Apolobamba National Natural Area of Integrated Management Biosphere Reserve, Bolivia

The Apolobamba National Natural Area of Integrated Management  Biosphere Reserve is located 160 km north-west of La Paz, and the Peruvian border makes up western boundary. Located in the higher parts of Bolivia, the Biosphere Reserve contains a combination of ecological formations including high plateau, tundra, high cordillera, mountains, lakes, the headwaters of the River Euichi and River Turiopa, lakes and a permanent snow zone.

Ecological Characteristics

The Apolobamba Cordillera stands out as the chief mountain range along with the Cololo massif. Formations of the Yungas type, with its typical plant associations, are formed east of the cordillera. On the high plateau and the tundra, the fauna is characterised by camelids such us vicuna (Vicuña vicugna) and the Alpaca (Lama pacos) ,with population estimated at 2,556 and 80,000 respectively (1984). In the cordillera and the heads of valleys deer (Odocoileus sp.) and spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus) can be found.

 

 

 

Socio-Economic Characteristics

The human population is estimated to about 36,000 people (2019), including people of Aymara origin. No agricultural activity is possible in any part of the area due to the persistent frosts and low temperatures. Consequently, the sole activity is the raising of alpacas, and to a lesser degree, llamas (Lama glama). Due to the variety of habitats and ecological formations, the reserve is of exceptional importance for scientific research. The main goal of the Biosphere Reserve is to protect natural, cultural, historical and anthropologic values by a sustainable management of natural resources with local participation and scientific support.

 

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Last updated: July 2020