Flora
The
lower
region
extends
towards
the
coastal
plains
and
its
jungle-like
terrain
is
almost
inaccessible.
Its
precious
trees,
however,
are
valued
for
their
mahogany,
guaycan
,
oak
and
balsa
wood.
The
matapalo
species
is
easily
found
surrounding
other
types
of
tree,
as
are
various
other
eye-catching
species
such
as
orchids,
bromeliads
and
ferns.
The
vegetation
in
the
upper
region
loses
its
tropical
character
giving
way
to
lakes,
paramo
and
typical
Andean
species
such
as
pumamaqui,
quishuars
and
romillero
.
Even
the
chiquiragua
–
the
Andean
flower
–
can
be
observed
in
the
upper
parts
of
Cotacachi,
the
Reserve’s
highest
volcano.
Fauna
The
abundance
of
rainforest
vegetation
in
the
lower
region
allows
the
existence
of
animals
such
as
tapirs,
ocelots,
boas
and
jaguars,
which
are
protected
despite
the
difficulty
in
accessing
the
area.
The
fauna
of
the
upper
region
is
characteristic
of
these
colder
zones.
Paramo
wolves,
deer,
rabbits,
carunculated
caracaras
and
guarros
are
frequently
observed
here.
Pumas,
armadillos
and
condors,
which
also
inhabit
this
eco-system,
are
however
more
difficult
to
find.
Last
Updated
17th
July
2006
