Pagaibamba Protection Forest | |
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Bosque de Protección Pagaibamba | |
IUCN category VI (protected area with sustainable use of natural resources) | |
![]() Waterfall inside Pagaibamba Protection Forest | |
Location | ![]() Cajamarca |
Coordinates | 6°24′53″S79°04′03″W / 6.4147°S 79.0675°W |
Area | 8.0247 sq mi (20.784 km2) |
Established | June 19, 1987 |
Governing body | SERNANP |
Website | Bosque de Protección Pagaibamba |
Pagaibamba Protection Forest is a protected natural area in the region of Cajamarca, Peru. [1] The area was declared a protection forest in order to preserve the water supply of surrounding towns, preserve the water cycle of the area, protect road infrastructure and protection of soils by preventing erosion. [1] [2]
The Pagaibamba Protection Forest was established on June 19, 1987. [1]
This protection forest is located in the district of Querocoto, Chota Province, Cajamarca. [1] [2] It covers an extension of 2,078.38 hectares (8.0247 sq mi) and protects a mountainous area dissected by small creeks. [1] Elevations in the area are between 2300 and 2800 m. [3]
Mean annual temperatures have a maximum of 10,9 °C and a minimum of 6,5 °C. [1] The annual average precipitation has a maximum of 1,722 mm and a minimum of 834 mm. [1]
According to the Holdridge life zones classification, the vegetation type is a wet tropical mountain forest. [1] Among the plant species reported in the area are: saucecillo ( Podocarpus sp.), roble amarillo ( Ocotea sp.), lanche ( Myrcianthes sp.), suro ( Chusquea sp.), queñual ( Polylepis sp.), aliso ( Alnus acuminata ), palm trees, tree ferns, etc.; growing in association with tall grasses. [1] [2]
Mammals reported in the forest include: the spectacled bear, the puma, the white-tailed deer, the Andean fox, the montane guinea pig, the mountain tapir, the tapeti, the pacarana, etc. [1] [2] [4] The rodent Thomasomys pagaibambensis is only known from the forest. [5]
Among the birds present in the area are: the razor-billed curassow, the Andean guan, the Andean condor, etc. [1] [2]
The frog Pristimantis chimu is reported in this area. [6]
Nature watching, trekking and scientific research are the main activities in the area. [1] [2] [4]
Deforestation is threatening the forest's area of extension. [2] In late 2016, Pagaibamba was one of several protected areas in northern Peru affected by human-caused wildfires. [7] [8] [9] These fires were caused by slash-and-burn agricultural practices that went out of control coupled with drought. [7] [8] The burning of forests to open land for crops is considered illegal in Peru. [7]
APPENDIX. Specimens examined. Pristimantis chimu: PERU: Cajamarca: Bosque de Protección de Pagaibamba, 3000 m[ dead link ]