The Matavén Forest, a unique ecosystem located at the transition between the Colombian Orinoquía and Amazon, has emerged as a vital refuge for a surprising diversity of mammals, according to our recent study, based on the use of camera traps. Matavén is not only a transition region between two of the world’s most important ecosystems; it is also a time capsule that has preserved its biodiversity due to minimal human impact. This study demonstrated that the Matavén Forest hosts 59.62% of the mammals reported for the region, highlighting its biological and conservation significance.
Among the most significant discoveries are species with varying tolerances to habitat disturbance, from marsupials adapted to urban environments to primates and carnivores whose survival depends on intact ecosystems. Notably, critically endangered and vulnerable species were recorded, underscoring the urgency of implementing effective conservation strategies. The recorded diversity reflects the rich composition and structure of Matavén’s vegetation, providing essential resources for sustaining these mammal populations. This discovery enhances our understanding of the region’s biodiversity and emphasizes the need to maintain the integrity of this ecosystem to ensure the long-term viability of its inhabitants.
This study highlights the importance of the Matavén Forest as a reservoir of biodiversity and a natural laboratory for science. The presence of species with different levels of tolerance to environmental disturbance underscores the need for conservation approaches that include ecological restoration and habitat connectivity.
For more information about this study, download the full report here.