The Utuana Forest Reserve protects a small remnant of evergreen forest at about 7800 ft. elevation. The forest is in a transitional zone between humid montane forest and the lower elevation Tumbesian dry forest. The land is managed jointly by the Fundacion Jocotoco and the Fundacion Arcoiris of Loja, Ecuador. The trees are heavily laden with epiphytes and are home to several enemic birds, including Piura Hemispingus, Black-crested Tit-tyrant, Watkins' Antpitta, Rainbow Starfrontlet, and Bay-crowned Brush-finch.