DOCSLIB.ORG

Environmental Change and the Agro-Pastoralist Livelihood in the Andes of Peru

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Environmental Change and the Agro-Pastoralist Livelihood in the Andes of Peru University of Massachusetts Amherst ScholarWorks@UMass Amherst Doctoral Dissertations Dissertations and Theses Fall November 2014 ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE AND THE AGRO-PASTORALIST LIVELIHOOD IN THE ANDES OF PERU Meagan M. Mazzarino University of Massachusetts Amherst Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.umass.edu/dissertations_2 Part of the Environmental Sciences Commons Recommended Citation Mazzarino, Meagan M., "ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE AND THE AGRO-PASTORALIST LIVELIHOOD IN THE ANDES OF PERU" (2014). Doctoral Dissertations. 276. https://doi.org/10.7275/5809257.0 https://scholarworks.umass.edu/dissertations_2/276 This Open Access Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Dissertations and Theses at ScholarWorks@UMass Amherst. It has been accepted for inclusion in Doctoral Dissertations by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks@UMass Amherst. For more information, please contact [email protected]. ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE AND THE AGRO-PASTORALIST LIVELIHOOD IN THE ANDES OF PERU A Dissertation Presented by MEAGAN M. MAZZARINO Submitted to the Graduate School of the University of Massachusetts Amherst in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY September 2014 Water, Wetlands, and Watersheds © Copyright by Meagan M. Mazzarino 2014 All Rights Reserved ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE AND THE AGRO-PASTORALIST LIVELIHOOD IN THE ANDES OF PERU A Dissertation Presented by MEAGAN M. MAZZARINO Approved as to style and content by: _________________________________________ Paul K. Barten, Co-Chair _________________________________________ John T. Finn, Co-Chair _________________________________________ Casey Brown, Member _________________________________________ Craig Nicolson, Member _________________________________________ R. Brooke Thomas, Member ______________________________________ Curtice R. Griffin, Department Head Environmental Conservation DEDICATION This dissertation is dedicated to the people in Nuñoa, Peru, particularly the alpaca herders. It is also dedicated to my family. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Many people have provided their guidance and support along the long and winding road that has led to this dissertation. First I would like to thank my PhD committee and specifically my co- chairs Paul Barten and John Finn for having faith in this interdisciplinary project and in my abilities to see it through. I would also like to thank each committee member individually since such an interdisciplinary topic required more participation than usual from every member at one time or another. Furthermore, R. Brooke Thomas shared his enthusiasm, knowledge, and past faux pas of the Andean region with me. In doing so, he helped shape this research and ensured that I was properly prepared to take on the challenge of field work in a remote region at an elevation above 4,000 meters. Brooke’s sincere support of me and this dissertation is so very valued. John (Jack) Finn has taught me much about statistics, GIS, and remote sensing. But more importantly, he has taught me much about statistics, GIS, and remote sensing in an atmosphere of patience, encouragement, and understanding. I will miss sitting at the table, eating chocolate, and erupting in laughter over various topics of conversation with both Jack and Maili Page. Over the years Maili’s friendship and reality checks have been invaluable. Sarah Raposa, my wonderful friend since our undergraduate days as aspiring geologists, continually offered her support throughout my PhD years. Our various short, but laughter filled vacations always provided the re-energizing motivation that was needed to get me to the finish line. Suzanne Holt has been there for me and for our family on numerous occasions. If it were not for her help with logistics of child care then this dissertation would not have been possible. Thank you Suze! There are several people in Peru who unselfishly provided their time, energy, and effort to help me achieve my research goals. The fieldwork component of this research was possible and successful because of their support. Uriel Alex Montúfar Condorena and Sra. Luz Marina v Antezana Velasquez dedicate so much of themselves to assist others that they have my utmost respect. I thank them for their help on many levels. Victor Hugo Gutierrez Morales and Jimmy Boza Monge helped with transportation and equipment installation. I thank all of the members of the herding community who were so gracias as to allow me and three other foreigners into their lives for a short time and share their thoughts and knowledge with us. I also thank the Cala/Caceres family for opening their home to me during each of my visits. It has been a pleasure getting to know them. Henry Lyle III, Alyse Wheelock, and Anna Culver made one of the research trips so enjoyable that I can’t image Nuñoa without them and their music. I would also like to thank Professor Tom Leatherman for all of his guidance and for the times we’ve spent “talking Nuñoa” over coffee. Finally, I would like to express my love and gratitude to my family not just for their support during the dissertation years but for their love through all of the years. vi ABSTRACT ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE AND THE AGRO-PASTORALIST LIVELIHOOD IN THE ANDES OF PERU SEPTEMBER 2014 MEAGAN M. MAZZARINO, B.S., ST. LAWRENCE UNIVERSITY M.S., UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST M.A., CLARK UNIVERSITY