One
of
the
last
remaining
vestiges
of
tropical
rainforest
of
the
Ecuadorian
coast
and
possibly
the
world
is
situated
here.
This
tropical
rainforest
is
characterized
by
its
high
biodiversity
and
surprisingly
high
numbers
of
endemic
species.
Another
interesting
characteristic
of
this
Reserve
is
the
mountainous
hydrographic
system
that
it
maintains,
replenishing
the
most
important
rivers
in
the
Esmeraldas
and
Manabi,
such
as
Cuaque,
Cojimes,
Cheve
and
Muisne,
Atacames,
Tiaone
and
Dogola
respectively.
The
zone
is
one
of
extreme
humidity,
which
even
through
the
dry
season
is
permanently
foggy
in
the
upper
sectors.
Ecuadorian
environmental
policy
has
recognized
this
area
as
one
of
extreme
priority
with
regards
to
conservation
of
the
coastal
rainforest.
Mache-Chindul
Ecological
Reserve
is
one
of
the
most
recently
established
Protected
Areas
in
Ecuador
.
Its
name
is
taken
from
the
smaller
mountain
range
closest
to
the
ocean
where
the
Reserve
is
situated.
Last
Updated
21st
July
2006
(DLW)
