World Heritage Identification Number: 260
World Heritage since: 1983
Category: Natural Heritage
WHE Type: Protected Areas & National Parks
Transboundary Heritage: No
Endangered Heritage: No
Country: 🇪🇨 Ecuador
Continent: Americas
UNESCO World Region: Latin America and the Caribbean
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Sangay National Park: A Biodiverse Haven in Ecuador
Sangay National Park, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, is a testament to the rich biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes found within Ecuador. Spanning across five provinces - Morona-Santiago, Chimborazo, Tungurahua, Cañar, and Azuay - this expansive protected area showcases an extraordinary array of ecosystems, from tropical rainforests to glacial peaks, creating a mesmerizing contrast that captivates visitors and researchers alike.
More to come…UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site
With its outstanding natural beauty and two active volcanoes, the park illustrates the entire spectrum of ecosystems, ranging from tropical rainforests to glaciers, with striking contrasts between the snowcapped peaks and the forests of the plains. Its isolation has encouraged the survival of indigenous species such as the mountain tapir and the Andean condor.
UNESCO Justification of the World Heritage Site
Criterion (vii): The Sangay National Park contains one of the world’s most complex series of ecological habitats. With an altitudinal range extending from 900 to 5,319 metres above sea level, the park includes three volcanoes: Tungurahua (5,016m), Sangay (5,230m), and Altar (5,319m). These volcanoes have a superlative aesthetic beauty, including a rare combination of grasslands, rainforests and many other fragile habitats. The property includes a vast system of wetlands with 327 lakes, covering a surface of 31.5 km2, which protect and generate environmental services of local, national and regional importance. The park also contains one of the largest areas of páramo (a montane grassland vegetation) occurring in Ecuador.
Criterion (viii): Sangay (a perfect cone-shaped volcano) is notable globally for its long period of continuous activity. The area exhibits a rugged topography with deep, steep-sided valleys, abundant cliffs and many rocky jagged peaks. A number of large rivers, draining eastwards into the Amazon Basin, are characterized by fast and dramatic variations in water level. Run-off is extremely rapid due to high rainfall and steep slopes. Erosion is a constant danger, although controlled by thick forest vegetation. Numerous waterfalls occur, especially in the hanging valleys of the glacial zone along the eastern edge of the Cordillera.
Criterion (ix): The presence of an active volcano means that primary succession is a continual process which influences species composition in a number of special ecosystems in the park, including rainforest, cloud forest, grasslands and moorlands (páramos). For example, many plant species in the páramo, in particular bunch grasses and cushion plants, have adapted to cold weather conditions and have evolved specialised structures for water capture. These areas also provide an excellent example of ongoing succession, where volcanic ash creates fertile soil and new habitats for plant colonization. Although the flora is poorly known, at least 3,000 species are expected to occur in the park and, given the special conditions, probably exhibit a high degree of endemism. At the same time the associated fauna, including a large number of birds and insects, is also expected to be unique. The park comprises two Endemic Bird Areas, the Central Andean páramo (home to some 11 bird species of restricted range), and the Ecuador-Peru East Andes (home to 17 restricted-range species). It is important to note that the high diversity of ecosystems and different vegetation types in the park increases the likelihood of evolutionary changes.
Criterion (x): Natural vegetation has been well conserved and covers around 84.5% of the entire park. With its different ecosystems, the park has the best and least disturbed assemblage of native species in the region. At least 3,000 species of flowering plants are expected to occur in the park and recent reports describe 107 mammal, 430 bird, 33 amphibian, 14 reptile and 17 fish species. Perhaps the highest profile animal is the endangered Mountain Tapir, for which the Sangay Park represents one of its last refuges. The park is also one of the three protected areas with the largest populations of Spectacled Bear, classified as vulnerable. Other emblematic species include the Andean Condor, Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Jaguar and Giant Anteater, classified as vulnerable because its populations are declining in many parts of its range. The Lowland Tapir, another vulnerable rainforest species, only survives in undisturbed areas.
