The biosphere reserve, covering 57,810 ha, is situated a few kilometers from the Nicaraguan border in the department of Choluteca. It counts with a rich biological diversity including several species of endemic fauna. The biosphere reserve contains 18 villages, home to 26,350 people. The main economic activities are horticulture, fruit and coffee production, ornamental plant cultivation, livestock breeding and milk production. The area is also known for its saddlery products (belts, harnesses, boots ...).
Designation date: 2017
Networks
Regional network: Red de Comités y Reservas de Biosfera de Iberoamérica y el Caribe (IberoMAB)
Ecosystem-based network:
Description
Map
Surface : 57,810 ha
- Core area(s): 4,069 ha
- Buffer zone(s): 22,411 ha
- Transition zone(s): 31,330 ha
Location: 13°24'45"N - 86°49'50"W
Administrative Authorities
Instituto de Conservación y Desarrollo Forestal Áreas Protegidas y Vida Silvestre (ICF)
Colonia Brisa de Olancho, Comayagüela Municipio del Distrito Central
Comayagüela Municipio del Distrito Central
Apartado Postal No. 3481.
HONDURAS
Tel.: +504 22237703 / +504 22238587
Email: icfdireccion@yahoo.com
Website ǀ Facebook ǀ Twitter
Ecological Characteristics
The climate has traditionally been described as tropical. However, due to widespread agricultural deforestation and a higher altitude (up to 1,700 masl.); the climate can be more aptly described in many cases as temperate.
There are several endemic species of fauna some of which are present only in small populations. The area also includes species of mammal such as the northern tamandua (Tamandua mexicana), the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and the white-faced monkey (Cebus capucinus). Significant biological diversity has been recorded among bird species with 129 families registered. However, the highland guan (Penelopina nigra) and the Red-tailed hawk are endangered. A total of 18 families of herpetofauna have also been observed.
In terms of flora, the Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the national authorities have classified guayacan trees (Guayacum Santum) as being under serious threat.
Socio-Economic Characteristics
The biosphere reserve contains 18 villages that are home to 26,350 inhabitants. The natural characteristics and peculiar temperate climate of the area enable the development of agricultural activities such as horticulture, fruit and coffee production, the growth of ornamental plants, and cattle rearing and dairy production. These activities contribute to the development of a variety of other productive activities that enhance the economic growth of the reserve.
The area is also known for its saddlery products (belts, harness, boots and hats). Other activities include the production of basic grains, the processing of milk products, the production of vegetables, and products derived from maize.
Back to Biosphere Reserves in Honduras
Back to Biosphere Reserves in Latin America and the Caribbean
Back to World Network of Biosphere Reserves
Last updated: April 2021