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Volcán Quetrupillán
Bosque Pehuén
Es una reserva natural de 882 hectáreas ubicada en la Araucanía andina
chilena, junto al Parque Nacional Villarrica, entre los volcanes Villarrica
y Quetrupillán, en la zona de Alto Palguín, Pucón. Inserta en la Reserva
de la Biósfera Araucarias (Unesco, 1983), contiene una singular riqueza
de biodiversidad, característica del ecosistema de bosque templado
húmedo del hemisferio Sur.
7
Este lugar es
A
Una cuenca completa que protege praderas, bosques
antiguos, matorrales, bosques secundarios y bosques
ribereños. Estos distintos ambientes permiten
estudiar mejor la regeneración del bosque.
B
Una reserva para la fauna nativa: pumas, zorros,
pájaros carpinteros y diversas especies de aves.
También para especies muy antiguas y únicas que
se consideran amenazadas: araucaria, ranita de
Darwin y monito del monte.
C
Un bosque con gran cantidad de árboles antiguos,
que viven juntos, se estima, desde 1640 –algunos
podrían tener hasta 700 años– y permiten estudiar
su relevancia como legados biológicos.
D
Un bosque que fue parcialmente explotado, lo que
hace posible ver cómo se desarrollan los nuevos
árboles y cómo el bosque se recupera solo a
partir de la intervención humana. La presencia de
grandes renovales de raulí, uno de los árboles más
preciados de la industria chilena, sirve para analizar
su desarrollo sustentable.
8
MAPA HIDROLÓGICO
CAMINOS Y SENDEROS
Salto de La Mariposa
Sendero de la Cascada
Camino al Yurt
Camino el Puma
Sendero al
Quetrupillán
Cascada de
la Felicidad
LEYENDA
CAMINOS
SENDEROS
CURSOS DE AGUA
9
Cambios humanos y naturales
10
AMBIENTES E HITOS
Salto de
la Mariposa
Entrada
Yurts
Casa cuidador
y galpones
Araucarias
Cascada de
la Felicidad
LEYENDA DE AMBIENTES
► RENOVAL MULTIETÁNEO ► MATORRAL Y PRADERAS
► BOSQUE NATIVO ADULTO ► RENOVAL COETÁNEO
*
L A PRECENCIA DE UN NUEVO AMBIENTE SE HA DESCUBIERTO: EL BOSQUE RIBEREÑO, QUE SE ENCUENTRA EN ESTUDIO
11
El bosque se cuida
a sí mismo
14
Ciclos del bosque viejo
• Dosel
• Copa
• Tronco Hongos
Material leñoso
muerto
Raíces •
En el suelo, estos bosques acumulan una gran y sobre ellas aparecen los troncos de los árboles
cantidad de material leñoso muerto. Sabemos caídos. Muchos estudios en bosques templados
que los árboles viven por fuera: lo que está den- del mundo muestran que la regeneración del
tro de los troncos no está vivo, sino que la vida bosque ocurre en esos troncos. Los nuevos ar-
de un árbol está en el lugar donde interfiere con bolitos que sobreviven y llegan a adultos son los
el medio. El piso está lleno de restos en distinto que germinan en estos troncos. Los resultados
estado de descomposición, desde ramas peque- de la investigación en Bosque Pehuén coinciden:
ñas hasta troncos, cubierto por densa vegetación los nuevos árboles crecen en los troncos en
baja, canelos y coligües. Estas especies enraízan descomposición y no en el suelo.
16
¿Cuándo muere un árbol?
LEGADOS BIOLÓGICOS
Los árboles antiguos y el material muerto que
regenera la vida forman la biblioteca natural del
bosque, en la cual se encuentra la historia y las
posibilidades de estudiarla.
19
Nuevos conocimientos
El bosque como una red de comunicación Los árboles como grandes conectores
La investigadora canadiense Suzanne Simard y el El biólogo inglés David G. Haskell, autor del libro
experto alemán Peter Wohlleben son algunos de En un metro cuadrado de bosque (Turner, 2015;
los científicos que se dedican a desentrañar la red en inglés, The Forest Unseen), realiza una nueva
de comunicaciones que componen los bosques. En investigación titulada The Songs of Trees (2017), en
el libro The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, la que sostiene que cada ser vivo en los bosques
How They Communicate, de septiembre de 2016, no solo se sustenta en sus conexiones, sino que
Wohlleben reúne investigaciones y su propia expe- está hecho de ellas. Al escuchar a los árboles, los
riencia para explicar cómo los árboles aprenden, grandes conectores de la naturaleza, podemos
recuerdan, se comunican entre ellos y se advierten aprender sobre la fuente de la vida y desarrollar
sobre el peligro enviando señales eléctricas a través nuevos sentidos éticos.
de la red de material vivo que los une; incluso,
cómo alimentan a árboles muertos. Crecen en fami-
lias, se hacen amigos y siempre viven en relación a
lo que los rodea.
