American Bird Conservancy (ABC), Fundación de Conservación Jocotoco, Rainforest Trust, and the Conserva Aves initiative announced the creation of the Ecuador Ridgely Reserve in Selva Alegre, a vital sanctuary for the Endangered Red-faced Parrot and other threatened species. The newly protected area harbors the largest known population of the Endangered Red-faced Parrot, numbering less than 2,400 individuals worldwide.

“The Red-faced Parrot is a very rare Neotropical species whose habitat is restricted to montane cloud forests of southern Ecuador and adjacent northern Peru,” said Marcelo F. Tognelli, International Project Officer at ABC. “Unfortunately, deforestation and habitat loss have been contributing to its rapid decline. The creation of the Ridgley Reserve in southern Ecuador will help ensure this endangered species thrives by improving habitat connectivity, while also providing a healthier environment for local communities.”

Named in honor of world-renowned ornithologist Dr. Robert Ridgely, a champion of bird conservation, Rainforest Trust board member, and co-founder of Fundación de Conservación Jocotoco, this new reserve represents a major step forward in protecting Ecuador's rich biodiversity. 

The 518-acre (210-hectare) protected area, that will grow to encompass 1,388 acres (500 hectares) total, is nestled within the Chilla Mountain Range near Saraguro in Loja in southern Ecuador. Its ecosystem comprises high Andean and stunted forests in the highlands and slopes and gradually transitions into Páramo habitat interspersed with pines, eucalyptus plantations, and agricultural and livestock areas in the lower valleys. Although the area has not been fully explored, more than 90 bird species have been recorded there. Red-faced Parrots have been consistently recorded since the mid-1990s, making it the best-known location for this very rare species.

In the past 28 years of increased deforestation in southern Ecuador, the forest was cleared for economic activities, including grazing and agricultural practices. Currently, these activities cover 46 percent of the total area of Selva Alegre and contribute to pressures on biodiversity and valuable ecosystems. The Red-faced Parrot is highly sensitive to the fragmentation and degradation of this habitat, and monitoring efforts suggest that their population is undergoing a rapid decline. This decline has justified the recent uplisting from Least Concern to Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Ecuador is home to nearly 1,600 bird species in an area the size of Colorado. In contrast, the United States has about 800 regularly observed species. This concentration highlights the importance of protecting Ecuador's habitats and the species that depend on them. The creation of the new reserve will conserve wildlife while also generating numerous environmental benefits for residents of the region, in the city of Saraguro, and surrounding areas. It will provide clean water for human consumption, reduce the occurrence of landslides, and preserve the area's unique ecosystems.

With a career spanning over four decades, Dr. Ridgely traveled tirelessly across South America to document its vast avian diversity in his influential books on Neotropical birds. He participated in numerous research expeditions with teams of ornithologists and played a key role in making this conservation project possible through his deep, long-standing connections within the local community. His efforts extended beyond research, hiring and training locals to monitor migratory birds and ensuring long-term conservation impact.

"Bob Ridgely and all the other founders of Jocotoco have created a remarkable legacy by establishing our reserves, founding the Jocotoco Foundation, and expanding our protected areas across Ecuador,” said Martin Schaefer, CEO of Jocotoco. “Today, we can see how that legacy has flourished, with the Ridgely Reserve in southern Ecuador serving as a prime example. This new sanctuary in Selva Alegre, home to the world's largest known population of the Endangered Red-faced Parrot, shows our commitment to safeguarding Ecuador's incredible biodiversity. The reserve plays a key role in ensuring that our conservation legacy continues to thrive, inspiring future generations of conservationists." 

“Rainforest Trust board member and ex-President Bob Ridgely has committed his life to conserving Ecuador's rich biodiversity, especially birds, and it is so fitting that his name will grace the newest reserve established and managed by the Ecuadorian NGO he founded, Jocotoco Foundation. Rainforest Trust is honored to support this initiative,” said James Deutsch, CEO of Rainforest Trust.

Jocotoco has become a leader in conservation and nature-based tourism and has helped set the standard for international bird conservation. Dr. Ridgely remains on its board, while Rainforest Trust has collaborated with Jocotoco on 14 conservation projects covering 63,914 acres, with an additional 3,726 acres in progress. 

The Ridgely Reserve is also part of the broader Conserva Aves effort, led by ABC, National Audubon Society, BirdLife International, Birds Canada, and the Latin American and Caribbean Network of Environmental Funds (RedLAC), and supported by the Bezos Earth Fund. The initiative aims to establish 100 new subnational protected areas in Latin America and the Caribbean, totaling at least 4.9 million acres. 

Creating nature reserves has been a hallmark of ABC since its founding 30 years ago. Together with partners and local communities, ABC has helped protect over 1.1 million acres of land in more than 100 reserves spread across 15 countries, benefiting 3,000 bird species to date. Watch our webinars to learn more about ABC's work to improve forest habitats for resident and migratory birds throughout the Western Hemisphere.

ABC gratefully acknowledges Kathleen Burger & Glen Gerada, and George Powell for their support of this ongoing project.

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American Bird Conservancy (ABC) takes bold action to conserve wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. Inspired by the wonder of birds, we achieve lasting results for the bird species most in need while also benefiting human communities, biodiversity, and the planet's fragile climate. Our every action is underpinned by science, strengthened by partnerships, and rooted in the belief that diverse perspectives yield stronger results. Founded as a nonprofit organization in 1994, ABC remains committed to safeguarding birds for generations to come. Join us! Together, we can do more to ensure birds thrive.

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