Bird reserve in Colombia open to tourists
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WASHINGTON -- A new bird reserve has been designated in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range of northern Colombia.
The area boasts the highest concentration of continental range-restricted bird species in the world, with 21 types of birds such as the Santa Marta parakeet and Santa Marta antpitta found nowhere else, as well as migratory songbirds from the U.S., according to the three organizations announcing the reserve, Fundacion ProAves, American Bird Conservancy, and Conservation International.
The area is considered critical for conservation of certain bird and amphibian species.
The reserve features ecotourism facilities that the organizations described as "self-sustaining," including the Jeniam Ecolodge and the Blue Moon Restaurant.
El Dorado is located between 2,900 and 8,500 feet above sea level amid dense forests, with views to 19,000-foot high peaks, glaciers, beaches and mangroves.
The designation as a bird reserve administered by Fundacion ProAves will protect the area from deforestation and development for vacation homes.
First Published March 4, 2008 12:00 am
