Chile Flora and Fauna

Due to its relative physical isolation and its diversity of geographic regions, Chile boasts an incredible variety of plants and animals, many of which are found only in Chile. Many of these species such as the vicuñas and guanacos of the northern alti plano or the alerce and monkey puzzle (araucaria) trees of Los Lagos are character istic of Chile’s varied and unique wildlife. Unfortunately, most of these are also in serious danger of extinction. Unchecked hunting, trapping, logging, and clearing have pushed dozens of once-widespread plants and animals onto the endangered spe cies list. Weak or nonexistent environmental laws have facilitated serious environ mental damage from industrial pollution and overpopulation. Despite these problems (and partially in response to them), the government has built one of the largest and most successful national park systems in the world.

PLANTS

The diversity and uniqueness of Chile’s plant life can be seen in every part of the country. Some of the most interesting and rare species are found in the most sparsely populated regions, a phenomenon seen most vividly in the case of the northern desert region. Although what little life there is in the desert and altiplano is, as expected, dominated by various types of cacti, the area is also home to the tamarugo, a spiny acacia tree, and the queñoa, which lives at slightly higher altitudes. Shrubs cover most of the land to the south, although the Santiago area has vestiges of the previ ously extensive Southern Beech forests (also called the Chilean palm). The climate becomes more tolerable for wildlife in the Central Valley and Los Lagos. The increase in rain and milder temperatures support a wide variety of trees, flowers, and grasses. Most notable among these are the national flower, the Chilean bellflower, and the national tree, the monkey puzzle. One of the other well-known species in this region is the Alerce, a relative of the sequoia tree that can survive for over 4000 years. Heavy logging of these enormous trees, however, has brought critical attention from international conservation groups.

ANIMALS

Although Chile’s severe climate zones and relative isolation has limited the breadth of animal species that populate the country, it has allowed for the development of a number of rare and interesting species. In the highlands surrounding the northern deserts live a large number of the llamas and alpacas so well known in Peru and Bolivia. However, Chile also is home to two other members of the llama family, guanacos and the endangered vicuñas. The soft fine coat of the vicuña made it the fabric of choice for the ancient Incan royalty and nearly drove it to extinction when it became widely popular at the turn of the century. Similarly, the rodent-like chinchilla was hunted so thoroughly that almost none exist today except as household pets. Its close cousin, the mountain vizcacha, has survived, although only in the southern highlands.

The rhea, or ñandú, is Chile’s version of the ostrich and makes its home in the southern highlands, along with the Andean condor. With a wing span of over three meters, the condor is often spotted floating lazily on the updrafts that blow through the mountain peaks. The endemic huemul, an endangered Chilean deer, lives within the rocky Patagonia. In the more hospitable temperate regions, Chile boasts a richer diversity of wildlife: look for pumas and other wild cats, the pudú, a small deer-like mammal, and a wide range of birds.

Although Chile’s terrestrial wildlife is somewhat limited, its assorted and abundant marine life more than compensates. The shores of the country are teeming with the incredible variety the Pacific offers. Penguins, sea lions, seals, and otters can be found along Chile’s extensive coastline. The coastal waters are home to a wide range of whales and dolphins and produce the enormous selection of fish and shellfish that are such an important part of the Chilean cuisine.