20
Sabiduría que se expande Cambiar nuestra percepción y no el paisaje
La investigadora estadounidense del dosel, Nalini La situación actual de los ambientes naturales exige
Nadkarni, ha incorporado a sus trabajos obras que que nos detengamos nuevamente a observarlos. Este
se conectan con la comunidad, como su programa modo de aproximación a la naturaleza la transforma,
de enseñanza sobre los bosques para presidiarios, como muchas otras cosas de nuestro entorno, en un
y con las artes: poetas, bailarines, cantantes de objeto de arte. El arte ofrece una estructura analítica
rap, entre otros, se han subido a los árboles para que permite construir nuestras propias realidades;
experimentar otras dimensiones de conocimiento. la naturaleza y los paisajes también son construccio-
Su libro Between Earth and Sky (2010) va desde la nes de ciertas realidades. Bosque Pehuén se abre al
antropología a la medicina para explicar el valor de desarrollo de proyectos que buscan converger arte
los bosques en la cultura y la vida de las personas. y naturaleza; un espacio donde explorar la interde-
pendencia de los seres vivos y reconocer que el ser
humano es también una parte del complejo sistema
de la naturaleza. Los trabajos artísticos logran
representar los misterios de la naturaleza como
una entidad sagrada y también destacan la valiosa
relación que tienen nuestras culturas originarias con
ella. Nos hacen conscientes de lo que nosotros le
debemos ahora a la tierra.
21
El bosque mapuche
Bosque Pehuén se ubica en la zona de la Así, los espíritus de la naturaleza tienen una
Araucanía que ha sido habitada desde tiempos especial importancia, ya que en ellos residen las
ancestrales por el pueblo mapuche (mapu: potencias benéficas (newén), las cuales han sido
tierra, che: gente), el cual se identifica con prác- entregadas por los dioses creadores para dar
ticas culturales ligadas fuertemente al bosque. continuidad y activar la vida de la naturaleza. Las
Algunas de estas prácticas perduran hasta hoy, zonas precordilleranas y cordilleranas, donde se
y combinan actividades económicas, aspectos encuentra Bosque Pehuén, posee como principal
ideológicos y de organización social, tal como espíritu el del bosque nativo (ngen-mawida),
sucede con la recolección de piñones (semillas quien es el encargado de salvaguardarlo. Este es-
de la araucaria), práctica familiar fundamental píritu, además de proteger la vida de la flora y la
para la alimentación de este pueblo y que es fauna, previene su explotación excesiva. Para los
fiel reflejo de la sobrevivencia de su economía mapuche, quien habita o hace uso del bosque,
recolectora. debe pedir permiso al entrar a él, justificar su
propósito y expresar su agradecimiento por me-
Los mapuche poseen como fundamentos princi-
dio de obsequios, cumpliendo así con el principio
pales el respeto al mundo espiritual, el culto a los
tradicional de la reciprocidad.
antepasados (pillanes), a los espíritus de la natu-
raleza (ngen) y a la interrelación entre el pueblo La disminución de los bosques nativos en la
mapuche con la madre tierra (ñuke mapu). Se Araucanía atenta con el desarrollo de las prácti-
caracteriza por tener una relación respetuosa cas ancestrales del pueblo mapuche. El aumento
con la naturaleza, desde la cual obtienen innu- de las plantaciones forestales de especies exóti-
merables beneficios, como los poderes curativos cas (pino y eucalipto) ha sido una de las princi-
de plantas y vegetales silvestres, sustento de su pales causas de esa disminución. Por lo mismo,
medicina y la alimentación, teniendo como obje- lugares como Bosque Pehuén adquieren valor,
tivo el estar bien, es decir, en equilibrio mental, en tanto se posicionan como espacios capaces
físico y espiritual. de dar sustentabilidad no solo ecosistémica sino
también cultural.
Referencias
Aillapan, L. & R. Rozzi (2004). Una etno-orni- Artes, C. N. d. l. C. y. l. (2011). Diagnóstico del Grebe, M. E. (1992). El concepto de Ngen en
tología mapuche contemporánea: Poemas desarrollo cultural del pueblo mapuche. la cultura Mapuche. Lenguas y Literaturas
alados de los bosques nativos de Chile. Región de la Araucanía. Santiago. Indoamericanas.
Ornitol. Neotrop, 15, 419-434. --- (1993). “El subsistema de los ngen en
la religiosidad mapuche”. Revista Chilena
de Antropología.
24
“NGEN M AWIDA HABL A
POCO, PERO EN EL
INVIERNO, CON VIENTO
Y LLUVIA, RESPONDE A
C U A L Q U I E R P R E G U N TA .
H A B I TA D E N T R O D E U N
BOSQUE QUE NO SEA
P L A N TA D O P O R L A M A N O
DEL HOMBRE.
SU CASA NO SE VE,
S E S I E N T E ”.
