Welcome to Mache Chindul Ecological Reserve

Zone Description

Located in the Provinces of: Esmeraldas and Manabi
Established: August 9, 1996 IN EFAN Directory Resolution R-045
Area: 70,000 hectares - 173,000 acres
Altitude Range: 300 to 800 meters above sea level 984 to 2,624 feet

Description of the Region

This reserve maintains one of the last areas of humid tropical forest on the Ecuadorian coast and possibly in the world. It is characterized by very high biodiversity and amazing endemic levels. Another outstanding feature of the reserve is the mountainous hydrographic system, which feeds important rivers in Manabi (Cuaque, Cojimies, and Cheve) and in Esmeraldas (Muisne, Atacames, Tiaone and Dogola). Although the area is humid, in the dry season the upper elevations maintain a permanent fog. These unique features of the reserve encouraged the Ecuadorian government to designate the remaining forest areas as conservation priorities in the Basic Environmental Policies. This same area includes the largest forest reserve on the coast, which is currently threatened by deforestation.