ECUADOR'S MAQUIPUCUNA RESERVE INVITES SCIENTISTS Fundacion Maquipucuna, an Ecuadorian non-governmental organization concerned with conservation of biodiversity and sustainable use of natural resources, has recented completed construction of ecotourist and scientific facilities at the Maquipucuna Reserve. They are easily accessed by car, only two hours northwest of Quito on the western slopes of the Andes. Researchers and visitors of all types are encouraged to come to learn, study and experience the tropical forest's diversity.

The Maquipucuna Reserve is 4500 hectares, 80% of which is undisturbed cloud forest, ranging from 1200 meters to 2800 meters in altitude. It is surrounded by an additional 14,000 hectares of "protected forest," which is adjacent to one of the world's top ten biodiversity "hotspots," the Choco Bioregion. Like many cloud forests, it is extremely rich in epiphytes, many of which have not been identified. The total number of plant species is close to 2000. In addition, the Reserve contains at least 320 species of birds, 45 species of mammals, and more than 200 species of butterflies. Other groups are yet to be studied in detail. In addition, Maquipucuna has a wealth of pre-Incan archaeological resources. Buried trails, ceramics and burial mounds and ruins of monuments from the Yumbo culture are evident, though not well researched.

Aside from inventory work, there is an infinite number of questions that need to be answered about cloud forest ecology and conservation. The Maquipucuna Foundation encourages scientists of all types to conduct studies on basic natural history and especially on applied topics which can be related to improving management of natural and cultural resources in and around the Reserve.

Accommodations and facilities include a tourist lodge situated on a clean, free-flowing river and housing up to 18 people. In addition, there is a separate scientific research station for 12 people and an adjoining laboratory. Public space is available for meetings or instruction (the Fundacion encourages educational programs and course). Meals are served to all visitors and are based on local on local recipes. A network of trails allows tourists and scientists to easily access a variety of natural habitats in different stages of succession. Interpretive materials are being developed for the Reserve and library resources are available at the Fundacion's office in Quito.

Anyone interested in tourist or research opportunities at Maquipucuna should contact:
Abigail Rome
Fundacion Maquipucuna
Casilla 17-12-167
Quito, ECUADOR
Fax: 593-2-507-201
e-mail: abi@maqui.ecx.ec