Ph.D., UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST Directed by: Professors Paul K. Barten and John T. Finn This dissertation research focuses on a high elevation Andean social-ecological system. It examines system linkages between climate, grazing pasture (wetlands), and agro-pastoralist livelihood strategies in an indigenous peasant community. Working within the conceptual framework of complex systems dynamics and sustainable livelihoods analysis, methods and concepts are synthesized from the disciplines of climatology, hydrology, remote sensing and political ecology, and results contribute to the transdisciplinary literature on vulnerability analysis within the context of environmental change. In the Andes of southern Peru livelihoods are based on agro-pastoralist activities that rely on access to natural resources in the puna ecosystem. The majority of pastoralists in the study region are indigenous Quechua who in the higher elevations raise herds predominantly of alpaca and sheep. This region in Peru has the highest density of alpacas and is a national leader in the production of fiber. The people in the District of Nuñoa are extremely proud of their alpaca herding heritage and have recently declared the district to be the “World capital and patrimony of the Suri alpaca”. Alpaca are therefore both economically and culturally important. Together with other members in the camelidae family (llama, vicuña, and guanaco), alpaca are vii well suited to the high elevation puna ecosystem. Wetlands in the puna, known as bofedales , have hydrological and biological characteristics that make them a vital resource to the pastoralist livelihood. Climatic and environmental perturbations may be more pronounced in mountain regions and the affects to local water balance, ecosystems, and humans may be more profound. The sensitivity, adaptive capacity, and hence vulnerability of individuals, groups, and livelihoods to perturbations is a complex function of social, political, and environmental factors. This research uses a hierarchy of spatial scales to understand climate variability in the region as well as spatial and temporal changes in the natural resource base. A case study of an agro-patoralist community allows for the characterization of two disturbance regimes (climate and land use and management) and the linkages between components in the herding system and climate system. The results indicate that there is periodicity in the regional hydroclimatology but a deterioration of the resource base in the watershed. Economic and political factors may be contributing to the overuse of natural pastures which increases the future vulnerability of alpaca herders to environmental change in the Nuñoa watershed. viii TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ...................................................................................................................... v ABSTRACT ........................................................................................................................................ vii LIST OF TABLES ................................................................................................................................ xii LIST OF FIGURES ............................................................................................................................. xiv CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 1 1.2 Research Approach and Objectives .............................................................................. 7 2. MODES OF PRECIPITATION AND STREAMFLOW VARIABILITY FROM 1964 TO 2006 .................................................................................................................................. 11 2.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................ 11 2.1.1 Objective ....................................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Political Ecology of Late South American Pastoralism: an Andean Perspective A.D
    The political ecology of late South American pastoralism: an Andean perspective A.D. 1,000-1,615 Jennifer Granta1 Kevin Laneb a Instituto Nacional de Antropología y Pensamiento Latinoamericano, Argentina b Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina Abstract Prehispanic South American pastoralism has a long and rich, though often understudied, trajectory. In this paper, we analyze the transition from a generalized to a specialized pastoralism at two geographical locations in the Andes: Antofagasta de la Sierra, Southern Argentina Puna, and the Ancash Highlands, Peruvian North- central Puna. Although at opposite ends of the Andes this herding specialization commences during the same moment in time, A.D. 600-1,000, suggesting that a similar process was at work in both areas. Moreover, this was a process that was irrevocably tied to the coeval development of specialized highland agriculture. From a perspective of political ecology and structuration theory we emphasis the time-depth and importance that Andean pastoralism had in shaping highland landscapes. Taking into consideration risk-management theory, ecology and environment as crucial factors in the development of a specialized pastoralism we nevertheless emphasis the importance of the underlying human decisions that drove this process. Based broadly within the field of political ecology we therefore emphasize how human agency and structure impacted on these landscapes, society and animal husbandry. Our article covers such aspects as the human and animal use of resource areas, settlement location, herding patterns, selective breeding, and human-induced alterations to pasturage. Keywords: Andes, pastoralism, political ecology, Southern Andes, Central Andes Résumé Le pastoralisme préhispanique sud-américain a une trajectoire longue et riche, mais souvent peu étudiée.
