Selection of emblematic species as a conservation experience in the department of Nariño Colombia

Abstract

Montenegro-Muñóz, S.A., Delgado, F., Pantoja, Y.P., Calderon-Leyton, J.J., Noguera-Urbano, E.A. 2019. Selection of emblematic species as a conservation experience in the department of Nariño Colombia. Ecosistemas 28(3):174-184. Doi.: 10.7818/ECOS.1750

Emblematic species represent the structure and complexity of its habitats and are used as a strategy to conserve and protect ecosystems. In this work, we describe a series of steps for selecting emblematic species in the state of Nariño. Firstly, as the main strategy, we had meetings with experts for obtaining the selection criteria. Secondly, we conducted a democratic exercise based on popular voting for selecting the emblematic species. Initially, the experts selected a group of 14 animals and 13 plants. Afterwards, we conducted a voting exercise with local people in 34 municipalities of the state of Nariño using online and in person voting. At the end of the voting, people selected two emblematic species: the terlaque of Nariño (Bird, Andigena laminirostris) and the big monks (Plant, Espeletia pycnophylla). This process shows the possibility of involving the community in processes of participatory science for the identification of conservation values. We recommend to make management plans for these species in order to establish the status of their populations.