15 February 2025

Putumayo: A Primate Paradise at Amazon’s Birds Natural Reserve, Colombia

Location and Access: Amazon’s Birds Natural Reserve is located at ´Vereda Agua Negra km 7 corredor turístico Puerto Asís – Santana Putumayo´. The reserve can be easily accessed from Puerto Asís, serving as an incredible refuge for wildlife amidst increasing development pressures in the Southern Colombian Amazon.

Primate Diversity in Putumayo: The Putumayo region represents one of Colombia’s most significant areas for primate diversity, hosting 17 of the country’s 38 recorded primate species. Amazon’s Birds Natural Reserve has become a crucial sanctuary for these primates, particularly as surrounding areas face increasing pressure from deforestation, wetland filling, and urban development.

Pygmy Marmoset (Cebuella pygmaea) Observation: On January 12th, 2025, my wife and I visited this family-owned reserve. After enjoying breakfast at the reserve, we embarked on a memorable trek through the humid forest with Yolima, one of the reserve’s dedicated owners. The trail system is well-maintained, allowing for comfortable wildlife observation while minimizing impact on the habitat.

After approximately an hour of hiking, during which we also enjoyed some excellent bird watching, we reached a specially designated area where the world’s smallest primates, Pygmy Marmosets, are regularly observed. The reserve has thoughtfully installed a feeding platform on a big trees where these diminutive primates naturally feed on tree sap. We were fortunate to observe a group of approximately 7 individuals, including several males, the dominant female, and juvenile members.

What makes this site particularly special is the high probability of observing Pygmy Marmosets throughout the day. However, it’s worth noting that their primary use area is concerning close to the main road, presenting a potential risk to the population. The reserve owners are actively working to protect these primates and are very supportive of research initiatives to better understand and conserve the species.

Other Primate Species: The reserve provides habitat for eight primate species in total, establishing itself as a crucial sanctuary for regional primate diversity. The gallery forests within the reserve serve as essential corridors for these populations, particularly as surrounding areas face increasing development pressure.

Accommodation and Facilities: The reserve offers comfortable accommodation at the Ecotourism Center, with double rooms available. Visitors can enjoy:

  • Professional or local guide services
  • Full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
  • Access to natural swimming pools
  • Guided tours of the reserve for wildlife observation
  • Special access to the Kofan Trail for primate observation, particularly Pygmy Marmosets

Conservation Notes: As a primatologist, I was particularly impressed by the reserve’s commitment to conservation amidst challenging circumstances. The property has effectively become an island of biodiversity in an increasingly developed landscape. The owners’ dedication to protecting these species, particularly the Pygmy Marmosets, is evident in their management practices and willingness to support scientific research.

Contact Information: For visits and further information, contact Ana Yolima Muriel: Email: anayolimamuriel@gmail.com

Conclusion: Amazon’s Birds Natural Reserve represents a crucial sanctuary for primates in the Colombian Amazon, offering virtually guaranteed sightings of Pygmy Marmosets along with opportunities to observe other primate species. The combination of professional guidance, comfortable facilities, and most importantly, dedicated conservation efforts, makes this site a must-visit for any serious mammal watcher interested in observing some of South America’s most fascinating primates.

Post Views: 102

Post author

Luis_1996
I am Luis A. Román-Luzuriaga, a biologist with postgraduate specialization in Primatology from the University of Girona, Spain, and a Master’s degree in Conservation Biology and Tropical Ecology from the Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, Ecuador. I am a member of the Ecuadorian Association of Mammalogy and collaborates with the national working group on human-wildlife conflict mitigation in Ecuador. Currently affiliated researcher at the Mountain Institute in Lima, Peru. My expertise in bear research is demonstrated through my role as a technical specialist in the “Andean Bear Continuous Monitoring Program” led by the Fundación Zoologica del Ecuador. Additionally, I served as a researcher in the project “Generating knowledge for conservation of Andean bears through assessment of their social behavior,” sponsored by Bears in Mind, National Geographic Society, International Association for Bear Research and Management, Nature and Culture International, and GIZ.
Post Views: 102

2 Comments

Leave a Reply