Where We Work

SBC’s conservation efforts are focused on two critical landscapes in Peru. Each presents unique challenges and opportunities for protecting vulnerable spectacled bear populations and biodiversity.

Map of South America showing spectacled bear geographical range in Peru, including Laquipampa in northern Peru and Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary

LAQUIPAMPA, NORTHERN PERU

For nearly 20 years, SBC has been protecting the unique and endangered Tumbes bear population. This is the only one inhabiting the highly threatened equatorial dry forest. This geographically isolated population is found in the Lambayeque department’s Leche River basin, far from the core bear distribution in the Andes.

A Landscape of Biodiversity

The Tumbes population inhabits three distinct ecosystems spanning from lowland dry forest to montane cloud forest, up to high elevation paramo grasslands. These habitats also support many threatened, range-restricted, and endemic species including:

+190 bird species, 60% of them endemic
The endangered White-winged guan, critically endangered Mountain tapir, and vulnerable Andean condor
Endangered algarrobo and sapote trees, mountain palms, and numerous orchids

Our long-term monitoring has identified a 75,000-acre landscape, centered on the Laquipampa Wildlife Refuge national protected area and surrounding forests. This is the most viable intact habitat remaining for this bear population. SBC’s scientific data on bear ecology and species diversity contributed to the landscape’s designation as a Key Biodiversity Area. This recognition highlights its global conservation importance.

Conservation in Action

Our work here focuses on three priorities: continued research on bear ecology to develop science-based conservation action, empowering local communities with knowledge and resources to coexist with bears, and protecting critical habitat. Recent conservation milestones include:

Deploying the first GPS collars on bears in the Laquipampa Wildlife Refuge
Purchasing the Calicantro private land to permanently protect 5,000 acres of critical habitat adjacent to the protected area

Our Conservation Center

SBC’s conservation center in Batán Grande, Lambayeque, is the headquarters for our operations, education programming, Felti program, and volunteer projects in northern Peru. This area has special cultural and archaeological significance in Peru. as the center of the pre-Incan Sicán civilization. The nearby Pomac Forest National Sanctuary (Bosque de Pomac) preserves both dry forest and ancient pyramid ruins.

Wide landscape view of dry equatorial forest habitat in Lambayeque, northern Peru, home to the spectacled bear (Tumbes bear population)

Dry equatorial forest in Lambayeque, northern Peru, showing trees within spectacled bear (Tumbes bear) habitat.

Dry equatorial forest in Lambayeque, northern Peru, with mountains in the background, within spectacled bear (Tumbes bear) habitat.

Vertical cliff formations in Lambayeque, northern Peru, within spectacled bear (Tumbes bear) habitat in dry equatorial forest landscape.

Cliffside drop in Lambayeque, northern Peru, within dry equatorial forest habitat of the spectacled bear (Tumbes bear), with blue sky above.

Aerial view of mountains in Lambayeque, northern Peru, with cloud cover over peaks within spectacled bear (Tumbes bear) habitat.

Spectacled Bear Conservation (SBC) field research team walking along a mountainside in Lambayeque, northern Peru, within spectacled bear (Tumbes bear) habitat.

Close-up of a stream in Lambayeque, northern Peru, within dry equatorial forest habitat of the spectacled bear (Tumbes bear)

Layered view of mountains in the distance with trees in the foreground in Lambayeque, northern Peru, within spectacled bear habitat

Distant view of forest in Lambayeque, northern Peru, with approaching fog and rain clouds over spectacled bear (Tumbes bear) habitat

Spectacled Bear Conservation (SBC) researchers and local community members walking through long grass in Lambayeque, northern Peru, within spectacled bear habitat

Distant view of Spectacled Bear Conservation (SBC) researchers and local community members trekking through long grass in Lambayeque, northern Peru, within spectacled bear (Tumbes bear) habitat.

Local community members in colorful clothing walking through long grass in Lambayeque, northern Peru, within spectacled bear (Tumbes bear) habitat

Entrance of the Spectacled Bear Conservation (SBC) center in Peru featuring murals of spectacled bears on the exterior walls

Mural at the Spectacled Bear Conservation (SBC) center in Peru depicting an ocelot as part of wildlife and biodiversity artwork

Exterior view of a Spectacled Bear Conservation (SBC) field center building in Lambayeque, northern Peru

Petroglyph in Lambayeque, northern Peru, within spectacled bear (Tumbes bear) habitat range

Dry equatorial forest habitat in Lambayeque, northern Peru, within the spectacled bear range.

Dry equatorial forest habitat in Lambayeque, northern Peru, framed by a foreground tree within spectacled bear range.

MACHU PICCHU HISTORIC SANCTUARY

Nestled high in the Peruvian Andes, Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary is known worldwide for its iconic Incan ruins. However this UNESCO World Heritage site is equally exceptional for its biodiversity. The 80,000-acre protected area encompasses rugged mountain landscapes and lush cloud forests, making it one of the most ecologically rich locations on Earth. It’s home to:

25% of all Peruvian bird species
15% of all Peruvian mammals
20% of all Peruvian flora

Groundbreaking Research

In partnership with Peru’s National Protected Areas Authority (SERNANP), SBC launched a pioneering study in Machu Picchu to understand spectacled bear ecology and collect the scientific data needed to strengthen conservation management.

In 2023, we conducted the most extensive study ever undertaken in the region, deploying over 200 camera traps across Machu Picchu’s diverse and challenging terrain. This expedition established the baseline data on bear population health and habitat use needed to assess the impacts of tourism and environmental threats.

Building on the camera trap study findings, we initiated a groundbreaking GPS collaring program in 2024, deploying the first collars on spectacled bears in Machu Picchu.

Looking Ahead

We’re expanding our Machu Picchu research by deploying additional GPS collars and continuing long-term monitoring. Modeled after our approach in northern Peru, we’re also building trust-based partnerships with local communities near vital bear habitat, empowering them with conservation knowledge and resources to coexist with bears.