Researchers from the San Francisco de Quito University (USFQ) and the National Institute of Biodiversity (Inabio) have successfully recorded 131 species of amphibians and 52 species of reptiles in the upper basin of the Napo River, which is a crucial part of the Ecuadorian Amazon and noted for its rich biodiversity. The study was conducted across five locations in eastern Ecuador, including protected areas such as the Sumaco and Llanganates national parks, as well as municipal, private, and indigenous reserves.

The study analyzed the composition and diversity of these biological groups across a wide range of ecosystems, extending from lowland Amazonian forests to Andean páramo ecosystems. The findings of the research underscore the region’s status as a true biodiversity mosaic, with faunal communities that vary significantly, even across relatively short distances. According to Inabio, the results from this study confirm the need for ongoing conservation efforts in these biodiverse areas where species richness is particularly high.

The implications of this research extend beyond mere documentation of species; it emphasizes the ecological importance of the Napo River basin in Ecuador and the necessity for effective conservation strategies to protect these fragile ecosystems. This work contributes to our understanding of biodiversity in the region and may inform future policies and initiatives aimed at preserving unique habitats and species within the Amazon rainforest.