The Araucarias Biosphere Reserve has continental characteristics, with great temperature oscillations in the summer, accompanied by rainfall that varies between 2,000 and 3,000 mm a year and in the winter snowfall can reach up to 2 m in some areas.
Designation date: 1983
Networks
Regional network: Red de Comités y Reservas de Biosfera de Iberoamérica y el Caribe (IberoMAB)
Ecosystem-based network:
Description
Map
Surface : 93,833 ha
- Core area(s): 93,833 ha
- Buffer zone(s): N/A
- Transition zone(s): N/A
Location: N/A
Administrative Authorities
Nemo Ortega
CONAF
Chile
Tel.: +56 9-96441494
Email: nemo.ortega@conaf.cl
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Ecological Characteristics
The prevailing climate in the Conguillio sector is warm, temperate with less than four dry months. It has continental characteristics, with great temperature oscillations in the summer, accompanied by rainfall that varies between 2,000 and 3,000 mm a year and in the winter snowfall can reach up to 2 m in some areas. In the Alto Biobio sector, an icy climate predominates because of the altitude, with marked steppe characteristics. The following forest formations are to be observed: Araucaria associated with steppe comprising chusquea spp. This habitat is exclusive to this region of the country, only to be found in the Alto Biobio sector. The fauna is typical of steppe environments; pure Araucaria forests and Araucaria associated with Lenga Beech (Nothofagus pumilio), N. dombeyi and the Antarctic Beech (N. Antártica), which host a rich amphibian fauna, reptiles, birds and mammals and various groups of invertebrates.
The Araucaria is a very important ethno-botanical species as its territory coincides with the distribution of the Pehuenche people, who have historically used its seeds (piñón) as a seasonal source of food, and continue to do so today.
Socio-Economic Characteristics
Recreational activities such as excursions, angling, swimming, skiing and environmental education take place in the area where there are trails and Environmental Information Centres.
The 2013-2022 Management Plan has focused on five pillars: Social, Cultural and Knowledge Development; Territorrial and Environmental Development; Productive Development; and Policy and Administrative Development. The implementation of the Plan entailed, for instance, the establishment of the Araucarias Biosphere Reserve Park Schools, with environmental and cross-cultural programmes for all primary school students.
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Last updated: May 2020