Effects of rural agriculture and plantation forestry on high Andean biodiversity

One of South America's most endangered forest ecosystems is the Polylepis forests (los bosques de kehuiña) in the Andean highlands. In Bolivia only about 650 km2 of Polylepis is left - down from an estimated potential distribution of 40.000 km2. The highland forests serves as important water catchment areas by "combing" humidity out of clouds and fog, and by accumulating precipitation.

The water generated by the highland forests is of vital importance for Andean biodiversity and human settlements. A yet unpublished study of Jon Fjeldså and Carsten Rabeck at Zoological Museum, Copenhagen, has shown a high correlation in areas in the Andes between local concentrations of bird species and both historic and recent human settlements. The authors propose that both biodiversity and human settlement relies on the same major factor: A predictable and stable water resource.

For such reasons any measure that can protect and regenerate the highland forests in the Andes are important.