The Canandé Reserve in Ecuador is a hotspot for biodiversity, and many species with restricted ranges depend on the reserve’s lowland tropical rainforests.

This includes the Critically Endangered Canandé Magnolia – documented only at this reserve – and the Critically Endangered Brown-headed Spider Monkey, one of the world’s rarest primates. In addition, at least 36 Endangered Great Green Macaws inhabit the area, perhaps the largest known group in Ecuador. Despite this site’s conservation value, nearby expanding lumber and palm oil industries pose great threats to this diverse ecosystem.

Rainforest Trust seeks an additional $1,282,916 to help local partner Fundación Jocotoco purchase 3,754 acres to expand the Canandé Reserve and to prevent massive clear-cutting in the area for timber. This expansion strategically connects the Canandé Reserve with Fundación Cambugán’s nearby Tesoro Escondido Reserve to establish the largest private reserve network in the Ecuadorian Chocó.

The Ecuadorian Chocó is experiencing exceptionally high rates of deforestation due to commercial logging, clearing for oil palm plantations and cattle pastureland expansion. These activities are facilitated by a major road construction campaign that is fueling the deforestation and uncoordinated colonization of the last rainforests in the region.

Rainforest Trust and our local partner seek $1,282,916 to purchase land to expand the Canandé Reserve by 3,754 acres, connect it to Tesoro Escondido Reserve and protect key parcels in the surrounding area.

To better protect the growing Canandé Reserve, our partner will increase the number of park guards patrolling the area and identify key land parcels that can be purchased to prevent clear cutting.