    [Show full text]
  • Louisiana State University LSU Digital Commons LSU Doctoral Dissertations Graduate School 2003 Pollen Dispersal and Deposition in the High-Central Andes, South America Carl A. Reese
    Louisiana State University LSU Digital Commons LSU Doctoral Dissertations Graduate School 2003 Pollen dispersal and deposition in the high-central Andes, South America Carl A. Reese Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.lsu.edu/gradschool_dissertations Part of the Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons Recommended Citation Reese, Carl A., "Pollen dispersal and deposition in the high-central Andes, South America" (2003). LSU Doctoral Dissertations. 1690. https://digitalcommons.lsu.edu/gradschool_dissertations/1690 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at LSU Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in LSU Doctoral Dissertations by an authorized graduate school editor of LSU Digital Commons. For more information, please [email protected]. POLLEN DISPERSAL AND DEPOSITION IN THE HIGH-CENTRAL ANDES, SOUTH AMERICA A Dissertation Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of the Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in The Department of Geography and Anthropology by Carl A. Reese B.A., Louisiana State University, 1998 M.S., Louisiana State University, 2000 August 2003 Once again, To Bull and Sue ii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS First and foremost I would like to thank my major professor, Dr. Kam-biu Liu, for his undying support throughout my academic career. From sparking my initial interest in the science of biogeography, he has wisely led me through swamps and hurricanes, from the Amazon to the Atacama, and from sea level to the roof of the world with both patience and grace.
    [Show full text]
  • Machu Picchu & Abra Malaga, Peru II 2018 BIRDS
    Field Guides Tour Report Machu Picchu & Abra Malaga, Peru II 2018 Oct 5, 2018 to Oct 14, 2018 Jesse Fagan For our tour description, itinerary, past triplists, dates, fees, and more, please VISIT OUR TOUR PAGE. Our hike to the ridge above Abra Malaga couldn't have been more magical. Cerro Veronica in the background and feeding alpaca in the foreground, that is the Andes in Peru. Video grab by guide Jesse Fagan. I hope that you found Peru to be overwhelmingly beautiful. The food, the people, the Andes, the humid forest, Machu Picchu, and, of course, the birds. Indeed, this is my second home, and so I hope you felt welcomed here and decide to return soon. Peru is big (really big!) and there is much, much more to see. The birding was very good and a few highlights stood out for everyone. These included Andean Motmot, Pearled Treerunner, Plumbeous Rail, Versicolored Barbet, and Spectacled Redstart. However, a majority of the group thought seeing Andean Condors, well, in the Andes (!) was pretty darn cool. Black-faced Ibis feeding in plowed fields against Huaypo lake was a memory for a few others. I was glad to see one of my favorite birds stood out, the shocking Bearded Mountaineer (plus, maybe I am just partial to the "bearded" part). But you couldn't beat Andean Cock-of-the-Rock for shock value and the female on a nest was something you don't see everyday. Thanks to our team of drivers, and Lucrecia, our informative and always pleasant local guide. I hope to see you again soon.
