The forest we protect is home to far more than trees. It breathes with life. At dusk, monkeys leap through the canopy. At night, frogs echo from the undergrowth. Deer leave muddy tracks along the river’s edge, while a rich diversity of birds fills the forest understory and treetops with sound.

This forest is a secondary forest. Around 30 to 40 years ago, it was deforested and its role as wildlife habitat was nearly lost. What stands here today is a forest in regeneration, a living testament to nature’s resilience and its capacity to recover when given the chance. Animals have returned. Species are once again finding food, shelter, and safe passage through the landscape. What was once degraded has become an important biodiversity hotspot in an area still under pressure from deforestation.

The species we find here today can only survive if the forest survives with them. By sponsoring land, you don’t just protect square meters. You protect homes, corridors, and the chance for life to continue.

Our forest is small but vital, a refuge for many species and in the future a possible wildlife corridor if we manage to connect it with nearby conservation areas. Some animals recorded or expected here:

During our base study in October 2025, we identified 13 different mammal species, and although this number seems modest, we are confident that further observation and ongoing restoration efforts will reveal even more furry inhabitants of the forest.

Stepping into the forest immerses you in the lively world of birds, where colourful feathers and melodious calls abound. While we counted 54 species in the first study, many more are likely hidden among the treetops, as we observed in total 128 species in surrounding forests already.

Amphibians and reptiles are vital for maintaining ecosystem balance and are especially valuable as indicators of environmental health because of their sensitivity to changes in their habitat. Turning over stones and listening close to the streams, we discovered a surprising variety of reptiles and amphibians, showing just how much life thrives here beneath the leaves and water.

Some species found in the forest experience heightened stress and declining numbers due to ongoing habitat fragmentation, making them especially vulnerable at a national level in Ecuador. While their inclusion here does not necessarily mean they are listed as "at risk" by the IUCN, it highlights that locally these species are increasingly threatened. Therefore, our conservation focus aims to restore their environment, promote successful breeding, and encourage their return to thriving populations.