Photo: Franco Mendoza
In 1997, when the ground-dwelling bird Jocotoco Antpitta (Grallaria ridgelyi) was first found in southeastern Ecuador, it was immediately recognized as critically endangered due to its small range and threats to its habitat. Since the Jocotoco Foundation was created in 1998, it has established a network of 15 reserves across Ecuador which safeguard 10% of the world's bird species. Each reserve protects areas that are globally significant for bird conservation. Jocotoco's conservation strategy integrates ecotourism, community engagement and education, and scientific research and monitoring. It works closely with local communities to promote conservation awareness and sustainable practices while its ecotourism programs create employment opportunities and revenue for people living around their reserves.
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