The Valdivian Rain Forest, also called the Valdivian jungle, is an ecoregion in southern Chile and border redoubts in southwestern Argentina. It is characterized by having evergreen forests of multiple strata, in a temperate rainy or oceanic climate.
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| Valdivian Rain Forest Argentina |
In its natural form, the Valdivian Rain Forest contains native species of great height, typical characteristics of Patagonia.
The Valdivian Temperate Rain Forest is located on the western coast of South America, spreading mainly in Chile and parts of Argentina. This large forest covers an area of 248,100 square kilometers. The elegance of the Valdivian forests is only emphasized by dense bamboo, conifers, evergreens, ferns, narrow coastal strips, and glaciers. Forest ecosystems are constantly threatened by massive cuttings that destroy rare plants in the region. These forests are a haven for Antarctic flora, with many types of flora similar to the temperate rainforests of New Zealand, Tasmania, and Australia.
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| Valdivian Rain Forest Argentina |
Importance
The Valdivian Rain Forest is considered a primary forest, from where life on Earth begins. It is regarded as an example of what happens in the universe of a pure forest and is therefore considered a natural afforestation of native species. From an organic resource base dating back 13,000 years, its copious peat and deep sheet soils, on the initial base of rock and volcanic sand, have formed a permeable layer with a high content of sheet soil and humus, as well as numerous varieties of ferns and mosses. Small streams, rocks covered with mosses and protected naturally since they are not intervened by the human being are also found in the humid sectors.
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| Valdivian Rain Forest Argentina |
Flora
The Valdivian Temperate Rain Forest contains a very original and unique flora and fauna, very characteristic of Western Patagonia and found similarly in that of the Amazon, which —although with a different climate and temperature— has similar characteristics and are similar in what is called "Rain Forest". This native forest of Patagonia is seen mainly in northern Chilean Patagonia, where due to its isolation characteristics, it has not had contact with human beings and has been naturally protected from logging. Also, as it extends through the foothills of the Andes Mountains, it extends through certain precincts of the Argentine Patagonian mountain range, between the provinces of Neuquén and Chubut.