An ancient forest in Ecuador is the last stand for the Black-breasted puffleg

The Yanacocha Reserve in the Ecuadorian Andes is the last known refuge for the Black‑breasted puffleg, a 9 cm hummingbird with an IUCN estimate of about 150–200 birds, and conservationists are working to restore its cloud-forest habitat.

Deep in the Ecuadorian Andes, the Yanacocha Reserve is described as the last sanctuary for the Black-breasted puffleg, a tiny hummingbird threatened by habitat loss. The bird measures about 9 centimeters and is known for white leg feathers and a dark chest. The reserve was founded by the Jocotoco Foundation 25 years ago and sits on the slopes of the Pichincha volcano northwest of Quito. Conservationists are reported to be working to restore the cloud-shrouded forest where the species lives. Key details: - Yanacocha Reserve is reported as the last refuge for the Black-breasted puffleg (Eriocnemis nigrivestis). - The International Union for Conservation of Nature estimates the species' global population at roughly 150–200 birds. - The puffleg occupies a narrow elevation band around 3,000–3,500 meters and its habitat is pressured by forest clearing for grazing and agriculture. - The reserve was founded about 25 years ago by the Jocotoco Foundation and local conservationists are restoring high-altitude cloud forest on the Pichincha slopes. Summary: The decline of high-altitude forest has left the Black-breasted puffleg confined to a small protected area, and Yanacocha remains its primary reported refuge. Conservation work to restore the cloud forest is underway, and further outcomes are undetermined at this time.