Flora
Flora
Over
260
plant
species
have
been
identified
here.
Many
are
used
by
the
inhabitants
of
the
area,
particularly
for
their
medicinal
properties.
Many
are
efficient
in
curing
a
range
of
illnesses
and
others
are
renowned
on
an
international
level.
In
the
Reserve’s
lower
sector
towards
the
north
east,
the
‘suro’
completely
dominates
the
areas
devoid
of
vegetation
due
to
either
fallen
trees
or
other
natural
phenomena.
Laurels
and
palms,
also
present
in
the
area,
are
used
in
religious
rituals,
particularly
during
the
Easter
celebrations.
The
area’s
most
outstanding
characteristic
is
the
abundance
of
orchids,
whose
various
colours
and
shapes
are
sure
to
awake
the
visitor’s
senses.
Fauna
There
are
a
variety
of
birds
and
colourful
butterflies
inhabiting
the
Reserve:
Andean
guans,
guajalitos
,
sparrows,
blackbird
and
wood
pigeons
fly
between
the
bushes
and
trees
which
also
accommodate
foxes,
rabbits,
bats,
lizards
and
several
frog
species.
Thanks
to
its
proximity
to
Quito
,
the
area
is
frequently
visited
by
tourists.
For
this
very
reason,
however,
the
area
is
under
threat.
Bonfires
and
timber
extraction
used
for
log
fires
by
inhabitants
of
the
surrounding
communities
are
activities
which
are
putting
pressure
on
the
Reserve.
The
exploitation
of
the
lime
mines
within
the
Reserve
also
poses
a
problem.
Nevertheless,
the
Reserve
is
generally
in
good
condition
and
is
definitely
worth
the
visit.
Last
Updated
19th
July
2006