    [Show full text]
  • A 24,700-Yr Paleolimnological History from the Peruvian Andes ⁎ Rachel Hillyer A,B, Bryan G
    Available online at www.sciencedirect.com Quaternary Research 71 (2009) 71–82 www.elsevier.com/locate/yqres A 24,700-yr paleolimnological history from the Peruvian Andes ⁎ Rachel Hillyer a,b, Bryan G. Valencia a, Mark B. Bush a, , Miles R. Silman b, Miriam Steinitz-Kannan c a Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology, 150 W. University Blvd., Melbourne, FL 32901, USA b Department of Biology, Wake Forest University, Winston Salem, NC 27109, USA c Department of Biology, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY 41099, USA Received 22 February 2008 Available online 10 October 2008 Abstract A new paleolimnological dataset from Lake Pacucha (13 °S, 3095 m elevation) in the Peruvian Andes provides evidence of changes in lake level over the past 24,700 yr. A late-glacial highstand in lake level gave way to an early-Holocene lowstand. This transition appears to have paralleled precessional changes that would have reduced insolation during the wet-season. The occurrence of benthic/salt-tolerant diatoms and CaCO3 deposition suggest that the lake had lost much of its volume by c. 10,000 cal yr BP. Pronounced Holocene oscillations in lake level included a second phase of low lake level and heightened volatility lasting from c. 8300 to 5000 cal yr BP. While a polymictic lake formed at c. 5000 cal yr BP. These relatively wet conditions were interrupted by a series of drier events, the most pronounced of which occurred at c. 750 cal yr BP. Paleolimnological changes in the Holocene were more rapid than those of either the last glacial maximum or the deglacial period.
    [Show full text]
  • Assemblages of Bird and Mammal Communities in Two Major Ecological Units of the Andean Highland Plateau of Southern Peru
    Ecología Aplicada, 6(1,2), 2007 Presentado: 05/07/2007 ISSN 1726-2216 Aceptado: 08/12/2007 Depósito legal 2002-5474 © Departamento Académico de Biología, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima – Perú. ASSEMBLAGES OF BIRD AND MAMMAL COMMUNITIES IN TWO MAJOR ECOLOGICAL UNITS OF THE ANDEAN HIGHLAND PLATEAU OF SOUTHERN PERU ESTRUCTURA DE LAS COMUNIDADES DE AVES Y MAMÍFEROS EN DOS UNIDADES ECOLÓGICAS DE LOS ANDES DEL SUR DEL PERÚ Oswaldo Ramirez1, Margarita Arana1, Enrique Bazán1, Angel Ramirez2 y Asunción Cano2 Abstract Grasslands in the Andean highlands plateau of southern Peru have been considered as a single and homogeneous dry habitat also known as Puna. However, in some regions, a highest rainfall regimen is found, and the name of wet puna has begun to be used by some authors. Since no studies have been carrying out specifically to test if dry and wet puna are different ecological units, we chose two representative localities of each one of these habitat to evaluate assemblages of bird and mammal communities and their continuity or independence between these apparently similar habitats. Our results suggest that wet puna has different mammal diversity than dry puna, and a heterogeneous bird community with species that have been previously reported exclusively in paramo or exclusively in puna. In spite of the apparent uniform flora in the Andean highlands of South Peru, data suggest that rainfall regimens produce a mosaic of habitats that will be determining ecological barriers for terrestrial mammals, in particular for small mammals. Key words: Andean grasslands, Andean plateau, Cuzco, Oriental Cordillera, paramo, puna, Puno. Resumen Los Pajonales de los Andes del sur del Perú, también conocidos como Puna, son considerados como hábitats homogéneos y secos.