↑
HOJAS DE ARAUCARIA
26
BOSQUES EN EL MUNDO ACTUAL
LEYENDA
► BOSQUES ► TIERRAS MADERABLES ► BOSQUES TEMPLADOS DEL HEMISFERIO SUR
Hoy los bosques ocupan cerca del 31% de la veinte años, desde 1990 al 2010 se registró una
superficie del planeta, alrededor de 4000 millo- pérdida del 9% de la superficie forestal. Una
nes de hectáreas. proyección poco alentadora predice que si si-
gue el ritmo de la deforestación, América Latina
Se estima que hace quinientos años, cerca del
se quedaría sin bosques en 220 años.
75% de América Latina estaba cubierta por
bosques, 25% más que en la actualidad. Solo en fuente: fao 2012
28
SALTO DE LA MARIPOSA
GONDWANA
Eurasia
Australia
Norteamérica
África
Antártica
Sudamérica
Estos bosques se originan en el antiguo con- Con el tiempo y los movimientos tectónicos de
tinente de Gondwana –en sánscrito, Bosque las placas terrestres, los continentes se fueron
de Gond, el nombre de una región de la India– moviendo. Así, las plantas y animales emparen-
hace 200 millones de años. Entonces India, tados se dispersaron en los distintos continen-
África, Australia, Nueva Zelanda, la Antártica y tes, separados por miles de kilómetros.
Sudamérica estaban unidas, con un clima princi-
palmente tropical, en un mundo muy diferente
al actual. Era la edad de oro de los dinosaurios.
31
Araucarias
FICHA
Vive desde los 700 y hasta los de años. Cuando el árbol cumple
1700 metros de altura. 20 años comienza a producir se-
millas, conocidas como piñoñes.
Es un árbol longevo que puede Su corteza, firme y durísima, con
vivir más de mil años. En Bosque placas características, sopor-
Pehuén hay ejemplares de unos ta el frío y resiste el fuego: es
700 años. una antigua protección contra la
actividad volcánica.
Las pequeñas hojas perennes de
sus ramas tienen puntas agudas Dimensiones: 50 metros de alto /
y están muy unidas entre ellas, 2 metros de ancho.
así se protegen del frío. Hay
árboles femeninos y masculinos, * de una superficie total de
ambos producen conos: los mascu- 253.715 ha. cubiertas por bos-
linos son puntiagudos y los fe- ques de araucaria en chile,
meninos más grandes y redondos. un 48.4%, es decir 122.679 ha.,
Se polinizan con el viento y su están protegidas en parques
ciclo reproductivo demora un par nacionales.
32
Monito del monte
FICHA ANIMAL
Vive dentro de huecos de árboles
caídos o en nidos que construye con
musgos y hojas. Se alimenta de lar-
vas de insectos, mariposas y frutos,
como el del quintral. Es muy tímido
y difícil de ver: sale principalmente
en la noche.
Dimensiones: 19 a 25 cm
34
Tierras aisladas
36
Las glaciaciones
Se calcula que estos bosques han estado aislados por más de 1500 km
de zonas áridas y semiáridas, durante más de un millón de años.
38
39
La avanzada de los árboles
·· Los árboles del género Nothofagus, coihue (N. dombeyi), el raulí (N. nervosa)
y el roble (N. obliqua), que tiene otros parientes en Chile y también en Australia
y Nueva Zelanda.
·· Una familia con una especie como el olivillo (Aextoxicon punctatum), árbol
muy antiguo del que no se sabe bien quiénes son sus parientes cercanos, típico
del bosque costero y presente en algunos otros paisajes.
40
Los habitantes y
sus relaciones
En Bosque Pehuén se han observado:
42
Árboles
1 2 3 4
los nothofagus
44
TRONCO DE MAÑÍO
BOSQUE DE COIHUES
Epífitas
Son plantas que crecen sobre otras
plantas sin ser parásitas, solo
las usan como soporte. Pueden ser
vasculares, como la medallita o los
helechos película, o no vascula-
res, como los musgos y hepáticas.
Además de plantas, también existen
abundantes líquenes y hongos que
viven como epífitos. Los musgos y
hepáticas son muy pequeños. Para
clasificarlos se requiere hacer
cortes y muestras visibles solo en
microscopio. En las copas de los
árboles de Bosque Pehuén se han en-
contrado 17 especies diferentes.*
*Estudios en Bosque Pehuén docu-
Las copas son hábitat de innume- mentaron por primera vez la ri-
46
las epífitas ofrecen refugio y alimento a distintos
animales: arañas, hormigas, aves, anfibios, reptiles
e incluso a pequeños mamíferos como ratones.
47
Helechos
Son uno de los tipos de plantas vasculares,
en este caso sin semillas, más antiguas:
tienen más de 400 millones de años y muchas
especies de helechos se han extinguido a lo
largo de la historia. En Chile se han docu-
mentado alrededor de 120 especies, y crecen
sobre todo en bosques templados, donde abun-
da la sombra y humedad, dos condiciones que
facilitan su crecimiento.
