Jama-Coaque Ecological Reserve: A Coastal Dry Forest Oasis

The Jama-Coaque Ecological Reserve, or Reserva Ecológica Jama-Coaque, protects a vital piece of Ecuador's Pacific Equatorial Forest. This 2,900-acre (1,172 hectares) preserve safeguards two distinct types of Chocó rainforest: premontane cloud forest and moist seasonal evergreen forest. Established in 2007 by the Third Millennium Alliance (TMA), the reserve is managed in partnership with the community of Camarones. TMA aims to expand the reserve to 5,480 acres by the end of 2026.Located in the heart of the Pacific Forest of Ecuador, the reserve lies 12 km south of the equator and 5 km inland from the Pacific Ocean. Its location, nestled in the Jama-Coaque Coastal Mountain Range, places it equidistant from the towns of Jama and Pedernales, and 3 km inland from Camarones. This area represents an ecological transition zone, contributing to its remarkable biodiversity.The reserve's diverse topography ranges from 846 feet (258 meters) along the Camarones River to 2,290 feet (700 meters) at the peak of Cerro Sagrado mountain. This elevational gradient fosters varied microclimates, supporting both tropical moist evergreen forests and premontane cloud forests. The cloud forests thrive due to the near-constant fog layer along the mountain crests.The reserve is named in honor of the ancient Jama-Coaque civilization that flourished in the region from 355 BCE to 1532 CE. It serves as a crucial habitat and migratory corridor for endangered species, including jaguars, pumas, howler monkeys, and capuchin monkeys. In 2009, two new frog species were discovered within the reserve's cloud forest. Birdwatchers will find this area especially rewarding.However, less than 2% of the native forest remains in coastal Ecuador due to deforestation and agriculture. The Jama-Coaque Ecological Reserve is a critical refuge, managed by the Third Millennium Alliance (TMA).