The Sierra is considered the most irreplaceable site in the world for its threatened species, according to the IUCN. It was declared by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site in 1979 and it contains the highest coastal range in the world, with a height of 5,757 m.a.s.l. in less than 42 km measured from the coast. This biodiversity hotspot shelters the source of 36 rivers, 4 of which originate in the mountain peaks and flow into the Caribbean Sea. However, more than 80% of its forests have been deforested and its ecosystems are threatened by cattle grazing, extensive monoculture, illegal hunting, illicit crop farming and unsustainable tourism practices.
Since the Janindu Natural Reserve's forest, water resources and fauna have been protected by TierrAmar, it's camera traps have captured keystone species such as the puma (Puma concolor) and ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)! The tayra (Eira barbara), red-footed tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonaria), nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus), red brocket (Mazama americana), collared peccary (Dicotyles tajacu), lowland paca (Cuniculus paca), agouti (Dasyprocta punctata) and more than 25 bird species, 2 of which are boreal migratory birds have also been sighted at the reserve.
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Project Status: Active