RESEARCH AND BIOLOGY
AT MASHPI LODGE
CHOCÓ + ANDES =
A Haven for Biodiversity and Endemism
Mashpi Lodge enjoys a truly special location on the planet. We
are within the Chocó and Tropical Andes ecoregions, which
places us in one of the most biodiverse locations in the world —
a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, to boot — which also boasts
one of the highest rates of endemism on the Earth (i.e. certain
species are found here and nowhere else). Definitely, a lodge
like ours needed something unique and special, like its own
team of biologists
RESEARCH: AN INTEGRAL
PART OF THE PROJECT
Biology research was always part of the vision for the creation of the Mashpi
reserve and later the lodge. Our story began as a conservation project in 2001,
when an initial 700 hectares were purchased and protected. Then in 2010, the
construction of the hotel began in earnest, and at the same time, the reserve’s
first Resident Biologist was hired: Carlos Morochz. The lodge opened to guests
in 2012.
We can proudly say that the story of conservation and science originated
before the dream of creating a lodge was born, and that today, thanks to the
guests who have visited us and the work of our holding group’s foundation, we
protect over 2,800 hectares and hundreds of species of flora, fauna, and fungi
BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOT
Initially, Carlos explored the forest from his tent. Along with local
rangers and allied biologists, he firmly placed scientific research
initiatives as cornerstones of the future guest experience. Among the
first projects were the camera traps, designed to find out more about
the shy inhabitants of the forest and begin to understand their
numbers and behaviors.
We were clear that what makes Mashpi so unique and special is its
biodiversity. Therefore, we needed to study and understand it. Species counts
and inventories began, and camera traps were installed across the reserve.
Five years in, the first big headline arrived: a new species of frog for science!
ALLIANCES WITH ACADEMIA
To this day, Mashpi’s commitment to science remains as strong as
ever. The team has expanded to six people and we have dozens of
allies at universities in Ecuador and around the world. We constantly
receive undergraduate and graduate students to conduct research
and help us understand better this magical and under-studied forest.
We have collaborated with academic institutions including San
Francisco University in Quito, Catholic University of Quito,
Universidad de las Américas in Quito, University College London,
Oxford University, Cambridge University, UC Berkeley, University of
Colorado at Boulder, University of Chicago, among many others.
So far, we have published more than 35 scientific articles and 18
new species have been described for science so far
18 new species in 13 years of Research and Biology!
Much of the information that has been produced in Mashpi is
pioneering for the Ecuadorian Chocó region (and in general for
South America), thus contributing to the science of the country and
the world. Hundreds of students have trained and experienced the
wildlife firsthand in our reserve; at the same time, the knowledge
produced by researchers enriches the guiding experience of guests,
as well as reinforcing the need for conservation of this valuable
bio-region.
CURRENT INVENTORIES OF FLORA, FAUNA AND FUNGA OF THE MASHPI-TAYRA RESERVE
OUR FLORA
Bryophytes
(liverworts, hornworts, and mosses)/
168 species
Ferns
47 species
Palm
13 species
Woody Plants
Aprox. 257 species
Flowering Plants
Approx. 248 species
Orchids
112 species
OUR FAUNA
Anfibios
49 species
Butterflies and Moths
Approx. 323 species
Reptiles
69 species
Mammals
96 species (42 non-flying mammals)
Birds
410 species
35 species native to the region
Aquatic Macroinvertebrates
65 species
Fish
25 species
OUR FUNGA
Lichens
39 species
Fungi
Approx. 134 species
Mateo Roldán
Research Director
Chiara Correa
Resident Biologist
Alex Medina, Darwin Chalá,
Darío Medina y Carlos Vásquez
Parabiologists
Follow our updates about science in Mashpi on
Instagram #mashpiscience
PARTNERSHIP WITH SWAROVSKI OPTIK
We are pleased to be working together with Swarovski Optik. For seven decades, the company has developed, designed and manufactured long-range optical products of the highest precision for demanding users, such as the BTX binocular spotting scope, a ground-breaking invention that revolutionized the industry.
Our partnership includes the donation of two spotting scopes for our Biology & Research team, so they can improve the reserve’s species inventories and use the scopes in the field alongside guests. Guests will be able to help our R&B team monitor and understand the phenological (flowering) cycles of some of the most emblematic tree species found in the Reserve.