Cayapas-Mataje Ecological Reserve
General
The reserve protects an important coastal
area with rich humid forest and extensive
mangrove forest. The local population of
Esmeraldas depends largely on fish and
seafood has their way of living, so the
deforestation of mangrove areas is deeply affecting their future.
It includes the Tatabrero Island, covered with pristine mangrove forest.
Besides its natural value, the area is important archeologically for the Tolita culture,
one of the most important pre-Columbian coastal societies of Ecuador, and for the
afroecuatorian population, with its unique culture and music.
Access
Access from Ibarra is by train or road. Inside the reserve canoes are necessary.
Species
The most important mammals in the area are anteaters, kinkajous, ocelots and deer. Birds are
abundant, especially herons, cormorants and ospreys. Reptiles such us boas and green iguanas
are common, but crocodiles are very rare and in danger of extinction. Many species of fish
live in the mangroves and channels.
Plants
The most important species are mangroves such as Rhizophora mangle, Rhizophora harrisonii,
Laguncularia racemosa, Conocarpus erectus and Pelliciera rhizophorae
and a fern associated to those species.
