June is ‘Protect Our Species’ Month at Palm Done Right

Published on: June 19, 2023

This month we want to celebrate how our organic farming practices help protect native species. Palm Done Right is farmed in Ecuador and is USDA certified Organic. Ecuador hosts a variety of native species, both flora and fauna. First of all – let’s find out what native species are prevalent here:

• Birds: Palm farms can provide habitat and foraging opportunities for various bird species. Ecuador is known for its rich avian diversity, and palm farms can attract species such as toucans, parrots, tanagers, and Oropendolas.
• Butterflies and Insects: Palm farms often have flowering plants and diverse vegetation, which can attract butterflies and other pollinators. Ecuador is home to numerous butterfly species, including the famous morpho butterflies, and they can find suitable habitats within and adjacent to Palm Farms.
• Reptiles and Amphibians: Palm farms may provide shelter and foraging grounds for reptiles and amphibians. Species like lizards, snakes, frogs, and toads can find suitable microhabitats within the farm’s ecosystem
• Small Mammals: Certain small mammal species can inhabit palm farms in Ecuador. These may include rodents like agoutis and spiny rats, as well as insectivores such as shrews
• Invertebrates: Palm farms can support a range of invertebrate species, such as beetles, spiders, and ants. These organisms play important roles in the ecosystem as decomposers, pollinators, and prey for other animals.
• By maintaining diverse tree canopies, organic farms create suitable environments for Sloths to inhabit and traverse, ensuring they have access to food sources and adequate shelter.

Now that we have listed which species are native to our farming communities in Ecuador, let’s look at the practices we have in place for their protection:

• Conservation of Biodiversity. Through our USDA Organic Certificate we promote responsible land management practices that prioritize the protection of wildlife. This includes the implementation of buffer zones and the preservation of critical habitats within and around organic plantations. These measures enable native species to coexist and thrive alongside palm oil production. Additionally, Organic certification requires adherence to regulations that prohibit hunting, trapping, or any other activities that harm or disrupt local fauna.
• Reforestation and Restoration. Plantations are designed in a way that allows for the retention of native vegetation and the creation of wildlife corridors. Furthermore, Organic farming practices promote the rehabilitation of degraded land, converting previously deforested areas into thriving ecosystems.
• Organic Sustainable Palm Oil Cultivation employs environmentally friendly and sustainable farming practices. It emphasizes natural pest control methods, minimal use of agrochemicals, and responsible water management. By avoiding the excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers, OSPO minimizes pollution and its impact on ecosystems, benefiting both native species and the overall ecological

By combining these approaches, Palm Done Right® can help safeguard native species in Ecuador by promoting responsible land management, conserving biodiversity, protecting wildlife, and restoring ecosystems. These practices contribute to the preservation of Ecuador’s rich natural heritage.

If you would like to learn more about biodiversity in Ecuador, our very own Sustainability Director at Natural Habitats and Palm Done Right®, Monique van Wijnbergen, wrote about it in detail when she went Tropical Herping in this biodiversity hotspot.