Welcome to the inspiring journey of Salvamontes, a group of dedicated individuals determined to protect the threatened Magnolia trees in the Tropical Andes hotspot, Alto de Ventanas, Antioquia, Colombia. Their efforts have not only safeguarded these majestic trees, but also a myriad of critically endangered species, from orchids to frogs, birds, and mammals. Join us in supporting their cause by downloading the Lemu App.
A tale as old as forests
This remarkable story traces back to a group of passionate individuals, deeply concerned about three species of endangered Magnolia trees in the biodiverse-rich Alto de Ventanas region of Antioquia, Colombia. As time passed, the urgency of their mission escalated, extending their reach to not only the Magnolias, but also to a host of other endangered species including orchids, frogs, birds, and mammals.
Today, Salvamontes proudly oversees three natural reserves spanning 528 hectares in Alto de Ventanas. Within these cloud forests, they protect no less than 16 endangered species, including 8 animals, 3 trees, and 5 orchids, some of which are unique to this region.
Almanegra (Magnolia guatapensis): A Tree Beyond Compare
Magnolia guatapensis, or Almanegra de Guatapé, is a species endemic to the northern central cordillera of Antioquia, Colombia. Discovered in the municipality of Guatapé, its name bears testament to its origin. Thriving in humid to very humid forests at elevations between 1800 and 2500 meters, its largest and healthiest population resides in the municipality of Yarumal, within the DRMI Alto de Ventanas.
With the potential to grow over 30 meters tall, Almanegra boasts long, straight, slender trunks that rise above the forest canopy. Its exquisite, cream-colored, large flowers emit a strong, inviting fragrance that beckons pollinators from afar. Classified as an endangered species by the IUCN Red List due to its restricted distribution and habitat fragmentation, Almanegra faces threats from habitat destruction and logging for its valuable wood.
Handley’s Slender Opossum (Marmosops handleyi): A Nocturnal Acrobat of the Rainforest
Residing within the borders of Antioquia, specifically in the breathtaking landscape of Alto de Ventanas, Handley’s Slender Opossum is a master of the rainforest. This diminutive creature, native to South America, possesses distinctive features that set it apart. Its lithe, elongated body facilitates seamless navigation through dense vegetation, while its large, round eyes grant exceptional night vision for nocturnal foraging.
Equipped with a prehensile tail that acts as an extra appendage, aiding in branch-grasping and tree-climbing balance, this opossum is a nimble acrobat. When threatened, it employs agile maneuvers, making capture by predators a formidable challenge. Notably, Handley’s Slender Opossum possesses the unique ability to produce clicking sounds with its tongue, enabling communication and prey location in the forest's depths.
Ghost Monkey Orchid (Dracula lemurella): A Peculiar Vision in the Deep Forest
Dracula lemurella, with its narrow, pubescent leaves and delicate cream-colored flowers, teeters on the brink of critical extinction due to its severely restricted distribution and rapid habitat loss. The only known natural populations of this exquisite orchid are safeguarded within the natural reserves of Alto de Ventanas.
Salvamontes: Unearthing Nature's Hidden Gems
As Salvamontes' ranks swelled with specialists, they embarked on a journey of unexpected discoveries. In 2020, amidst the lush Bosque Pluvial Premontano of the Los Magnolios Natural Reserve, they stumbled upon a new miniature orchid species of the Lepanthes genus. Through rigorous botanical study, it was christened Lepanthes gloriae in honor of the late Gloria C. Arcila García, mother of one of the discoverers, who is a member of Salvamontes.
The following year brought another revelation: Pristimantis carylae, a new species of frog, nestled alongside the Pristimantis chocolatebari (also known as the "Chocolate frog") in the La Selva de Ventanas Natural Reserve. These discoveries underscore the imperative of preserving ecosystems in their natural state.
Their Aspirations and Goals
Salvamontes envisions the restoration of the Los Magnolios reserve in Colombia, achieved through a tree nursery and the planting of endangered endemic species. Additionally, they are fervently working towards creating the Alto de Ventanas ecological corridor by expanding three natural reserves, all while spearheading conservation initiatives for threatened species like the Ventanas Magnolia tree, the Ghost Monkey Orchid, and Handley's Slender Opossum.
Be there for them
Embark on this incredible journey with Salvamontes and become a part of their mission. Download the Lemu App to support their vital conservation efforts in Alto de Ventanas. Together, we can make a difference for these remarkable species and the precious ecosystems they call home.
