Cotopaxi National Park

Ecuador, Lizards

Cotopaxi National Park, the second most visited National Park in Ecuador

In June 2023, I visited Cotopaxi National Park, another study site of ‘The Cold lizards project’. Situated in the center of the inter-Andean corridor, 50 km south of Quito, this protected area is a vast natural reserve. One of the most remarkable attractions is Cotopaxi volcano, which is an active stratovolcano with an elevation of5897m, making it one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. However, Cotopaxi volcano is not the only mountain visible on clear days; its companions, including Los Ilinizas, Rumiñahui, Sincholagua, and Morurco, complement the landscape of this magnificent place.

The northern slopes of Cotopaxi volcano embellished by the flowers of the meadow
The neck of the moon, popularized as the meaning of the name ‘Cotopaxi’, now makes total sense
The southern side Cotopaxi volcano has almost no glacier due to its intense activity. On its right is Morurco, a mountainous remnant of many eruptions from an ancient volcano.

Living in high altitudes, amidst a varied landscape of glacier-formed valleys and plains with low atmospheric pressure, intense ultraviolet radiation, and strong winds is truly a challenging task. Nevertheless, species living in Cotopaxi National Park, as well as in other Andean paramos, have quickly evolved adaptation that allow them to endure such conditions. One example is plants from the grass family (Poaceae), which have evolved long and thin leaves to avoid water loss and are among the most predominant plants in this area.

While searching for lizards in the dense grass vegetation, Cotopaxi volcano suddenly emerges. 

The representative fauna of Cotopaxi National Park includes the endangered spectacle bear, the Andean fox, the carunculated caracara, the white-tail deer, the endangered Andean Condor, the Andean marsupial frogs, and of course the lizard species Stenocercus guentheri.

The white tail deer can usually be seen foraging in the meadows of Cotopaxi volcano
The carunculated caracara, a sacred bird for the Incas, is a year-round resident of Cotopaxi paramo
The Andean fox waits for tourists eager to climb up to the Cotopaxi summit
One of the largest birds capable of flight in the world is the Andean Condor, and having the opportunity to see it gliding in the wild is truly a unique experience
The borders of Limpiopungo Lagoon are the perfect spot for marsupial frogs (Gastrotheca riobambae) to inhabit
A male of Stenocercus guentheri basks almost unnoticed by tourists walking on the trails around Limpiopungo Lagoon

Limpiopungo Lagoon, formed by the water from the glaciers, is another tourist attraction in Cotopaxi National Park. Along the trail that circles the lagoon, Andean gulls and ducks capture the attention of the visitors, yet the lizard S. guentheri is another dweller of the lagoon. Lizards in this location are commonly seen basking on the trail borders or sneaking into grasses and small shrubs.

Rumiñahui volcano wakes up after an extremely cold night, welcoming the tourists visiting Limpiopungo Lagoon.
The Andean gull is a permanent resident of Limpiopungo Lagoon, likely because this area provides them with abundant food such as insects and amphibians
Lizards can easily camouflage while basking in Poaceae plants
The branches of small shrubs can be a great spot for lizards to bask
“Don’t you dare to disturb my habitat”
A keen eye is essential to spot lizards within the dense Poaceae vegetation.

During the month of fieldwork at Cotopaxi National Park, I had unique experiences with Sofi and Erick, as well as with the park rangers with whom we shared the house. Their company and support were crucial for successfully completing the monitoring of this Stenocercus population.

Giovanni and Oscar, park rangers of Cotopaxi National Park, were enthusiastic about learning more about our work with Andean lizards
. Erik and I, waiting for the night to come to attempt astrophotography
Sofi and I, hoping that the sun would eventually appear and the rain would stop
From left to right, Eduardo, I, Edwin, and Erik in a not very busy area where we were fortunate to observe wild Andean Condors in flight

Yupaychani (Thanks in quichua),

Estefany Guerra-Correa