The forests and grasslands of Colombia’s Cordillera de los Picachos National Park have been protected for 50 years – yet it’s been impossible to learn more about its wildlife due to armed conflict. As the country emerges from this violent shadow, a WWF-backed expedition recently visited the park, with individuals from local communities, former guerrilla group members, and biologists all coming together. They found a breathtaking diversity of life, including 376 butterfly and 36 bat species, and even discovered a new plant species from the Philodendron genus. The expedition was carried out as part of the Protected Areas and Peace project, which seeks to improve the management of six Colombian national parks, better the living conditions of local communities in and around these protected areas, and contribute to peace efforts. This project is undertaken by WWF and partners, and supported by Germany’s International Climate Initiative.
Colombia Expedición Picachos 2021
