Flora
It’s
estimated
that
that
there
are
around
3,000
to
4,000
plant
species
in
Podocarpus.
In
Bombuscao
there
is
a
strange
mix
of
different
species
from
the
lower
sectors
along
with
species
characteristic
of
the
Andes
.
Orchids
are
also
characteristic
of
this
zone.
In
San
Francisco
towards
the
north
east
of
the
park,
various
new
and
endemic
orchid
species
can
be
found.
The
Cinchona
tree
also
grows
here,
which
is
valued
for
its
quinine,
an
important
medicament
used
on
the
fight
against
malaria.
Fauna
This
zone
is
also
one
of
the
world’s
richest
vis-a-vis
birdlife.
With
more
than
560
identified
bird
species,
this
area
accommodates
some
40
per
cent
of
Ecuador
’s
birds.
The
paraguas
(umbrella)
bird,
cock
of
the
rock,
parrots,
humming
birds,
toucans
and
colourful
tanagers
can
be
spotted
here,
mainly
due
to
the
co-existence
of
several
different
habitats
in
the
Park.
Mammals
such
as
deer,
pumas,
stags,
white-spectacled
bears,
spider
monkeys
and
tapirs
also
inhabit
the
area.
Last
Updated
19th
July
2006
