The last refuge of the Ecuadorian vizcacha
A paradise in peril — we need your urgent help
In the foothills of the Santa Rosa Range, among waterfalls, ancient caves and native forests, there is a magical place called Loma Delgada. This 35-hectare natural sanctuary in San Antonio de las Aradas, Quilanga canton, Loja, is home to the Ecuadorian vizcacha (Lagidium ahuacaense), an endemic species critically endangered with extinction.
If we don't act now, we will lose everything.
Donate nowLoma Delgada: a unique natural treasure
Location and geography
- 📍 San Antonio de las Aradas parish, Quilanga canton, Loja
- ⛰️ Between 2,000–2,200 m above sea level in the Catamayo-Chira micro-watersheds
- 🛤️ 7 km from San Antonio de las Aradas, 2 hours on foot or on horseback
- 📐 35.0980 hectares of intact Andean ecosystem
Exceptional water wealth
- 🌊 800 m of boundary with the Igüila River, with waterfalls that form rainbows
- 🌊 Waterfalls of the Salado Negro stream
- 🌊 Permanent whirlpools and pools
- 🌊 Los Alisos stream at the farm entrance
Natural cave system
Explorable caves near the iconic Loma Delgada Peñón, intact for centuries.
Native forest and vegetation
40% native forest with lumo, higuerones, cedars, ramo palm, arrayán, native balsas and dozens of endemic species.
60% in recovery: shrubs and grasslands in natural restoration.
Extraordinary fauna
Birds: wattled guan (Penélope bárbata), trogon, Andean eagles, pilcos, doves, hummingbirds.
Mammals: Ecuadorian vizcacha, armadillo, foxes, Andean fox, deer, pumas and Andean bear.
The vizcacha: icon of Loma Delgada in critical danger
The Loma Delgada Peñón is home to the Ecuadorian vizcacha (Lagidium ahuacaense), an endemic rodent critically endangered with extinction.
Why protect it:
- It only exists in a handful of localities in Ecuador
- Its population declines dramatically every year
- Key role in the balance of the Andean ecosystem
- Indicator of páramo health
- The Peñón is one of its last confirmed refuges
The vizcacha refuses to go extinct. But it needs our help.
The threats we face
This sanctuary preserved for 15 years is threatened by:
- 🔸Mining: extraction that would destroy the ecosystem and pollute the Igüila River.
- 🔸Forest fires that destroy habitat.
- 🔸Unplanned agricultural pressure.
- 🔸Climate change.
If mining acquires this land: the waterfalls will disappear, the river will be polluted, the vizcacha will lose its home and 35 hectares of forest will be razed.
Our mission: buy to protect permanently
From Fundación Amazonía Productiva we have identified the opportunity to legally acquire Loma Delgada Farm before mining does. Our action plan is clear and concrete:
This is our only window of opportunity. If we don't act now, mining will win and Loma Delgada will disappear forever.
Where does your donation go?
Total goal: $167,106
Full transparency
Land acquisition — 40% ($66,950)
Restoration and protection — 30% ($50,695)
First-year operation and management — 30% ($49,461)
Public quarterly reports, monthly updates, email reports to donors and annual financial statements.
Benefits for donors — Become a guardian of Loma Delgada
As a thank you for your generosity, all contributors will become Honorary Members of the Loma Delgada Natural Reserve.
What you protect: 1 m² to 5 m² of critical habitat for the vizcacha.
50% discount on entry to the reserve for 5 years. Personalized digital certificate as Protector of Loma Delgada. Your name on the Public Guardians Register (digital mural on our website).
What you protect: 5 m² to 10 m² of ecosystem + one month of anti-fire patrol.
All of the above, plus: Digital sticker as guardian of the Ecuadorian vizcacha. Exclusive annual reports with scientific data, camera-trap footage and species counts. Priority access to private gallery of fauna images from camera traps (including vizcachas, wattled guans, deer). Semi-annual digital newsletter "News from the Peñón" with stories and discoveries.
What you protect: 11 to 25 m² of native forest + reforestation of 10 native trees.
All of the above, plus: Special mention on Fundación Amazonía Productiva social media and website. Priority access to in-person guided visits. Invitation to educational webinars with project experts on vizcachas, wattled guans and Andean conservation, when organized. Digital educational kit with flora and fauna guides for Loma Delgada. Option to symbolically "adopt" one of the 10 reforested trees with your name; you will receive the exact location of this tree.
What you protect: 26 to 50 m² of reserve + reforestation of 20 native trees.
All of the above, plus: Option to symbolically "adopt" two of the 20 reforested trees with your name; you will receive the exact location of each tree. Free annual pass for guided tours with our expert local guides to the Salado Negro Waterfalls, Loma Delgada Peñón and cave system.
What people say
“As a community of Quilanga, we know the water we drink comes from these mountains. Loma Delgada protects our sources.”
“The Salado Negro Waterfalls are among the most beautiful things I have ever seen. Knowing this could disappear because of mining breaks my heart.”
Gallery: discover the paradise we are protecting
Frequently asked questions
- What if we don't reach 100%?
- If we raise 55–99%, we will negotiate for the most critical portion (Peñón + waterfalls). If less than 55%, funds go to trusts and rangers. Full transparency.
- How can I verify my donation is used correctly?
- Public annual reports with photos and receipts, email updates, and donors of $1500+ can visit the land for free.
- When can I visit Loma Delgada?
- Estimated 8–10 months after a successful campaign close. Donors of $100+ have priority.
- Can I donate from outside Ecuador?
- Yes. We accept international donations through GoFundMe and WeTravel.
Contact — Fundación Amazonía Productiva
RUC: 1691712768001
Mariscal Foch E4-261 and Av. Río Amazonas
Donate now — let's be the generation that saved Loma Delgada
The 35 hectares are waiting. The vizcacha is waiting. Your decision today defines their future.
Donate now