↑
HELECHO PELÍCULA
48
HELECHOS
Hongos y líquenes
Son organismos muy importantes pero po-
co conocidos de los bosques. En el caso
de los hongos, se estima que existe entre
un millón y medio hasta cinco millones de
especies en todo el mundo, pero solo se
le ha puesto nombre científico a un poco
más de 80 mil especies. Los hongos son los
procesadores de la basura por excelencia,
su trabajo es descomponer, y de ese modo
liberar los nutrientes, que quedan dispo-
nibles para las plantas. Algunos hongos
(las micorrizas) funcionan como extensiones
de las raíces de las plantas, ayudándolas
a captar nutrientes del suelo. Los hongos
forman enormes redes subterráneas, muchas
veces invisibles. Lo que habitualmente
vemos de los hongos son sus estructuras
reproductivas, que afloran en distintas
temporadas según la especie.
52
53
Plantas
En Bosque Pehuén se han identificado
97 especies diferentes de plantas vascula-
res –es decir, que tienen raíces y tallos–,
desde arbustos como los canelos enanos
o los colihues, además de gran varie-
dad de plantas con flores, trepadoras y
hierbas. Estas son algunas de las flores
más representativas:
Capachitos
Calceolaria biflora Lam.
Calceolaria crenatifolia Cav.
Calceolaria tenella Poepp. & Endl.
Calceolaria valdiviana Phil.
Orquídeas
Chloraea gaudichaudii Brongn.
Chloraea magellanica Hook. f.
Codonorchis lessonii (Brongn.) Lindl.
Gavilea odoratissima Poepp.
Alstroemerias
Alstroemeria aurea Graham
TAIQUE,
DESFONTAINIA
SPINOSA
54
CANELO ENANO MIMULUS LUTEUS
ALSTROEMERIA
SOLANUM
Aves
ZORZAL →
las aves viven en:
·· Bosques antiguos: chucao,
rayadito, picaflor chico, pitío
y carpintero negro.
60
CARPINTERO NEGRO
PEUQUITO
CARPINTERO NEGRO
NIDO DE PICAFLOR CHICO
aguilucho cachudito viudita
(Geranoaetus polyoso- (Anairetes parulus): (Colorhamphus parviros-
ma): Se observa fácil- Es una de las aves más tris): Con su pico muy
mente pues es bastante pequeñas de Chile. corto y negro, esta ave
grande. Construye sus Es ágil y anda entre captura en el aire a
nidos con palos secos matorrales buscando pequeños insectos, su
en copas de árboles, insectos, su princi- presa predilecta. Por
donde pone dos huevos. pal alimento. En ramas ser pequeña y andar
Para cazar se lanza en altas construye sus ni- entre tupidos follajes,
picada contra pequeños dos con líquenes, pasto es difícil de ver, pero
mamíferos, aves, repti- y ramas, y lo cubre de se sabe que está allí
les o caracoles. plumas. Pone hasta tres por su agudo silbido.
Dimensiones: 45 a 55 cm huevos color crema. Dimensiones: 13 cm
Dimensiones: 11 cm
peuquito carpinterito
(Accipiter chilensis): diucón (Veniliornis lignarius):
También conocido co- (Xolmis pyrope): Gracias a su robusto
mo gavilán chileno, es Se lo reconoce por sus pico puede taladrar los
una de las aves rapaces brillantes ojos rojos árboles para encontrar
más veloces y ágiles. –cuando son adultos, larvas, gusanos e in-
Gracias a su cuerpo es- pardos en la juven- sectos, su alimento. El
belto, pasa fácilmente tud. Se posa en la sonido que hace al ta-
entre los árboles y el copa de árboles. Se ladrar puede escucharse
follaje cuando persi- alimenta de frutos y en el bosque a todas
gue a una presa –insec- pequeños insectos. horas del día.
tos, lagartijas y aves Dimensiones: 21 cm Dimensiones: 15 a 18 cm
más pequeñas.
Dimensiones: 40 cm fiofío
(Elaenia albiceps):
bandurria Esta pequeña ave es una
(Theristicus melano- de las más abundantes
pis): Se encuentra en de Chile, sobre todo en
pantanos, humedales o verano, pues en oto-
bosques, caminando de ño migra hacia zonas
manera lenta. Su gran más cálidas en Perú y
pico delgado y curvo Brasil. Aunque es di-
le sirve para sacar gu- fícil de ver pues anda
sanos e insectos de la camuflado en el follaje
tierra, aunque también de árboles y plantas,
se alimenta de peque- se sabe que está allí
ños roedores y anfi- por su canto, que suena
bios. Es muy ruidosa: como su nombre.
su sonido se parece a Dimensiones: 15 cm
una corneta.
