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Since its establishment as a Science Center, Rio Palenque has been the subject of numerous studies and research projects with the purpose of widening the knowledge of its fauna and flora. In 1978, C. H. Dodson and A. H. Gentry published “Flora of Rio Palenque”, where 1100 species of vascular plants are identified, of which about 30 are endemic to this forest. |
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The
Rio Palenque humid tropical forest is located on the Quevedo –
Santo Domingo Highway, km 56, main artery joining Quito and Guayaquil.
This forest was developed as a biological research station in 1970
by the University of Miami, declared a protected area by the Ecuadorian
Government in 1971, and acquired by the Wong Foundation in 1998.
In this area, the vegetation varies from tropical
plantations along the coastal line to the humid tropical forest
to the west of the Andean slopes. In general, a variety of altitudes,
wind streams, rain patterns, and several other environmental factors
make this a luscious and exotic place.
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This
natural reserve has approximately 100 hectares, however recent studies
have increased the number of identified plants to more than 1200
species, over 360 species of birds have been observed, and more
than 350 species of butterfly species have been collected and identified.
Also, there exists a great variety of species such as frogs, bats,
iguanas, rodents, and insects.
Rio
Palenque is considered as the last remaining patch of wet forest
in coastal Ecuador (Myers, 1984); reason why it is an ideal location
for the observation and study of tropical ecology.
In
this area, the vegetation varies from tropical plantations along
the coastal line to the humid tropical forest to the west of the
Andean slopes. In general, a variety of altitudes, wind streams,
rain patterns, and several other environmental factors make this
a luscious and exotic place.
Rio
Palenque has a system of trails and observation stations where visitors
can appreciate the distinct species of fauna and flora, within the
forest and along the river bank. It also keeps nurseries with a
variety of ornamental, medicinal, and wood plants, one bamboo and
two orchid collections.
For
the convenience of visitors, since 2002 Rio Palenque provides lodging
facilities with all the basic services and comforts, in an environment
that keeps harmony with its natural surroundings. There is also
a scientific library and reading areas, that make this an ideal
place for the ecological and research tourist. 
The Wong Foundation 2002