High-altitude Ramsar site in Ecuador

The government of Ecuador has designated its 13th Wetland of International Importance, effective 25 June 2008. As characterized by Ramsar’s Mila Llorens, based on the accompanying data sheet, Complejo Llanganati (30,355 hectares, 01°06’S 078º21’W) is a complex of lagoons of glacial origin, situated between 2,960m and 4,571m a.s.l. and fed by rivers and seasonal floods, as well as swamps and extended peatlands associated with different types of vegetation, which gives them particular characteristics. They are an important source of water for the nearest populated areas. It is habitat to more than 14 flora species found in the IUCN Red List, such as Draba aretiodes, Siphocampylus asplundii, Gentianella jamesonii which are endangered, as well as others which are categorized as vulnerable. The complex belongs to the Tropical Andes Hotspot, said to be the richest and most biodiverse region of the planet, which includes a sixth of the plants of the Earth in 1% of the territory. It holds a number of endemic flora and fauna species, as well as migratory birds. The site is listed under IUCN Management Category II (National Park) and became a BirdLife International ‘Important Bird Area’ in 2005.

WWF International’s Freshwater Programme assisted in the preparations for this important designation, through the good offices of WWF Colombia, as part of a contribution to the Ramsar regional initiative on High Andean Wetlands. [14/07/08]