Dimensiones: 73 cm ↑
CHUCÁO
64
CARPINTERITO
otras especies
Pitío (Colaptes pitius) Rayadito (Aphrastura spinicauda)
Carpintero (Campephilus Cometocino (Phrygilus patagonicus)
magellanicus) Golondrina chilena (Tachycineta
Chercán (Troglodytes aedon) meyeni)
Chucao (Scelorchilus rubecula) Jilguero (Sporagra barbata)
Huet huet (Pteroptochos tarnii) Loro (Enicognathus sp.)
Churrín del sur (Sytalopus Picaflor (Sphanoides sphaniodes)
magellanicus) Queltehue (Vanellus chilensis)
Churrete (Cinclodes patagonicus) Tiuque (Milvago chimango)
Colilarga (Sylviorthorhynchus Torcaza (Patagioenas araucana)
desmursii) Tordo (Curaeus curaeus)
Comesebo (Pygarrhichas albogularis) Zorzal (Turdus falcklandii)
65
Mamíferos
chingue
(Conepatus chinga)
Este zorrillo vive en varios países de América,
desde Brasil hasta Magallanes. Habita en madrigueras
que cava en la tierra, de hasta siete metros de pro-
fundidad; en Bosque Pehuén se lo suele ver durante
la noche, cuando sale de su cueva a buscar insectos,
roedores, aves terrestres, sapos y bulbos, su alimento.
Se lo reconoce por su olor: para defenderse expele un
líquido fétido.
Dimensiones: 70 cm
zorro culpeo
(Lycalopex culpaeus)
Vive en toda la cordillera de los Andes, desde Colombia
a la Patagonia; desde el nivel del mar hasta altitu-
des de 4.800 m. Es el zorro más grande de Chile. Aunque
suele andar solo, en época de reproducción aúlla para
encontrar pareja, con la cual hace una guarida pa-
ra tener a sus crías. Es un excelente cazador de lie-
bres, ratones, conejos, lagartijas y aves, y también
come frutos.
Dimensiones: 90 cm
puma
(Puma concolor puma)
Este gran felino es conocido por los mapuche como
“pangui” y como “león de montaña” por los sureños
(aunque no ruge, ronronea). Es sigiloso: es más fácil
ver sus huellas que encontrarlo a él. Prefiere cazar
pequeños mamíferos como conejos y roedores.
Dimensiones: 120 cm
66
IMÁGENES DE CÁMARA TRAMPA EN BOSQUE PEHUÉN
otros mamíferos
En Bosque Pehuén se han visto otros animales autóctonos, como
la huiña (Leopardus guigna), el felino salvaje más pequeño de
Sudamérica. Viven también animales introducidos como liebres,
ciervos y jabalíes. Solo el primero es deseable, pues alimenta
al puma; los otros resultan destructores del hábitat.
67
english version
70
IVÁN DÍAZ CLIMBING THE PEHUÉN FOREST
TREETOPS FOR HIS CANOPY RESEARCH.
study identified the different elements of the to the top of the tree, where the results are
territory, from its watercourses to the relation- relevant when proposing methods of conser-
ship with neighboring properties, and it defined vation, resource management, environmental
and contributed with creative and sustainable education and environmental education and
ways to preserve this land. From this point on science expansion.
this land took on the name ‘Bosque Pehuén’, ·· A complete study of the forest allows for the
or ‘Pehuén Forest’. The term pehuén is also comprehension of its regeneration and natu-
commonly used for the araucaria trees, which ral life cycles; a fundamental role carried out
comes from Arauco, meaning ‘chalky soil’ in by the ancient forests, the biological legacies,
Mapuzungun—the language of the Mapuche and the life that grows in the tree canopies.
indigenous people—which has also been used This generates new, useful knowledge for the
to name this area even though the land of preservation, sustainable management and
the Pehuenche, a group of the Mapuche, live renovation of the forests.
further north in the Bío Bío river.
This land is...
·· The Laboratory of Biodiversity and Canopy ·· A basin of old growth temperate rainforest,
Ecology of the Institute of Conservation, regenerated forests, shurbs and grassland, as
Biodiversity and Territory of the Faculty of well as riparian forests. These different envi-
Forest Science and Natural Resources of the ronments enable a better study of a forest’s
Universidad Austral de Chile began conduct- regeneration process.
ing research in Bosque Pehuén in 2014. These ·· A reserve for native fauna: pumas, foxes,
scientific investigations led by Dr. Iván Díaz, woodpeckers, and diverse species of birds.
along with Daniela Mellado, Javier Godoy and It is also a reserve for ancient and unique
Ricardo Moreno, among others, focus on the species which are considered endangered:
ecology and conservation of tree canopies, araucaria (monkey puzzle trees), Darwin’s
that is the vertical study from the ground
71
frog and monito del monte (Spanish for ·· A forest that was once partially exploited
“little mountain monkey”). allows for one to witness the growth of new
·· A forest with a substantial amount of old trees and how a forest is able to recuperate
growth trees, which are estimated to have after human intervention. The presence of
been living together since 1640—some may second growth raulí (beech), one of the most
be up to 700 years old–which enables the valued trees in Chilean industry, helps us
study of their relevance as biological legacies. analyze their sustainable development.
