Mindo is located in a `cloud forest`. Cloud forests cover the transition zone between the high Andes and the lowland jungle. Cloud forests have a delicate, misty appearance, with moss-draped trees near cold rushing streams. Annual precipitation comes in the form of clouds, fog, and rain. Temperatures are much lower here than in the Amazon. Cloud forest vegetation is similar to that of the rainforest. Up to 60 percent of all plants are epiphytes, which live off airborne moisture and nutrient particles as they grow far above the soil, depending on other plants for support. Many of these are orchids, which thrive at moist, moderate-to-high altitudes. Cloud forests also have tree ferns which reach heights of five to eight meters. Cloud forests also have bamboo, mosses, lichens, and brachens.
Birds in the cloud-forest include the Andean cock-of-the-rock, quetzals, tanagers, toucans, and hummingbirds. The Andean spectacled bear is the only bear native to South America. Males can grow two meters long and range through the cloud forest from Venezuela to Bolivia. Ecuador has one of the largest populations of this highly endangered animal. (I did not see one).
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