Encyclopedia Record: Sangay National Park
Sangay National Park is a national park located in the Morona-Santiago, Chimborazo, Tungurahua, Cañar, and Azuay provinces of Ecuador. The park contains two active volcanoes, one extinct volcano El Altar. Protecting a range of elevations from 900 to 5,319 meters above sea level, Sangay National Park contains a wide variety of habitats, including glaciers, volcanic landscapes, tropical rainforests, cloud forests, wetlands, grasslands, and one of the largest regions of páramo in Ecuador. 327 lakes feed into a vast wetland system covering 31.5 square kilometers (12.2 sq mi).Additional Site Details
Area: 271,925 hectares
Number of Components: 1
(viii) — Outstanding example representing major earth stages
(ix) — Outstanding example representing ecological and biological processes
(x) — Contains most important habitats for biodiversity
Coordinates: -1.83333 , -78.33333
IUCN World Heritage Outlook
The 2025 Conservation Outlook on Sangay National Park reports the following assessment:
Source: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) · View assessment
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World Heritage Research
Discover scientific research and academic studies that deepen our understanding of Sangay National Park from its history and significance to its conservation, management, and contemporary challenges.
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Registros novedosos de dos especies de tapires en las estribaciones orientales de los Andes de Ecuador
Researchers document novel records of the lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris) and mountain tapir (T. pinchaque) in Ecuador's eastern Andean slopes, including the lowest known elevation for the latter at 975 meters. The study compiled direct observations, camera trap data, tracks, and predation evidence from protected areas like Llanganates and Sangay National Parks, as well as community territories. Notably, the two tapir species were found to overlap at the extremes of their altitudinal ranges, with three predation events attributed to Andean bears (Tremarctos ornatus) and pumas (Puma concolor). The findings underscore the urgent need for strengthened conservation efforts due to threats from mining, road development, and hunting in these critical biodiversity areas.
Reyes-Puig, J. P., Grefa-Huatatoca, J. J., Grefa-Vargas, C. J., Weulersse, P., Konradowski, B., Ortiz, B., Vargas, R., Cerda, N., Cerda, J., & Ríos-Alvear, G. (2026). Novel records of two tapir species in the eastern slopes of the Andes of Ecuador. Mammalia Aequatorialis, 8(2), 137–147. https://doi.org/10.59763/mam.aeq.vi.166
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Discovery of a new species of Coendou (Rodentia: Erethizontidae) within the hyper-diverse mammalian community of Sangay National Park in Ecuador
Researchers have identified a new species of porcupine, Coendou sangay, within the highly diverse mammalian community of Sangay National Park in Ecuador. This discovery was made through extensive fieldwork spanning 15 years, involving 12,800 trap-nights and 2,400 camera-trap days. The new species is characterized by its medium body size, short tail (approximately 26% of head-and-body length), tricolored bristle-quills with brownish-red tips, and distinct cranial features. Phylogenetic analysis using mitochondrial Cytochrome b data revealed significant genetic divergence from its closest congeners, confirming it as a distinct lineage within Clade B. Notably, only one specimen was found, suggesting that Coendou sangay is a rare, canopy-dwelling specialist. The study also highlights Sangay National Park's remarkable mammal diversity, with 170 species recorded, including 18 endemic and 35 threatened taxa. This research underscores the importance of long-term, intensive inventories in uncovering cryptic arboreal lineages and emphasizes the urgent need for conservation measures to protect this high-elevation biodiversity hotspot.
Brito, J., Curay, J., León-Caldas, V., Lojan-Cueva, P., Ojala-Barbour, R., Pozo-Zamora, G., Simba, L., Tito, P., Vargas, R., Vega-Yánez, M. A., & Batallas, D. (2026). Discovery of a new species of Coendou (Rodentia: Erethizontidae) within the hyper-diverse mammalian community of Sangay National Park in Ecuador. PeerJ, 14, e21382. Portico. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.21382
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The Long Journey of a Bird: From Sangay to the Laboratory
A decade-long effort to collect avian samples from Sangay National Park, Ecuador, has transitioned into a critical phase of pathogen research. The 20 bird species gathered during challenging fieldwork are now being analyzed for avian pathogens, marking a pivotal shift from logistical hurdles to scientific discovery. This study bridges the gap between remote expeditions and laboratory analysis, offering new avenues for understanding disease dynamics in tropical ecosystems. By leveraging advanced techniques, researchers aim to uncover insights that could inform conservation strategies and future fieldwork, while also fostering interdisciplinary collaborations.
Pozo-Zamora, G., Cadena-Castro, E., & Rodríguez-Pazmiño, Á. S. (2026). The Long Journey of a Bird: From Sangay to the Laboratory. The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.26-0073
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Development of a Mathematical Model for the Prediction of Organic Carbon Loss Due to Water Erosion in the Upper Andean Micro-Watersheds of Sangay National Park
A robust mathematical model has been developed to predict organic carbon loss due to water erosion in the high Andean micro-watersheds of Sangay National Park, Ecuador. The model, based on soil physicochemical variables such as carbon content and the carbon-nitrogen (C_N) ratio, reveals that nutrient-rich soils exhibit greater resistance to erosion while compaction negatively impacts carbon storage capacity. Notably, deeper soil layers (60 cm) show more stability against surface erosion compared to shallower depths (30 cm). The model effectively accounts for variability in carbon dynamics under different conditions, providing a reliable tool for monitoring and mitigating erosion in vulnerable high-altitude ecosystems. This research addresses critical gaps in understanding soil organic carbon dynamics in remote Andean environments, offering practical insights for conservation efforts.
