WILD Campo Alegre – Hope for Colombia's Cloud Forests

Imagine hiking high in the cloud forests of the Colombian Andes. Suddenly, a rare creature appears amidst the dense mist – the mountain tapir . With its thick, woolly fur, it seems almost prehistoric, its dark eyes curious and alert. But as majestic as this moment is, only a few hundred of these animals still roam the cloud forests. Fences, deforestation, and the loss of their habitat have driven them to the brink of extinction.

This is exactly where the WILD Nature Foundation comes in with its Campo Alegre project – giving tapirs and many other endangered species a new chance.

A place full of life

On the western slopes of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano, at an altitude of approximately 3,000 meters above sea level, lies the Campo Alegre reserve – "the joyful land". It encompasses unique ecosystems such as the páramo (alpine tundra) and the dense cloud forests , which are among the most biodiverse regions in the world.

But a large part of this paradise has been cleared for cattle pastures in recent decades. The result: barren, marshy meadows that yield hardly any yield – but destroy valuable habitat.

The vision: to bring back forests

In December 2022, the foundation purchased its first estate, Cortaderal , with 731 hectares of land. Reforestation is now underway: cleared areas will be reforested, reconnecting the many small patches of remaining woodland. This will create a safe corridor for mountain tapirs, parrots, and countless other animals.

Species that give hope

• Mountain tapir (Tapirus pinchaque): The only tapir that does not live in the tropical rainforest, but high in the Andes. According to the IUCN, it is considered vulnerable, and its population continues to decline.

• Fuertes' parrot (Hapalopsittaca fuertesi): With only 250–300 individuals worldwide, it is critically endangered. However, a few breeding pairs live in the project area – a rare opportunity to save this species.

More than nature conservation

Campo Alegre not only protects animals and forests, but also preserves water sources that supply entire cities like Santa Rosa de Cabal and Pereira. Furthermore, research projects are being developed with universities, camera traps are being used to monitor the animals, and close collaborations are being established with the local population.

Stronger together

Project manager Christian Frimodt-Møller , a biologist who has lived in Colombia for over ten years, passionately launched the project. Thanks to his work and the support of partners, landowners, and authorities, the vision grows every day.

A new chapter for the Andes

Campo Alegre is more than a nature conservation project. It's a promise: that we can bring back habitats thought lost and give endangered species a future. And perhaps, when we one day hike through the cloud forests again, we'll encounter mountain tapirs even more often – as a sign that hope is worthwhile.