Ulla-Ulla Biosphere Reserve

Located in the higher elevations of Bolivia, the Ulla-Ulla Biosphere Reserve protects part of the Central Andean wet puna ecoregion. It contains a combination of ecological formations, including the high plateau, tundra, high Cordillera, mountains, lakes, river headwaters and a permanent snow zone.

The Ulla-Ulla Biosphere Reserve is located 160 km (100 mi) northwest of La Paz, and the Peruvian border makes up its western boundary. The Biosphere Reserve has an average elevation of over 4,000 m (13,123 ft) above sea level. It is part of the Apolobamba Integrated Management Natural Area, a protected area of Bolivia.

The Apolobamba Cordillera stands out as the chief mountain range along with the Cololo massif. Formations of Yungas, with their typical plant associations, are formed east of the Cordillera.

On the high plateau and the tundra, the fauna is characterized by camelids such us vicuna (Vicuña vicugna) and the Alpaca (Lama pacos), with populations estimated at 2,556 and 80,000 respectively (1984).

In the Cordillera and the heads of valleys, deer (Odocoileus sp.) and spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus) can be found. It is also the home of the Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus).

The human population is estimated to be some 15,000 people (1998), including people of Aymara origin. However, due to persistent frosts and low temperatures, no agricultural activity is possible in any part of the area. Consequently, the sole activity is raising alpacas and, to a lesser degree, llamas (Lama glama).

Due to the variety of habitats and ecological formations, the Ulla-Ulla Biosphere Reserve is of exceptional importance for scientific research.

The main goal of the Ulla-Ulla Biosphere Reserve is to protect natural, cultural, historical and anthropologic values through sustainable management of natural resources with local participation and scientific support.