    [Show full text]
  • Bird Ecology and Conservation in Peru's High Andean Petlands Richard Edward Gibbons Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College
    Louisiana State University LSU Digital Commons LSU Doctoral Dissertations Graduate School 2012 Bird ecology and conservation in Peru's high Andean petlands Richard Edward Gibbons Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.lsu.edu/gradschool_dissertations Recommended Citation Gibbons, Richard Edward, "Bird ecology and conservation in Peru's high Andean petlands" (2012). LSU Doctoral Dissertations. 2338. https://digitalcommons.lsu.edu/gradschool_dissertations/2338 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at LSU Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in LSU Doctoral Dissertations by an authorized graduate school editor of LSU Digital Commons. For more information, please [email protected]. BIRD ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION IN PERU’S HIGH ANDEAN PEATLANDS A Dissertation Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of the Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in The Department of Biological Sciences by Richard Edward Gibbons B.A., Centenary College of Louisiana, 1995 M.S., Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi, 2004 May 2012 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This dissertation would not have been possible without the sacrifice and support of my wife Kimberly Vetter and her family. She will forever have my gratitude and respect for sharing this journey with me. My advisor Dr. J. V. Remsen, Jr. is acknowledged for his incredible knack for identifying the strengths and weaknesses in proposals and manuscripts. His willingness to let me flail about in my search for answers surely has helped make me a better researcher.
    [Show full text]
  • Studies in Latin American Ethnohistory & Archaeology
    COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL Studies in Latin American Ethnohistory & Archaeology Joyce Marcus General Editor Volume I A Fuego y Sangre: Early Zapotec Imperialism in the Cuicatlán Cañada, Oaxaca, by Elsa Redmond, Memoirs of the Museum of Anthropology, University of Michigan, No. 16. 1983. Volume II Irrigation and the Cuicatec Ecosystem: A Study of Agriculture and Civilization in North Central Oaxaca, by Joseph W. Hopkins, Memoirs of the Museum of Anthropology, University of Michigan, No. 17. 1984. Volume III Aztec City-States, by Mary G. Hodge, Memoirs of the Museum of Anthropology, University of Michigan, No. 18. 1984. Volume IV Conflicts over Coca Fields in Sixteenth-Century Peru, by María Rostworowski de Diez Canseco, Memoirs of the Museum of Anthropology, University of Michigan, No. 21. 1988. Volume V Tribal and Chiefly Warfare in South America, by Elsa Redmond, Memoirs of the Museum of Anthropology, University of Michigan, No. 28. 1994. Volume VI Imperial Transformations in Sixteenth-Century Yucay, Peru, transcribed and edited by R. Alan Covey and Donato Amado González, Memoirs of the Museum of Anthropology, University of Michigan, No. 44. 2008. Volume VII Domestic Life in Prehispanic Capitals: A Study of Specialization, Hierarchy, and Ethnicity, edited by Linda R. Manzanilla and Claude Chapdelaine, Memoirs of the Museum of Anthropology, University of Michigan, No. 46. 2009. Volume VIII Yuthu: Community and Ritual in an Early Andean Village, by Allison R. Davis, Memoirs of the Museum of Anthropology, University of Michigan, No. 50. 2011. Volume IX Advances in Titicaca Basin Archaeology–III, edited by Alexei Vranich, Elizabeth A. Klarich, and Charles Stanish, Memoirs of the Museum of Anthropology, University of Michigan, No.
