Conservation of the tropical dry forest in Nicaragua

Los Madroños Nature-Reserve

Conservation of the tropical dry forest in Nicaragua

The forests in Nicaragua are disappearing in alarming pace. The main reason for this process is the advance of the agriculture into the once forest-covered areas; with cattle ranches probably being the most affecting factor. The following figure shows the dramatic changes in the forest cover in Nicaragua in the last years; this is official data of the ministry of the environment of Nicaragua (MARENA):

The significant reduce in the forest cover in Nicaragua have serious negative impacts over the environment and humans alike:

Landslides during the rainy season: over 2,000 people died in a single mudslide in Casitas volcano in 1998, in north-western Nicaragua.
Floods during the rainy season: each year people, livestock, houses and other equipment vanish in floods in different parts of Nicaragua.
Draught during the dry season: rivers that used to maintain running water year-round become dry and many people don't have access for drinking water.
Temperatures' increase. The following figure show the predicted temperature variations in the following years in Nicaragua; this is official data of the ministry of the environment of Nicaragua (MARENA):

Original distribution of the tropical dry forest in Nicaragua:

Conservation problems of the tropical dry forest: The tropical dry forest is the one of the most negatively affected ecosystems in Nicaragua by deforestation. In order to confront this problem, the government of Nicaragua established state nature reserves in different parts of the country.
The state reserves do not efficiently protect the forest. In most of the state reserves in Nicaragua there is no efficient control; in many of these reserves the forest is being logged and burned as a routine. In some cases there is no forest left at all. In the photos below: Volcan Cosiguina nature reserve (left) and Volcan Telica nature reserve (right):

Private reserves are the most immediate efficient strategy to protect the tropical dry forest: Unlike the state reserves, which are treated as "no-one's-land", private property is respected in Nicaragua, and can be efficiently protected by its owners.
SONATI project to protect the tropical dry forest: In SONATI we work to establish a corridor of nature reserves, to promote both the conservation of the tropical dry forest and the development of rural eco-tourism. Los Madroños reserve is the first reserve in this corridor that we plan to establish through the communities of Santa Rosa de Los Parrales, El Sauce, Achuapa and toward Esteli.

Los Madroños Nature-Reserve

Los Madroños Reserve is an initiative of 6 local families from the community of Santa Rosa de los Parrales and SONATI. The 112 hectares of protected terrain preserve flora & fauna of tropical dry forest; 115 bird species have been documented in the reserve, including the illusive Collared Forest-Falcon. Among the mammals it is worth to mention the Northern Tamandua (Ant-eater) and White-tailed Dear that inhabit the reserve. The reserve is managed by the local families, which also receive the visitants and guide them in the reserve.

The following activities are offered:

In the reserve:

Guided walks in the reserve.

In the farm:

Preparing traditional local food: cheese, corn bread, "tamales".
Milk the cows.
Take the cows out to the field.
Ride horses.
Relax on the hammocks, away from the city noise.

Accomodation:

So far accomodation is available only at Sandoval family. Basic private rooms and dorms are available, with capacity to accomodate up to 10 people. Bucket shower and toilet are outside the rooms.

Costs:

Cost is U$ 15 per person for a day. This cost include 3 meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner), accomodation, any activity at the farm (preparing cheese, corn bread, etc.) and the netrance fee for the reserve. Renting a horse will cost U$ 5 for half a day.

How to get there:

From the bus terminal in Leon take a bus to "Sauce", ask to get down at "San Blass" (one hour to one and a half hours drive). The family representative will wait for you and will take you to the farm. Bus schdule from Leon to Sauce: 6:30am, 7:15am, 8:15am, 11:15am, 12:15pm, 1:15pm, 2:20pm, 3:45pm.