Central Andean dry puna
| Central Andean dry puna (NT1001) | |
|---|---|
 Laguna Verde, Bolivia | |
 Location in central South America | |
| Ecology | |
| Realm | Neotropical |
| Biome | montane grasslands and shrublands |
| Borders | |
| Geography | |
| Area | 307,430 km2 (118,700 sq mi) |
| Countries | Desaguadero River, Lauca River, Río Grande de Lipez, |
| Conservation | |
| Conservation status | Relatively stable/intact[1] |
| Protected | 15.3%[2] |
The Central Andean dry puna (NT1001) is an
Setting
This ecoregion occupies the southwestern portion of the Altiplano and is located east of the Atacama Desert.[1]
In December 2023, scientists, for the first time, reported a recently discovered area on the current planet Earth, particularly in the territory of Puna de Atacama, which may be similar to ancient Earth, and the related environment of the first life forms on Earth - as well as - similar to possibly hospitable conditions on the planet Mars during earlier Martian times.[3]
Climate
This ecoregion has a dry climate ranging from cold steppe to cold desert.
Flora
Grasslands are dominated by species of the genera Stipa and Festuca. Typical high Andean wetlands are the Bofedales. These marshy areas are characterized by the presence of cushion bog vegetation. The Yareta grows in well-drained soils.[1]
Central Andean dry puna is home to
The genera Menonvillea, Nototriche, Pycnophyllum, and Werneria are characteristic of the dry puna.[1]
Fauna
Three of the flamingo species inhabit here. They are Andean flamingo, James's flamingo, and Chilean flamingo. Other remarkable birds are the Darwin's rhea, Andean condor, puna tinamou, puna teal, puna ibis & the Andean goose.[1]
Population and conservation
15.3% of the ecoregion is in protected areas. Those include:[2]
- Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve
- Lauca National Park
- Las Vicuñas National Reserve
- Llica National Park
- Llullaillaco National Park
- Los Flamencos National Reserve
- Nevado Tres Cruces National Park
- Olaroz-Cauchari Flora and Fauna Reserve
- Sajama National Park
- Salar del Huasco National Park
- Volcan Isluga National Park
- Yura National Park
Gallery
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Salar de Talar, Chile -
Laguna Colorada, Bolivia
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Central Andean dry puna". Terrestrial Ecoregions. World Wildlife Fund.
- ^ a b Central Andean dry puna. DOPA Explorer. Retrieved 26 April 2023.
- ^ Strain, Daniel (6 December 2023). "Deep within an inhospitable desert, a window to first life on Earth". University of Colorado. Archived from the original on 30 December 2023. Retrieved 30 December 2023.