Areas of High Biodiversity

EcoLogic’s work takes place throughout the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor, a system of protected areas and connecting corridors that extend through the length of Central America and part of Mexico. The Mesoamerican Biological Corridor landscape is classified as a biodiversity hotspot for conservation priority. A “hotspot” is a region that has more than 1,500 endemic vascular plant species—or more than 0.5 percent of the world’s total—but has lost at least 70 percent of its original habitat. Central America is losing its remaining habitat at one of the highest rates worldwide,which motivates EcoLogic to continue its work with local communities and partners to address biodiversity loss and protect threatened species.

Learn more about some of the species found at our project sites below:

Black-chested Spiny-tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura melanosterna):

This endangered species of iguana is endemic to Honduras. The iguana or “jamo negro” is the most threatened, because it is highly sought after for its meat in the culinary culture of the region. Additionally, its habitat of the very dry tropical forest is considered one of the most vulnerable ecosystems in Central America, putting it even more at risk.

Emerald hummingbird (Amazilia luciae):

Named for its brilliant blue-green color on its throat and upper chest, the Honduran Emerald Hummingbird is the only endemic bird in the country and is the most endangered bird species in Central America. The Honduran Emerald can be found solely in the rare dry-thorn forests of Honduras. The greatest threat to the Honduran Emerald is the ongoing loss of its unique habitat and ecosystem due to increased clearing for livestock grazing, plantation agriculture, mining, and other human activity including a recent road improvement project in the Rio Aguan valley.

Jaguar (Panthera onca):

Jaguars are one of the animal species found at EcoLogic’s project sites in Olanchito and the Aguan River Valley in Honduras, as well as in the Chinantla region in Oaxaca, Mexico, and Sarstun, Guatemala. Jaguars exist in 18 different countries in Latin America and can be found in forest and grassland habitats, with a preference for dense, humid rainforest environments. These large felines have a ‘Near Threatened’ status due to habitat loss from deforestation and hunting. They are powerful, strong swimmers, climbers, and hunters.

Sources: https://www.panthera.org/cms/sites/default/files/Panthera_Fact-Sheet_Jaguar.pdf
https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/jaguar

Black-Handed Spider Monkey (Ateles geoffroyi):

The Black-Handed Spider Monkey is one of the animal species found at EcoLogic’s project sites in Atlantida, Honduras, and Totonicapan, Guatemala. These monkeys are native to Central America and have an ‘Endangered’ conservation status. Threats to this species include loss of habitat and forest degradation. The Black-Handed Spider Monkey is an arboreal animal species, meaning that it is physically adapted to living mainly in trees. They prefer the upper canopy of forests and can be found in a variety of different forest ecosystem types. This species primarily eats fruit, as well as some seeds, leaves, nuts, and flowers. They get the ‘spider’ part of their name from their long, slender limbs and their tail which functions as a fifth limb, giving them a spider-like appearance.

Sources: https://www.neprimateconservancy.org/geoffroys-spider-monkey.html
https://www.centralfloridazoo.org/animals/black-handed-spider-monkey/