Sapote (Capparis scabrida), only to return to upper seasonal dry forest to feed on Pasayo (Eriotheca ruizii), figs and bromeliads. The forest is also unique and includes nationally threatened species such as Palo Santo (Bursera graveolens) and Hualtaco (Loxopterygium huasango). The conservation corridor connects the changing ecosystems of the coastal lowland Prosopis-Capparis forest, directly to the protected area Refugio de Vida Silvestre Laquipampa, that is nationally protected with the participatory community engagement of SERNANP and SBCP. Our project partners have excelled in promoting the conservation and research of spectacled bears in the region.

Protecting their lands – the community struggle for conservation

Working with the Peñeros of CC San Francisco since 2010, we have developed mutual trust and friendship, forged as the communities struggle to adapt to the frustrations of climate change, seeing collapse of their beloved algarrobo (Prosopis) tree. They have confronted attempts to steal their land, livestock and traditions with real bravery and even loss of life.

But the community here have always shown a deep respect and love of their forests, even prepared to see loss of a goat to a puma – they show a modern ‘Moche' resilience. Animals are grazed at such low density that they disperse seed replacing lost seed dispersers and help forest regeneration. Miraculously the animals browse almost exclusively on arboreal forage, so the community, their livestock, like us, love to conserve and restore trees.

The Agreement for Conservation is a designation management tool, allowing the community to formally dedicate areas of their land to conservation under the auspices of the Dirección de Desarrollo Estratégico and the Dirección General de Áreas Naturales Protegidas within SERNANP. The agreement includes a strong supporting commitment from Rainforest Concern, SBCP, and SERNANP in helping construct Andes-to-coastal conservation to protect biodiversity, provide ecosystem services and income to its communities.

Together with RBG Kew and RBG Edinburgh we have developed propagation techniques and seed banking for all the key species and continue with support of Ingleby Farm and forests to develop species restoration techniques.

If you would like to help please contact us.