Entrance Yurts
Caretakers and
Barn-style lofts area
Araucarias
LEGEND
► UNEVEN-AGED SECOND GROWTH FORESTS ► SHRUBS AND GRASSLANDS
► NATIVE ADULT WOODLAND ► EVEN-AGED SECOND GROWTH FORESTS
* A FIFTH ENVIRONMENT HAS RECENTLY BEEN DISCOVERED, RIPARIAN FORESTS, WHICH IS CURRENTLY UNDER STUDY.
72
Man and Nature The Forest Looks After Itself
The current Andean mountain range landscape Due to their commercial value, these forests
in the Araucanía is a patchwork of old-growth have suffered considerable exploitation with
and second-growth forests as well as shrubs only those less suitable for timber being left
and grassland areas. The study of these envi- behind. The forest management techniques that
ronments, which were disturbed by man, to- are currently used today have been developed
gether with their biological legacies–the original in countries that have lost most of their native
elements that still remain in the environment forests; this is not the case for Chile.
-and the old growth trees that survived the
intense exploitation, allows us to understand To understand how native forests function,
longer life cycles. how natural fertilization, water catchment and
regeneration of soil works, as well as how the
Old growth forests are characterized by the forest protects itself from infestations, can
dominion of hundred-year-old specimens, and contribute to the development of new tech-
by the amount of generations of trees that have niques for the management and recovery of
inhabited it. There are animals, particularly degraded ecosystems.
birds, that are very sensitive to alterations and
changes in their environment and that only live
in forests that surpass the “age” of 100. Old-growth Forest Life Cycles
On the ground these forests accumulate a large
A forest is able to reveal to us the natural quantity of coarse woody debris. In fact we
dynamics and the magnitude and type of know that trees are actually only alive on their
environmental benefits they can provide. They “outer shell”: what one finds inside their trunks
do not need to be plantes, pest controlled nor is not alive, that is, a tree is alive where ever
irrigated. They look after themselves, as they it interacts with the environment. The forest
have done since the beginning of time, 300 floor is covered with debris in different stages
million years ago. of decomposition, from branches to small logs,
73
BIOLOGICAL LEGACIES, OLD-GROWTH TREES AS WELL AS WOODY DEBRIS REGENERATES
LIFE AND CREATE A FOREST'S "NATURAL LIBRARY", WHICH REVEALS ITS HISTORY AND
THE POSSIBILITIES OF STUDYING IT.
covered in dense vegetation under a canelo birds, reptiles and mammals. The presence of
(winter’s bark) or colihue cane. These species green hues in these kinds of forests is seasonal
take root and grow within the old-growth fallen and there is a period when green is no longer
trees. Many studies of temperate rainforests in sight. However, insects, birds and other
across the world have shown how the regener- animals still live there during those times of
ation of these forests occurs within these fallen the year and they need to be fed. These insects
trees. The new trees that survive and grow into possibly feed on smaller insects during those
fully grown “adults” are those that germinate periods, if this hypothesis were to be correct, it
and inhabit inside the fallen trees. Our results in would justify a change in the way the formation
Bosque Pehuén coincide: the new trees grow in and accumulation of woody debris is currently
the fallen trees and not on the ground. managed in a forest.
*Since the 1980’s various studies have indicated * One method utilized for the classification of
that coarse woody debris is highly valuable trees establishes three main categories: trees
and important in a Forest’s ecosystem dy- that are alive, trees that are alive yet present
namics. Jerry Franklin from the University of symptoms of degradation, and standing dead
Washington, demonstrated that this debris is trees . Deteriorating trees include those that
simultaneously proveyor of habitat, habitat, have dry branches on their treetops. However,
substratum, a part of the food chain, and also the results we have found in Bosque Pehuén
functions as a regeneration site that has been is that these deteriorating trees can be as old
working for millions of years. as 80 to 300 years. This means that a tree can
live several hundred years without falling. It is
therefore a questionable classification, however
When Does a Tree Die? it is still being used and taught as a manage-
* The abundant amount of coarse woody debris ment tool for native forests.
is a source of food for fungi, bacteria and in-
sects. These in turn are food for other insects,
74
New Areas of Knowledge ·· Knowledge that expands. American canopy
ecologist, Nalini Nadkarni, has incorporated
·· The forest as a communication network. into her work projects that seek to reach out
Canadian researcher Suzanne Simard and to the community, such as her program for
German expert Peter Wohlleben are just prisons to teach about forests or programs
some of the scientists who are dedicated to that incorporate the arts: poets, dancers and
unravelling the way trees communicate with rappers, amongst others, have climbed trees
one another within a forest. In his book The in order to understand other dimensions of
Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How knowledge. Her book Between Earth and Sky
They Communicate, published in September (2010) runs through anthropology to med-
2016, Wohlleben gathers different research icine in order to explain the importance of
theories as well a his own experience to ex- forests for our culture and in our daily lives.
