The ecosystem where I live is classified as Evergreen Submontane Forest, according to the map of Vegetation and Ecosystems of El Salvador prepared by the Natural Resources Department (MARN). The range of elevation goes from 700 to 1900 meters above sea level. The range of temperatures goes from 30°C in the foothills to 10°C in the upper part of the mountain. The average precipitation can reach the 2000 mm of rain. The humidity is always high. In the dry season, high humidity and clouds help maintain the forest moist. Few species of deciduous trees live in this forest, most of the area is covered by evergreen hardwoods. In some parts, the abundance of understory and vines become the forest in jungle hard to walk through. The slopes of this forest are very steep. Several creeks are born in this forest.
The forest that I am describing is called El Picacho Mountain, and this is the closest natural ecosystem close to my community (because I live in an urban environment). Coffee plantation grow adjacent to this forest, threatening to disturb the natural environment of this wilderness. My CAP project is about designating this forest as a natural protected area. The wildlife living in this forest is very representative: big mammals like White Tailed Deer are still found in this forest, as well as armadillo and coyote, a huge variety of birds, and some species of snakes, like Rattle Snake, Coral, and Boa Constrictor. Centennial hardwoods (old growth forest) is found in this region, because there has never been human activities.
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