Fauna and Flora: Blue-throated Hillstar, Andean Fox, Peregrine Falcon, Baird's Sandpiper, Mountain Caracara and other fauna found in paramo ecosystems.

Cerro de Arcos reserve was established in order to protect high altitude habitats, locally known as Andean paramo, critical to the survival of the Blue-throated Hillstar (Oreotrochilus cyanolaemus). This hummingbird was discovered in 2017 by Francisco Sornoza et al. and described new to science in 2018.

This stunning bird is endemic to Ecuador and has a highly restricted range. With an estimated population between 250 and 750 individuals, it is one of our rarest birds, and certainly one of the rarest hummingbirds in the world!

Cerro de Arcos is named after its formation of natural arches, a result of decomposition and evolution over millions of years.

Due to pine monoculture, much of the natural flora and fauna have disappeared. Fortunately, a few patches of Chuquirahua allowed the Blue-throated Hillstar to survive. Furthermore, migratory birds like Baird's Sandpiper and large mammals such as the Paramo Wolf are already known to inhabit the region.