details for the proposed Quetzal Ecological Reserve

1. “Reserva Ecológica del Quetzal”
A unique proposal to conserve 1000 acres
(450 hectares) of precious montane tropical
forest (“Cloud Forest”)

2. The proposed Reserva Ecológica del Quetzal expands a growing corridor
of conserved cloud forest located in the Mindo ecotourism region,
just 1 hr from Quito, and abuts large private reserves,
including Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve (1,200 acres)
and Maquipicuna Reserve (8,400 acres)
The greatest ecotourism attraction are the 300 species of birds found
in these forests, including 2 quetzales, 45 hummingbirds, 40 tanagers,
Andean Cock-of-the-Rock and several rare antpittas.

3. Reserva Ecológica del Quetzal
•Mission: To conserve valuable tropical forest while promoting scientific research, responsible ecotourism,
appreciation of quetzals and other cloud forest-inhabiting birds and providing environmentally friendly
employment opportunities for local residents.
•Programs:
– Visitor centers, one low (1400 m) and one high (2200 m), each with interpretive nature trails with
various canopy observation platforms.
–Quetzal Lodge, with 20 cabin units (10 associated with each Visitor Center), each with private bath and
kitchenette.
–small scientific research station to accommodate up to 4 visiting scientists conducting forest-based
research.
–Sponsorship of initial 1-yr bird inventory project to determine local populations that may be threatened
(such as Crested Quetzal, Powerful Woodpecker and Tanager Finch) which may require specialized
management practices within the Reserve.
–Reforestation in 10-20% of the Reserve where forest was removed for timber and livestock grazing.

4. Unique Approach to Financing
•$500,000 needed for: land acquisition, Reserve management, minimal
infrastructure for ecotourism and scientific research, and initial 3-yr maintenance
•Principle funding comes from grassroots shareholders, rather than large donors
–1 share= $400 plus $100 annual membership fee for Reserve maintenance
–1 share earns acquisition of 1 acre primary forest for the Reserve, and as long as
membership is current, 1 free week of cabin lodging each year (a $400 value
annually!), and receipt of a newsletter for Reserve members.

5. Project Administration
•The Reserve will be a project of the Quetzal Foundation, a non-profit organization sharing the same
mission with the Reserve. Profits acquired through the ecotourism business, donations or grants will be
placed in Escrow for future land purchases
•The Quetzal Foundation and the Reserva Ecológica del Quetzal is founded by Nick Komar, ScD, a
career biologist for the US Public Health Service in Fort Collins, Colorado. Nick is fluent
in Spanish, has traveled extensively in Central and South America, and has been an avid
aficionado of quetzals and other birds since childhood. In Colorado, he has actively worked for
conservation through affiliations with the Fort Collins Audubon Society and Rocky Mountain Bird
Observatory.
Nick Komar, Founder

6. Images from the proposed Reserva Ecológica del
Quetzal: High Elevation Unit
Barred
Becard
Masked
Flowerpiercer

7. Images from the proposed Reserva Ecológica del
Quetzal: High Elevation Unit
Double-toothed Kite
Andean
Emerald

8. Images from the proposed Reserva Ecológica del
Quetzal: High Elevation Unit
Southern Yellow-Grosbeak
Great Thrush

9. Images from the proposed Reserva Ecológica del
Quetzal: High Elevation Unit
Rufous-naped
Brush-finch
Rufous-collared Sparrows

10. Crested Quetzal
“walking stick”
Images from the proposed Reserva Ecológica del
Quetzal: Low Elevation Unit

11. Montane
Woodcreeper
Images from the proposed Reserva Ecologica del
Quetzal: Low Elevation Unit

12. Masked
Trogon
Yellow-
breasted
Antpitta
Images from the proposed Reserva Ecológica del
Quetzal: Low Elevation Unit

13. Violet-tailed
Sylph
Brown Violetear
Images from the proposed Reserva Ecológica del
Quetzal: Low Elevation Unit

14. Torrent Tyrannulet
Velvet-purple
Coronet
Images from the proposed Reserva Ecológica del
Quetzal: Low Elevation Unit

15. 10-20% of the proposed Reserva
is currently grazed by cattle.

16. Deforested areas would be selected for building
sites and reforestation

17. View of reforestation project on neighboring
property

18. Ecuador is an extremely popular birding
destination
American Birding Association Young Birder’s Conference, Tandayapa Lodge 2007. Photo by Lori Fujimoto

19. A new paved road from Quito to Nanegalito/Mindo area means easy
access to the Reserva (~1 hour drive from Quito airport), but greater
urgency to protect forests from development

20. Ecotourism in the Nanegalito/Mindo area: Wildlife
photography, birding, hiking, cloud forest ecology, orchids,
butterflies, fishing, mountain biking
Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve Orchid & Butterfly gardens
Mindo-Nambillo Ecological Reserve Mountain Tramway
Alambi & Tandayapa Lodges Trout fishing ranches
Tucanopy Botanical Garden Maquipicuna Reserve

21. Ecuador: Fabulous Ecotourism Destination
Crested Owl
>1500 bird species in a country the size of Harpy Eagle
Colorado
Galapagos Islands
High Andes
Amazon Rainforest (Jungle tours)
Volcanoes
Pacific Coast lowlands and beaches
Hiking, Mountaineering, Kayaking
Rufous Potoo
Hoatzin Ecotourism promoted by the Government
Safe and inexpensive
Sword-billed Hummingbird
Andean Cock-of-the Rocks Giant Antpitta

22. How can you help?
Purchase share(s) in the Reserva Ecológica del Quetzal ($500/share)
Invest in our Mission, by lending funds ($50,000 minimum) for land
acquisition for the Reserva Ecológica del Quetzal ($250,000 needed
by June 2010).
++++ Terms negotiable ++++
Make a Tax-deductible contribution
Visit the Reserva as part of an Ecuador
birding tour operated by Quetzal Tours
(10% of proceeds go for sensitive land
purchases)
www.quetzalfoundation.org
info@quetzalfoundation.org