La Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Some of the Highest Species Endemism and Biodiversity in the World
Mar 16, 2009
The mountain reaches 5,775 metres above sea level, at just 42 kilometers from the Caribbean coast. It encompasses approximately 17,000 square kilometers of land mass, and because of its drastic change in climate with elevation, as well as its location at 11 degrees North latitude, La Sierra Nevada has some of the world’s most diversified flora and fauna. About 50% of species in La Sierra are unique in the world. La Sierra contains a mosaic of globally significant biomes (communities of plants, animals and soil organisms) - and nearly all the climatic zones that can be found in tropical America, across a strip only 17 miles.
Habitat and Species Endemism
La Sierra provides an important habitat for hundreds of species, many of which have evolved in isolation within the area, accounting for the rich biodiversity and high level of endemism (species unique to a particular geographic region). There are at least 600 botanical genera and over 3,000 species of vascular plants. It is known that 16 of the 514 species of birds registered in La Sierra are endemic. Among the 46 species of amphibians and reptiles, 12 are endemic with 100 percent endemism above the 3,000-meter level. From 31 snail species collected in a study, 19 were found to be exclusive to the area.
Migratory Bird Site
Since La Sierra Nevada is located in one of the northernmost points of Colombia, it is an important, and almost a mandatory, site for migratory birds traveling to and from the US and Canada. There have been at least 93 bird species reported in La Sierra. In addition, La Sierra is source of 35 watersheds making it a major regional 'water fountain,' supplying at least 1.5 million inhabitants as well as a vast farming area on the surrounding plains. Because of its watersheds, the Sierra Nevada is a significant source of fresh water for the nearby Ciénaga Grande (a complex mangrove system which is also unique habitat for birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians).
El Corazon del Mundo
In 1986, La Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta was named a Human and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, 'protecting' 946,000 acres of its area . La Sierra Nevada is also the home of indigenous tribes, the Arhuaco and Kogi, who have lived on the mountain for thousands of years. They refer to the area as El Corazon del Mundo ('The Heart of the World') and believe that if the mountain is protected, it will maintain the balance of all life on earth.
Sources: La Fondacion Pro Sierra, Santa Marta, Colombia
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