plain how trees learn, remember, and commu-
nicate with each other, warning one another ·· Changing our perception and not the
when there is danger by sending electric sig- landscape. The current state of our natural
nals through a network of live material which environments has demanded that we stop
joins them and even feeds dead trees. They to cautiously re-observe them. This way of
grow in families, become friends, and always approaching nature transforms it, like many
live interconnected to their surroundings. other things in our environment, into an art
object. Art can provide with an analytical
·· Trees as important connectors. English structure that allows us to build our own
biologist David G. Haskell, author of The realities; nature and landscapes are also in
Forest Unseen: A Year’s Watch in Nature, many ways constructions of certain realities.
is currently carrying out new research That is why Pehuén Forest seeks to develop
titled The Songs of Trees (2017) in which he projects that converge art and nature; a
supports his theory that every living creature space to explore the interdependence of all
in the forests is not only sustained by its living things to acknowledge that man is also
biological connections but is also made up by a part of nature’s intricate system. Artworks
them. When we listen to trees, nature’s great are able to portray the mysteries of nature as
connectors, we learn about the source of life a sacred entity, exalting the valuable relation-
and develop new ethical senses. ship our indigenous cultures have with her. It
makes us become aware of what we now owe
to our Earth.
75
The Mapuche Forest having one’s well-being as a main objective; that
is, a mental, physical and spiritual balance.
“Ngen Mawida1 speaks little, but in the winter
time, with wind and rain, it responds to any Thus the spirits of nature are especially
question. It lives in the woods, those that have important as they contain beneficial powers
not been planted by man. Its house cannot be (newén) within them, which have been granted
seen, only felt.” by the creator gods to provide continuity and
María Ester Grebe enable the life of wild nature. The foothill and
mountain areas, which is where Pehuén Forest
The Pehuén Forest is in the Araucanía, an area is located, has as main spirit, the spirit of the
that has been inhabited, since ancient times, native forest (ngen-mawida), who is responsible
by the Mapuche people (Mapu: earth, che: for its safeguarding. This spirit, in addition to
people), who have cultural practices strongly protecting the life of flora and fauna, prevents
linked to the forests. Some of these practic- excessive exploitation. For the Mapuche, those
es continue until today, and they combine who inhabit or use the forest must first ask
economic activities, ideological aspects and for permission to enter it, justify their pur-
social organization, such as the gathering of pose, and express their gratitude through gifts
piñones (araucaria seeds), a fundamental family for as to fulfill with the traditional principle
practice that forms an important part of their of reciprocity.
diet, and faithfully reflects the survival of their
hunter-gatherer economy. The decline of native forests in Araucanía,
threatens against the development of the
The Mapuche possess fundamental principles ancestral practices of the Mapuche people.
with respect to the spiritual world, worship The increase in forest plantations of exotic
of their ancestors (pillanes) and the spirits of species such as pine and eucalyptus, have been
nature (Ngen), and an interrelation between one of the principle causes of this decline. For
the Mapuche people and mother earth (ñuke this reason, places like Pehuén Forest acquire
mapu). They are characterized by the respectful value as an area capable of providing with both
relationship they hold with nature, from which ecosystemic and cultural sustainability.
they obtain many benefits, such as the healing
powers of wild plants and vegetables, the basis
References
of their medicinal practices and source of food,
Aillapan, L. & R. Rozzi (2004). Una etno-ornitología mapuche contem-
poránea: Poemas alados de los bosques nativos de Chile. Ornitol.
Neotrop, 15, 419-434.
Artes, C. N. d. l. C. y. l. 2011. Diagnóstico del desarrollo cultural del pueblo
mapuche. Región de la Araucanía. Santiago.
Grebe, M. E. (1992) El concepto de Ngen en la cultura Mapuche. Lenguas y
Literaturas Indoamericanas.
1. In Mapuche mythology, Ngen are spirits of nature of the Mapuche
beliefes, in Mapuzungun the word ngen means “owner”. Ngen-mawida --- (1993) El subsistema de los ngen en la religiosidad mapuche. Revista
is specifically the owner of the forests. Chilena de Antropología.
76
ARAUCARIA BRANCH THE ARAUCARIAS IN BOSQUE PEHUÉN
77
A MAP OF TODAY’S FORESTS
LEGEND
► FORESTS ► TIMBER-YIELDING FORESTS ► TEMPERATE FORESTS OF THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE
78
cold and fires: they are an ancient protection It lives in the hollows of fallen trees or in nests
against volcanic activity. built with leaves and mosses. It feeds on insect
·· Dimensions: 50 m tall / 2 m wide larva, butterflies and fruit, like that of the
·· Of a total area of 253,715 hectares of araucaria quintral (T. corymbosus). They are very shy
in Chile, 48.4% of them, 122,715 hectares, are and difficult to see, leaving their homes mainly
protected by National Parks. during nighttime.
