Rapid Biodiversity Inventory and Habitat Characterization for the Implementation of the Technical Center for Sanitary Landfills in Loja, Ecuador

The objective was to identify the plant and animal species present within a 19.7-hectare area located between 2,570 and 2,650 meters above sea level in the Zalapa Alto sector, Taquil parish, Loja canton. The study was conducted in response to the need to assess potential environmental impacts of the project.

Over five days of fieldwork, both <b>direct and indirect methods were used to sample amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals</b>. A total of <b>92 plant species were recorded</b>, distributed among 41 families, including endemic and threatened species according to the IUCN and CITES. Habitats with important ecological characteristics were also identified.