    [Show full text]
  • First Ornithological Inventory and Conservation Assessment for the Yungas Forests of the Cordilleras Cocapata and Mosetenes, Cochabamba, Bolivia
    Bird Conservation International (2005) 15:361–382. BirdLife International 2005 doi:10.1017/S095927090500064X Printed in the United Kingdom First ornithological inventory and conservation assessment for the yungas forests of the Cordilleras Cocapata and Mosetenes, Cochabamba, Bolivia ROSS MACLEOD, STEVEN K. EWING, SEBASTIAN K. HERZOG, ROSALIND BRYCE, KARL L. EVANS and AIDAN MACCORMICK Summary Bolivia holds one of the world’s richest avifaunas, but large areas remain biologically unexplored or unsurveyed. This study carried out the first ornithological inventory of one of the largest of these unexplored areas, the yungas forests of Cordilleras Cocapata and Mosetenes. A total of 339 bird species were recorded including 23 restricted-range, four Near-Threatened, two globally threatened, one new to Bolivia and one that may be new to science. The study extended the known altitudinal ranges of 62 species, 23 by at least 500 m, which represents a substantial increase in our knowledge of species distributions in the yungas, and illustrates how little is known about Bolivia’s avifauna. Species characteristic of, or unique to, three Endemic Bird Areas (EBAs) were found. The Cordilleras Cocapata and Mosetenes are a stronghold for yungas endemics and hold large areas of pristine Bolivian and Peruvian Upper and Lower Yungas habi- tat (EBAs 54 and 55). Human encroachment is starting to threaten the area and priority conser- vation actions, including designation as a protected area and designation as one of Bolivia’s first Important Bird Areas, are recommended. Introduction Bolivia holds the richest avifauna of any landlocked country. With a total of 1,398 species (Hennessey et al.
    [Show full text]
  • Copyright by Jennifer Kristen Lipton 2008
    Copyright by Jennifer Kristen Lipton 2008 The Dissertation Committee for Jennifer Kristen Lipton Certifies that this is the approved version of the following dissertation: Human Dimensions of Conservation, Land Use, and Climate Change in Huascaran National Park, Peru Committee: Kenneth R. Young, Supervisor Gregory W. Knapp Kelley A. Crews Karl W. Butzer Richard H. Richardson Human Dimensions of Conservation, Land Use, and Climate Change in Huascaran National Park, Peru by Jennifer Kristen Lipton, B.S.; M.A. Dissertation Presented to the Faculty of the Graduate School of The University of Texas at Austin in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy The University of Texas at Austin August 2008 Dedication This is dedicated to the following list because of one or all of these characteristics: inspiration, beauty, integrity, patience, and support The mountain landscape, water in all forms, the flora and fauna of the Peruvian Andes The communities, families, and friends that live in and around the Cordillera Blanca My mentors that guided me in the discipline, in the classroom, and in the field Friends that I’ve had all along and friends that I met along the way Loving family that were always by my side Thank you Acknowledgements There is not enough space, and certainly not enough time, to express the amount of gratitude that I have to so many for making this research a reality. Many of the people that deserve this acknowledgement will probably not ever read these pages. And, so it is those individuals that I want to acknowledge first: the inhabitants living within reach of the Cordillera Blanca that sat with me, laughed with me, patiently listened while I spoke in broken Spanish, answered my questions, let me sit in on meetings, taught me about their landscape and lives, taught me how to dance a huayno , and showed me a dynamic landscape that is worth more than all of the gold contained within the hills.
