Treasures of the forgotten forest: artists for nature in the Tumbesian region of Peru and Ecuador

Robert Williams.
Wildlife Art Gallery, Suffolk (UK), 2004
Hard cover, ISBN: 1-86872-963-X
300x250mm, 168pp, £30.00 (plus p&p)

This magnificent, illustrated book, featuring the work of twenty wildlife artists from twelve countries, is aimed at generating awareness for one of the most biologically rich yet threatened areas on Earth. The Tumbesian region is an area of tropical dry forests in the coastal lowlands of western Ecuador and northwestern Peru. Because of the large number of endemic species found here (one fifth of all plants, 84 bird species and ten mammals are found nowhere else), it is considered one of the most unique areas on the planet, but it has been neglected in the state-protected areas of both Ecuador and Peru. Unsustainable use of natural resources has devastated the dry forests to such an extent that just 10% of the natural habitat remains, and many species are now on the brink of extinction. Urgent and dedicated conservation action is required to safeguard what remains, and to promote the restoration of damaged habitat. Pioneering steps to conserve the forests are now being made by several local communities and conservation groups under the umbrella of Bosques Sin Fronteras. It is this consortium which has attracted the support of the Artists for Nature Foundation, partnered by the British Birdwatching Fair (which has the Tumbesian region as its support theme in 2004), Birdlife International, WWF and the Comision de Promocion del Peru.

Recognising the need to bring this unique region to the attention of the world, two groups of artists visited the Tumbesian region in 2003. Here, among the cactus-studded scrublands, ceiba woodlands and cloud forests, the artists feverishly sketched and painted the birds, insects, mammals, plants and other wildlife. The combined result of this creativity has been packaged in this extraordinary book, and the original artworks will be on exhibit at the British Birdwatching Fair from 29 August.

It is difficult to single out any of the individual artists who have contributed to this endeavour, but I found the vibrant watercolour paintings of Lars Jonsson, Vadim Gorbatov, Bruce Pearson, Barry W. van Dusen and Denis Clavreul to be particularly captivating.

The book and its paintings will certainly contribute significantly to an awareness of the region, and will also be sure to encourage travellers (especially birdwatchers) to visit the region. This will provide alternative sources of income to local people and justify the long-term conservation of the landscape.

Proceeds from the sale of this book will go towards the conservation work in the Tumbesian region. Not widely available, the sumptuous, large-format publication can be ordered directly from the publishers who will post to most countries (e-mail: wildlifeartgallery@btinternet.com).

-Duncan Butchart-

Posted: Plants by CC Africa, Date: 22 November 2006