Anna - Lotta Biosphere Reserve

About the Project

Forests, as dynamic ecosystems, inherently have the capacity to act as reservoirs and sinks for greenhouse gases (GHGs). This potential is realized through the process of photosynthesis, where carbon dioxide (CO2) and water are transformed into carbohydrates, releasing oxygen in the process. This natural cycle not only results in the accumulation of carbon in forest biomass but also contributes to the removal of GHGs from the atmosphere.

Conserving forested areas not only preserves the stock of carbon already accumulated in these ecosystems (reservoir) but also facilitates annual increases in carbon sequestration (sink).

History of Anna-Lotta Biosphere Reserve

The Anna – Lotta Biosphere Reserve  is managed by its landowner since 2007, Dr. Jaime Rosero Maquilón, a German-Ecuadorian medical doctor with a deep interest in environmental conservation.

Dr. Rosero has been dedicated to the protection and conservation of this forest for 17 years, ever since he acquired the land. To effectively lead the project, in 2023 Dr. Rosero has formed a partnership with Nelson Mattie, a PhD in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences and a forest engineer with two decades of experience in the forest and geospatial industry. Nelson has an extensive background in conservation and environmental projects across Canada and Latin America, Argentina, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Kenya, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela. He has collaborated with organizations such as The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Programa Andes Tropicales, Veritree, the European Union, Inter American Development Bank (IDB), Fundación CODESPA, Intel and Conservation International.

Dr. Rosero’s vision extends beyond maintaining the forest; he aims to collaborate on expanding similar initiatives throughout the country. Additionally, by obtaining carbon credits, he seeks to manage the forest more efficiently, leveraging these credits to fund ongoing conservation efforts and enhance the ecological health of the area.

Methodology and future work.

We are utilizing a highly robust methodology based on LiDAR technology and aerial photogrammetry for biomass and carbon stock estimations, as well as for forest monitoring. Additionally, a field forest inventory has been conducted to better understand the species and the forest, and to develop regression models for the biomass estimations. This comprehensive approach allows us to obtain accurate and reliable data essential for sustainable forest management.

In the methodology and development of the project, we are adhering to the most rigorous international standards, such as the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) protocols and the manual „Aboveground Woody Biomass Product Validation Good Practices Protocol Working Group on Calibration and Validation Land Product Validation Subgroup, Committee on Earth Observation Satellites“ By following these stringent guidelines, we ensure that our methods are scientifically sound and globally recognized, enhancing the credibility and impact of our work.

Furthermore, with the development of this project, we hope to establish a research center where students and researchers from universities in Ecuador and around the world can come to study this important ecosystem. Our aim is to better understand its functioning to ensure conservation, and to contribute to the restoration and reforestation of areas that have been degraded in the region. This initiative will foster collaboration and knowledge exchange, promoting efforts to preserve and rehabilitate vital forest ecosystems.

By combining cutting-edge technology with internationally recognized standards, we are not only advancing scientific understanding but also contributing to global efforts in climate change mitigation and sustainable development. We believe that our work will serve as a model for similar projects in Ecuador and worldwide, inspiring others to adopt rigorous methodologies in environmental conservation.

Digital Surface Model 1 m/pixel resolution

Digital Terrain Model 1 m/pixel resolution

Digital Terrain Model 1 m/pixel resolution

Ortofotomosaico 10 cm/pixel de resolución

LiDAR Point Cloud Scan Angles

Biodiversity

The composition and structure of dry forests—encompassing factors such as density, basal area, canopy height, and stratification—exhibit remarkable variability largely influenced by the type and history of human interaction. These forests are characterized by trees with thick, rough bark, short trunks, and deep root systems adapted to arid conditions. The leaves of these species are highly variable, with a significant presence of legumes featuring compound leaves, and many species possess thorns. During the dry season, trees employ a survival strategy by shedding all their leaves to conserve scarce water resources.

The diversity of plant species in these dry forests is particularly notable, with approximately 80% of the vegetation being endemic. This high level of endemism makes these forests crucial indicators for the identification and monitoring of environmental changes, reflecting the dynamic interactions among the various components of the ecosystem (Muñoz, Armijos-Ojeda, & S. Erazo, 2019). The most prominent botanical families in these environments in Ecuador—as well as in other neotropical dry forests—include Bombacaceae, Cactaceae, Boraginaceae, Moraceae, Malvaceae, Bignoniaceae, Bixaceae, Capparaceae, Fabaceae, Nyctaginaceae, Rhamnaceae, Salicaceae, Sapotaceae, and Theophrastaceae.

