NATURAL FORESTS AND AMAZONIC INDIGENOUS RESERVES
68% of Colombia’s natural forests are in the Colombian Amazon.
The Amazonic indigenous reserves shelter an area of 27.2 million hectares, of which 25.6 million are natural forests; 93% of the indigenous territories are covered by natural forest.
The natural forests of the Amazonic indigenous territories are fundamental for climate regulation, pollination, provision of raw materials, regulation of air quality, fresh water supply and storage, spiritual enrichment, among many others.
Thousands of species of flora and fauna coexist alongside the 64 Amazonic indigenous peoples and are preserved thanks to their knowledge systems.
NUMBER OF SPECIES IN THE COLOMBIAN AMAZONIA
– Flora: 9.837 plant species
– Fauna
206 species of amphibians
193 species of reptiles
185 species of rmammals
827 species of birds
– Aquatic biodiversity
737 species of aquatic fishes
1.436 species of microalgae
-Fungi
192 species of fungi
The rivers of the Colombian Amazon play a vital role in the water cycles, animal, and plant life and for the livelihood and spirituality of the indigenous peoples. The main rivers of the Colombian Amazon are Amazonas, Putumayo, Vaupés, Guainía, Caquetá, Apaporis, Guaviare, Puré, Papurí, Cahuinarí, among others and their multiple affluents.
The average extension of the water surface in the Colombian Amazon is 523,301 hectares.
