Mache-Chindul Ecological Reserve
General
The Mache and Chindul cordilleras are the last
areas with extensive lowland forest in the
western part of Ecuador. Surrounded by
agricultural areas, the reserve faces the same
problems as most reserves in the coastal
areas: deforestation, illegal colonization and
hunting. Chachi Indians, as well as
afroecuatorians and mestizos inhabit the area.
The nearby private Bilsa Reserve is one of the
best bird-watching areas in Ecuador.
Access
Access is not easy, but you can take the
Quinindé-Esmeraldas road and then turn west
to Herrera.
Species
The many species of mammals include four-
eyed opossum, common opossum, agouti,
paca, howler monkey, capuchin monkey,
puma, ocelot, jaguarundi and white-lipped
peccary. The many species of birds include
black-tailed trogon, collared trogon, chocó
toucan, white cotinga and tropical kingbird.
Plants
Common trees are guayacan, kapok, laurel, zapote, pambil, strangling tree, guava and membrillo.