Cazorla-Vinueza, X., Barahona-Morales, M., & Estrada-Brito, N. (2025). Development of a Mathematical Model for the Prediction of Organic Carbon Loss Due to Water Erosion in the Upper Andean Micro-Watersheds of Sangay National Park. Journal of Lifestyle and SDGs Review, 5(2), e04408. https://doi.org/10.47172/2965-730x.sdgsreview.v5.n02.pe04408
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Spatiotemporal Analysis of Water Quality Conditions in High-Andean Lakes Based on Satellite Indicators Using Sentinel 2 and Landsat 8/9 Images
A spatiotemporal analysis of water quality in the ultra-oligotrophic Ozogoche lakes within Sangay National Park, using Sentinel-2 and Landsat 8/9 imagery, reveals consistent low nutrient levels over an eight-year period (2016–2024). The study leveraged automated water products from the C2RCC processor, with C2RCC demonstrating the highest accuracy for chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) measurements (RMSE = 0.68 mg/m³), outperforming other satellite-derived products. This approach effectively overcomes challenges posed by optical complexity and cloud cover, providing reliable data for monitoring high-Andean aquatic ecosystems. The findings underscore the potential of remote sensing to support sustainable water resource management in protected areas.
Cantos, V. F. F., Rodríguez, P. X. L., Izurieta, J. E. A., Santillán, C. A. J., Ruiz-Verdú, A., Verrelst, J., Goethals, P. L. M., & Delegido, J. (2025). Spatiotemporal Analysis of Water Quality Conditions in High-Andean Lakes Based on Satellite Indicators Using Sentinel 2 and Landsat 8/9 Images. Water, 17(21), 3145. https://doi.org/10.3390/w17213145
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Key connectivity areas in the Llanganates-Sangay Ecological Corridor in Ecuador: A participative multicriteria analysis based on a landscape species
Research identifies critical connectivity areas within the Llanganates-Sangay Ecological Corridor, essential for sustaining the dispersal of the Mountain Tapir. The study reveals that forest and native grasslands are vital for species movement, while roads pose significant barriers. Additionally, natural vegetation remnants between pastures and crops act as stepping-stones, facilitating connectivity. Using circuit analysis, multi-criteria decision analysis, and spatial suitability modeling, the study prioritizes sub-basins based on their importance for wildlife conservation. Threats to biodiversity and proximity to conservation areas were highlighted as key factors in spatial suitability. This approach integrates scientific data with stakeholder participation, offering a practical framework for balancing conservation needs with land management challenges in human-dominated landscapes.
Ríos-Alvear, G., Meneses, P., Ortega-Andrade, H. M., Santos, C., Muzo, A., López, K. G., Bentley, A. G., & Villamarín, F. (2024). Key connectivity areas in the Llanganates-Sangay Ecological Corridor in Ecuador: A participative multicriteria analysis based on a landscape species. Landscape and Urban Planning, 246, 105039. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2024.105039
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Coproductive Capacities Support Implementation of Ecuador’s Sangay-Podocarpus Connectivity Corridor
Ecuador's Sangay-Podocarpus Connectivity Corridor (CCSP) demonstrates that strong normative and cognitive capacities are critical for advancing ecological corridor implementation, though material constraints hinder sustained progress. The study highlights the CCSP's shared vision for social-ecological wellbeing and robust biophysical science foundation as key enablers of scientifically informed action. However, gaps in integrating social sciences and Traditional Ecological Knowledge, along with insufficient funding and human resources, pose significant challenges. Semi-structured interviews with stakeholders revealed that while normative capacities (shared values) and cognitive capacities (biophysical expertise) are well-developed, material capacities (resources) remain the weakest link. This research underscores the need for targeted capacity-building to sustain effective conservation efforts in biodiversity hotspots.
Oppler, G., & Thomsen, J. M. (2024). Coproductive Capacities Support Implementation of Ecuador’s Sangay-Podocarpus Connectivity Corridor. Society & Natural Resources, 37(7), 1070–1089. https://doi.org/10.1080/08941920.2024.2329889
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