Sistema Lacustre Lagunas del Compadre. 15/12/2012; Loja, Zamora Chinchipe; 23,952 ha; 04º12'26"S 079º06'10"W. National Park, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. A lake system formed by 50 glacial lagoons located in the central portion of the National Park Podocarpus. The site is source of some rivers of local importance, as well as of the bi-national basin Catamayo-Chira and the Zamora basin. This type of lagoon system and its vegetation can be found exclusively in the southern part Ecuador and the immediate Peruvian Andean region. This high Andean region has the highest index of mammalian endemism in the country, particularly the Tapirus pinchaque and Tremarctos ornatus. The avifauna of the site is represented by Andean species adapted to high altitudes. Among others, there are some relevant species that are also considered in the IUCN Red List, such as Buthraupis wetmorei, Doliornis remseni, Neblina Metaltail (Metallura odomae), Coeligena iris, Montain Caracara (Phalcoboenus megalopterus), and migratory boreal birds like the Baird's Sandpiper (Calidris bairdii). The Ramsar Site is part of the nucleus zone of the Podocarpus-El Cóndor UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (2007). Ramsar Site no. 2086. Most recent RIS information: 2012.