For over 25 years, ProAves has worked to protect key ecosystems under critical threat in Colombia — a mission we continue daily, contributing to the conservation of our biodiversity. A clear example of this commitment is the inclusion of 1,632.8 hectares of our ProAves Las Tángaras Reserve in the National System of Protected Areas (SINAP) — an important recognition that strengthens our dedication to preserving the Chocó Biogeographic Region, one of the most naturally rich areas in the world.
Our ProAves Las Tángaras Reserve is located in the municipality of El Carmen de Atrato, on the western slope of the Chocó Biogeographic Region. It is strongly influenced by the Atrato River and surrounded by very humid and rainy Andean and sub-Andean forests—ecosystems that shelter a great number of fauna and flora species, many of them endemic or endangered. Thanks to ProAves’ conservation efforts, nearly 95% of this reserve has been incorporated into SINAP under the categories of Regional Natural Park (65%) and Civil Society Nature Reserve (30%).
This is one of the richest birdwatching sites in Colombia, with a record of 348 bird species belonging to 45 families. Among them are the Munchique Wood-Wren (Henicorhina negreti), the Gold-ringed Tanager (Bangsia aureocincta), and the Black-and-gold Tanager (Bangsia melanochlamys) — all endemic and categorized as Vulnerable (VU) according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The reserve also protects a wide variety of orchids and bromeliads, characteristic of the region.
Our reserve is also home to a rich diversity of amphibians, with 26 registered species, nine of which are endemic to Colombia. Among them are the Lumpy-nosed Toad (Rhinella lindae), categorized as Endangered (EN), and the Rocket Frog (Silverstoneia nubicola), listed as Vulnerable (VU).
In terms of mammals, we have recorded 32 species, including nine of high conservation interest. These include the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatus) and the Oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus), both categorized as Vulnerable (VU).
The National System of Protected Areas (SINAP) is the network responsible for integrating and managing the country’s protected areas, ensuring their long-term conservation. In this context, registering new areas of our ProAves Las Tángaras Reserve encourages us even more to continue protecting the most threatened species in this invaluable biodiversity hotspot of the Chocó Biogeographic Region.
By joining this system, we receive official recognition as an area of strategic importance for biodiversity, which allows us to connect with other conservation initiatives and access key tools to strengthen nature protection efforts.
“This affiliation is a key aspect for ecosystem management, land-use planning, and sustainable development, in addition to facilitating monitoring and tracking efforts for biodiversity conservation, reforestation, proper water management, and pollution reduction. It is fundamental for a more efficient, responsible, and sustainable territorial management that promotes environmental conservation and community well-being,” emphasized Kruzi Paloma Carrillo León, Executive Director of ProAves.
At ProAves, we reaffirm our commitment to the conservation and restoration of forests and the species that depend on them. The inclusion of our ProAves Las Tángaras Reserve in SINAP motivates us to continue strengthening our actions in monitoring, ecological restoration, research, and environmental education, working hand in hand with communities and strategic allies to ensure a sustainable future for our biodiversity.
For conservation in the country of birds!
