History & Background:

Paucarillo Forest Reserve was established in 1994 very shortly after Madre Selva Biological Station. Paucarillo is on tribal lands of the Yagua Indian community of Santa Ursula, and was established through a cooperative agreement with the community for the management and use of 500 ha (~1,100 acres) of tribal land. Community members have priority for any employment opportunities, and currently employ a rotating caretakership for the station. The station provides access to extensive areas of primary igapo (blackwater-inundated) and terra firme (upland) forest, as well as to aquatic habitats along the Rio Orosa, including black-water ox-bow lakes (cochas). The community of Santa Ursula is the last permanent settlement on the river, although hunters, loggers, and collectors of various forest products travel to the headwaters during high water. The Paucarillo Forest Reserve protects extensive stands of Irapay palms (Lepidocaryum tenue), an important resource for residents of Santa Ursula who utilize this palm for thatch. Community members reserve the right to harvest certain forest products from the reserve area.

Location & Habitats:

Paucarillo is located is located on the Rio Orosa (a southern tributary of the Amazon) some 34 river km (20 river miles) further up the Rio Orosa from Madre Selva Biological Station. The nearest permanent community is the Yagua Indian community of Santa Ursua, about 15 river km downriver. Facilities overlook the Rio Orosa, which at this level is a completely black-water river without influence from the white-waters of the Amazon. Paucarillo Creek is located a short distance upriver from the station facilities, and provides high-water access to interior regions. Extensive areas of igapo forest occur along the creek and along portions of the Rio Orosa. Upland terrain consists of rolling hills and steep ravines, as well as swamp forest and aguajales (Mauritia palm swamps). Most forest is primary, but small areas of young and old secondary forest occur near the station facilities. Many species of palms dominate the understory on ridges and hilltops, and antplants of many species are common, occasionally forming monotypic patches of varying size. Particularly prominent are species of Tococca, Cordia, Pausandra and Duroia.

Facilities:

The station overlooks a bend of the Rio Orosa. Facilities consist of a central traditional-style building (built on stilts with open sides and palm thatch roof) connected by short walkways on either end to a kitchen/dining area and restroom facilities that are connected to a septic system. A water tower is filled with water from the Rio Orosa for restroom and general use. Two primary trails lead into the forest from the station clearing, with additional connecting trails.