Central Andean Dry Puna - A Global Ecoregion
Supports an amazing variety of plants and animals
Snapshot: Ecoregion 109
Size:
307,000 sq. km (119,000 sq. miles)
Habitat type:
Montane Grasslands and Shrublands
Geographic Location:
Western South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru
Conservation Status:
Vulnerable
Quiz Time!
What microclimates can be found in this ecoregion?
Answer:
Thanks to "Zonda", the weather in the Central Andean Dry Puna ecoregion can change in a minute. This powerful wind mass pushes humid air from the Pacific Ocean up the west side of the Andes, where it often turns to snow. But as the air moves down the east side of the mountains, it quickly turns dry and warm.
About the Area
This ecoregion encompasses the south-central portion of the Andes Mountains and is characterized by a cold, dry climate. However, within this rather course, general pattern, there are numerous microclimates that provide the conditions necessary to support a rich array of well-adapted plants and animals.
Local SpeciesMammals found here include 14 endemics; among these are Possum (Gracilinanus aceramarcae), an Armadillo (Chaetophractus nationi), and Chozchoz (Octodontomys gliroides), the single species of the endemic genus. Wider ranging species include South American fox (Pseudalopex culpaeus), Guanaco (Lama guanicoe), and the Deer (Hippocamelus antisensis).
Threats
Conversion of lands to agriculture or for more extensive grazing may be cause for concern in this ecoregion.
Resources
• NationalGeographic.com
