Fundación Jocotoco is an Ecuadorian conservation organization that was founded in 1998 to protect the newly discovered Jocotoco Antpitta – a highly range-restricted bird species with fewer than 1500 individuals. Since then, Jocotoco has established a network of 16 conservation reserves totaling over 23,000 ha (57,000 acres) protecting some of the world’s most endangered species by conserving their remaining natural habitats. An emphasis is placed on species and habitats not already protected by Ecuador’s extensive National Park Systems (20.3% of terrestrial and 12.07% of Marine territory). Jocotoco’s actions work to compliment the efforts by the Ecuadorian Government to project Ecuador’s globally significant biodiversity.

Jocotoco is Spanish description of the Jocotoco Antpitta’s wonderful distinctive call – “Ho – Ko – To – Ko”

Ecuador is home to some of the highest concentrations (number of species/hectare) of biodiversity in the world. Many of these species are ENDEMIC and are found in very small areas making them vulnerable to extinction if their habitats are lost.