    [Show full text]
  • Avifauna of a Chaco Locality in Bolivia
    Wilson Bull., 105(l), 1993, pp. 114-141 AVIFAUNA OF A CHACO LOCALITY IN BOLIVIA ANDREW W. KRATTER,~J T. SCOTTSILLETT,~,~ R. TERRY CHESSER,',~ JOHN P. ONEILL,’ ’ THEODORE A. PARKER III,1,3 AND ABEL CASTILLO~ ABSTRACT.-The avifauna of a locality in the Chaco region of Bolivia was studied during expeditions in 1990. Six species were found for the first time in Bolivia: Black-hooded Parakeet (Nundayus nenduy), Rufous-legged Owl (Strix r&es), Scimitar-billed Woodcreep- er (Drymornisbridgesii), Chaco Earthcreeper (Upucerthiacerthioides), Little Thornbird (Pha- cellodomussibilatrix), and Stripe-capped Sparrow (Aimophila strigiceps).Another species, Crowned Eagle (Harpyhaliaetus coronatus),previously was known for Bolivia only by a specimen from an uncertain locality. A number of species not known to breed in the Chaco were found, including some presumed austral migrants. The community composition of the Chaco avifauna varies dramatically among sites, reflecting gradients in moisture and veg- etation structure. ReceivedI5 March 1992, accepted5 Oct. 1992. The Chaco is an extensive area of dry scrub and deciduous woodland in south-central South America. Centered in western Paraguay and north- western Argentina, it extends north to southern Bolivia (dptos. Santa Cruz and Tarija), where it meets more humid forests. The Chaco avifauna has been summarized by Short (1975), but there are only a few (e.g., Capurro and Bucher 1988) single-site descriptions, such as those now available for several Andean and Amazonian forest localities. The avifauna of the Bolivian Chaco, especially the less dense, sandy-soil-based scrub char- acteristic of extreme southern Departamento de Santa Cruz, Bolivia, is largely undescribed.
    [Show full text]
  • W W W .Perubirdingroutes.Com
    Cactus canastero canastero Cactus Pelagic trip from Callao In order to organize a pelagic trip you need to contact The Central Peru Birding Route one of the companies offering boat trips out of the Asthenes cactorum Asthenes white cheeked cotinga cotinga cheeked white port of Callao. They organize trips around the islands of San Lorenzo. These are good and you can see most of the island birds including the Humboldt Penguin, There are only about 55 bird species here, which The Central Peru circuit can be also called the but in order to get birds such as Petrels and makes it a good introduction to Peruvian birding, “Route of Contrasts”. Starting in the coastal desert of Albatrosses you would need to go farther out to sea. holding some specialties and four endemics that are Lima, which includes wetlands, mist oases and one of Plan at least 6 boat hours. Go several kilometers out to difficult to see elsewhere (Thick-billed Miner, Grayish the richest oceans in the world, the transect, of which stresemanni Zaratornis the open ocean in search of a fish shoal, which you Miner, Raimondi’s Yellow-Finch and Cactus Canas- the spinal chord is the central Highway, rises dramati- will spot from far away by the concentration of tero). cally climbing the Western Andes, with mostly dry dolphins, storm-petrels, shearwaters, albatrosses, habitats, over the highest train pass in the world at gulls, terns, and more. Chumming is a good option Pantanos de Villa Ticlio (15 807 feet elevation) onto the puna plateau of and some of these companies can now arrange this.
    [Show full text]
  • Reconstructing the Potential Natural Vegetation and Soils of the High Andes
    Zurich Open Repository and Archive University of Zurich Main Library Strickhofstrasse 39 CH-8057 Zurich www.zora.uzh.ch Year: 2015 Reconstructing the potential natural vegetation and soils of the high Andes Sylvester, Steven Paul Posted at the Zurich Open Repository and Archive, University of Zurich ZORA URL: https://doi.org/10.5167/uzh-119640 Dissertation Published Version Originally published at: Sylvester, Steven Paul. Reconstructing the potential natural vegetation and soils of the high Andes. 2015, University of Zurich, Faculty of Science. Reconstructing the potential natural vegetation and soils of the high Andes Dissertation zur Erlangung der naturwissenschaftlichen Doktorwürde (Dr.sc.nat.) vorgelegt der Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftlichen Fakultät der Universität Zürich von Steven Paul Sylvester aus England Promotionskomitee: PD. Dr. Michael Kessler (Vorsitz) Prof. Dr. Peter Linder Dr. Colin Hughes Zürich, 2015 Contents ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ............................................................................................................................. 5 ZUSAMMENFASSUNG ............................................................................................................................. 7 SYNOPSIS ................................................................................................................................................. 9 PROLOGUE ............................................................................................................................................ 11 THE QUESTION: ARE THE
    [Show full text]