Many species in these forests have developed extremely extensive root systems that allow them to access nutrients at various soil depths; in some cases, these roots can extend over 100 meters. Certain tree species, especially emergent ones, have evolved by developing buttresses on their roots—large and thin extensions of the trunk that emerge about six meters above the ground. These structures are believed to aid in water capture and storage, increase the surface area for gas exchange, and accumulate leaf litter, providing additional nutrition. Similarly, some trees, particularly palms, possess stilt roots that offer additional support, effectively adapting to the challenging conditions of the dry forest habitat.

In the southern forests, the vegetation is dominated by guayacanes (Tabebuia chrysantha, Handroanthus chrysanthus) and ceibos (Ceiba trichistandra), which are large, barrel-shaped trees characteristic of the region. Other significant species include palo santo (Bursera graveolens), muyuyo (Cordia lutea), various acacias (Acacia spp.), and espinos (Pseudobombax millei). These species not only define the landscape but also play vital roles in the ecosystem’s health and resilience.

The exceptional biodiversity and high endemism of these dry forests underscore their ecological importance. By serving as crucial indicators of environmental change, they reflect the dynamic interplay between climate, soil, flora, and fauna. Protecting these forests is essential—not only for preserving the unique species they harbor but also for maintaining the ecological balance and supporting the livelihoods of communities that depend on them.

Understanding and conserving these ecosystems require collaborative efforts. By promoting research and sustainable management practices, we can ensure that these remarkable forests continue to thrive, offering invaluable insights into biodiversity and ecosystem functioning for generations to come.

Figure. Ceibo (Ceiba trichistandra) at Anna Lotte Reserve forest.

Understanding the diversity and abundance of fauna is crucial for comprehending the ecological processes that sustain ecosystems, such as the Dry Forest. In these ecosystems, due to edaphoclimatic conditions, there is a marked seasonality in the reproductive cycles of fauna, generally synchronized with the rainy seasons. During the dry season, some highly mobile species may migrate to more humid areas like adjacent jungles, gallery forests, and lowland wetlands to seek better living conditions (Macano, n.d.).

Figure. Tarantula or "Migala" (Thrixopelma longicolli) at Anna Lotta Reserve.

This information is vital for conservation, as it allows prioritization of areas with greater or lesser ecological value and understanding of the impacts of deforestation and habitat fragmentation. For these reasons, the most representative species of amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals of the Dry Forests are highlighted below (Muñoz, Armijos-Ojeda, & S. Erazo, 2019). Mammals, being the most evolved class present in these ecosystems, include up to 432 species recorded in Ecuador, with ten endemic species that underscore the biological importance of the Dry Forests for conservation. Among them are the Mantled Howler Monkey (Alouatta palliata), the White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus), the Guayaquil Squirrel (Simosciurus stramineus), and the Woolly Big-eared Bat (Chrotopterus auritus).

Figure. Common Opossum (Didelphis albiventris) at Anna Lotta Reserve.

Regarding amphibians, which are the most threatened taxonomic group despite their significant biological role, species recorded in these forests include the Cane Toad (Rhinella marina), the Escuerzo, the Pacific Horned Frog (Ceratophrys stolzmanni), and the Anthony’s Poison Arrow Frog (Epipedobates anthonyi).

Figure. Toad at Anna Lotta Reserve.

Reptiles, one of the oldest groups of higher animals, maintain one of the greatest diversities among vertebrates. In Ecuador, there are 477 species of reptiles, including 33 turtles, 5 crocodiles and caimans, and a variety of lizards and snakes. These animals are crucial for controlling pests like rats and mice, despite the widespread rejection and persecution they suffer. Representative species of the Dry Forests include the American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus), the Green Iguana (Iguana iguana), and the Cat-eyed Snake (Leptodeira septentrionalis).

Figure. Fer-de-lance Snake (Bothrops asper) at Anna Lotta Reserve

Anna - Lotta

For our beloved Anna-Lotta,
who makes the world a better place with her radiant smile and big heart.
May this forest, which holds so many secrets, inspire you and unfold your love for nature.
In every tree and every animal, your hope for a greener future is reflected.
For the Earth and its wonders – today and for all generations to come.