Flora and fauna monitoring strengthens community management in the Yurúa Communal Conservation Concession
Group photo of SERNANP, UAC, and native community members taken during the monitoring in the Yurúa Community Conservation Concession.
From February 20 to 23, 2025, a team of specialists from the National Service of Natural Protected Areas (SERNANP) and Upper Amazon Conservancy (UAC), along with members of the native communities that make up the Yurúa Community Conservation Association (ACC-Yurúa), conducted essential monitoring to protect threatened species and promote sustainable land management in the Yurúa Community Conservation Concession. This activity is part of the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) project, which aims to strengthen local capacities to protect key species and ecosystems in the region.
During the expedition, the presence of the White-fronted Tamarin (Leontocebus weddelli melanoleucus), an endemic primate considered vital for the conservation of Yurúa's ecosystems, was confirmed. This monitoring effort aligns with the USFWS project's objective of strengthening the communities' capacity to manage and protect threatened species within the 46,553-hectare concession.
Pichico Blanco
White-mantled tamarin
Leontocebus weddelli melanoleucus
Photo: Glauco Oliveira
A Boost for Conservation and Local Development
Arsenio Calle, head of the Alto Purús National Park, highlighted the importance of this monitoring effort, stating that “it brings national and international visibility to the concession, promoting conservation initiatives and the sustainable management of natural resources for the Yurúa communities, such as community-based tourism and scientific research.” He also emphasized that protecting this species is key to preserving the Amazonian headwaters, which are essential for ecological balance and the provision of environmental services.
The Communities' Commitment
Kennedy Pérez, vice president of ACC-Yurúa and member of the Native Community of Beu, underscored the active role of the communities in territorial conservation: “The concession was created by nine Indigenous communities with the purpose of protecting their territory. Here we have a great diversity of flora and fauna, including timber species and medicinal plants yet to be discovered. We continue to safeguard these areas to prevent the illegal extraction of resources or territorial invasion.”
Findings and Next Steps
In addition to recording key species such as the White-fronted Tamarin, other important species were observed, including the Black-faced Spider Monkey (Ateles chamek), Red Howler Monkey (Alouatta seniculus), Black-capped Capuchin (Sapajus apella), emblematic birds like the Grey-winged Trumpeter (Psophia crepitans), and reptiles such as the Amazon Tree Boa (Corallus hortulanus). High ecological value trees were also identified, such as Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) and Kapok (Ceiba pentandra). However, threats such as poaching and illegal fishing were also detected in areas near the Brazilian border, highlighting the urgent need to strengthen territorial monitoring.
In line with the project objectives, periodic monitoring will be strengthened and protection strategies based on scientific data and ancestral knowledge will be consolidated. This effort has not only provided key information about biodiversity but has also strengthened community-based land management.
Upcoming actions include reinforcing territorial security, continuing the implementation of the SMART tool, and encouraging collaboration among communities to protect this invaluable ecosystem. The active participation of communities is fundamental to ensuring species conservation and sustainable development in the region.