In the temperate rainforests of South America Hence, the Austral forests and their biodiver-
there are extraordinary cases of endemism, sity were closed in, isolated by the enormous
as is the case of the little mountain monkey mountain range, followed by extensive steppes
(Dromiciops gliroides), which up until now towards the east; by the Pacific Ocean on the
was considered the only species of an en- west; by the world’s driest desert in the north;
demic family and from a completely endemic and by the tempestuous Sea of Drake and polar
order (Microbiotheria), yet recent studies have regions in the south.
discovered that there may be three. The little
mountain monkey is however, the only living ·· Calculations have shown that these for-
representative of this order. It is closer by ests that have been isolated by more than
evolution to the Australian marsupials than any 1500 km of arid and semi-arid areas have
other animal living in Chile. been this way for millions of years.
·· During the last 2.5 million years, in the
geological period known as Quaternary,
79
several glaciations have successively cooled in the geographical zone of what was once a
the planet. glacial refuge. The freezing and thawing of the
·· The last glaciation, about 20 thousand years ice provoked many natural extinctions over
ago, covered the Andean mountains with ice, thousands of years, but there are survivors:
and formed a polar ice cap that covered the ·· The little mountain monkey.
entire Chilean territory from the bottom half
·· A single species of Araucaria, in a specific
of the Island of Chiloe southwards. From
region of the country.
the Andes, enormous ice tongues descended
towards the valleys, and formed what we ·· Trees of the Nothofagus genus, coihue
know today as the great lakes in the south of (N. dombeyi), raulí (N. nervosa) and roble
Chile. In this way, the native forests became (N. obliqua), that have related families in
trapped and the coastal mountains, together other zones of Chile, and in Australia and
with the coastal areas, were the refuge of New Zealand.
various species during the glacial age.
·· Trees like the arrayán (Luma apiculata) or
luma (Amomyrtus luma) which also grow in
tropical America, Australia and New Zealand.
The Advancement of Trees
·· A family with a species such as the olivillo
When the ice caps retreated, the forests
(Aextoxicon punctatum), an ancient tree
advanced towards the Andes and the south,
whose family is unknown, is typical of the
making these lands green once again. The Ice
coastal forests and is also present in some
Fields in the zona austral (Southernmost Zone)
other landscapes.
are the last vestiges of the great ice cap that
covered the south of Chile and Argentina during
·· The ancestors of all these trees are still bur-
the last glacial period.
ied and fossilized in Antarctica. The geolog-
ical and climatic isolating events resulted in
Today, the largest areas of biodiversity and
the larger part of these species, in all groups,
endemism of native forests of Chile are concen-
plants and animals, becoming endemic and
trated between the Maule and Valdivia rivers,
survivors of great changes.
80
the inhabitants and their highest summits of the Southernmost Zone
relationships (from Talca to Magallanes). It is commonly spot-
ted in close proximity with the araucarias and
In Bosque Pehuén we have discovered... the ñirre, another Chilean tree that can resist
·· 97 species of vascular flora and uncountable cold climates.
of non-vascular plants. Dimensions: 30 m tall / 1 m wide.
·· 52 species of terrestrial wildlife, between
amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. Roble or White Oak, (Nothofagus oblique)
(The majority of these species are endemic). They call these trees hualle when they are
·· 13 species of plants and 18 species of fauna young and pellín, which means strong, when
can be found under some category of threat. they are old. Roble trees can be found in the
entire south of Chile, and has families in relict
This biodiversity is consistent with that of forests at the summit of the hills of the Coastal
nearby national reserves. It is a large number mountains in the central zone of Chile. It loses
in relation to its size (less than 900 hectares, its leaves in winter and in spring an edible
with similar numbers to parks with thousands mushroom, digüeñe, grows on its branches.
of hectares). Dimensions: 40 m tall / 2 m wide.
they are the fastest growing trees of this family. Epiphytes provide shelter and food for various
Its leaves turn red in autumn and winter. animals, such as spiders, ants, birds, amphibi-
Dimensions: 40 m tall / 2 m wide. ans, reptiles and even small mammals like mice,
and their growth in the forest is fundamental.
Other native trees that can be found in The world provided by the canopies is fascinat-
Bosque Pehuén: ing and only recently being explored.
Maitén (Maytenus magellanica)
Mañío hembra (Saxegothaea conspicua) In the treetops of Bosque Pehuén, together with
Tineo (Weinmannia trichosperma) the epiphytes, you may also find:
Notro (Embothrium coccineum) ·· Three types of lizards (Liolaemus pictus). It is
the first clear and reliable documentation of
arboreal habits in Chilean reptiles.
Epiphytes ·· Ants (Caponotus sp.). It is the first time that
These plants grow on other plants without an ant’s nest has been documented on a dead
necessarily being parasitic, using them only tree branch at a height of 25 m in Chile.
as support. They can be vascular, such as ·· It is also the first time that an araña pollito or
ferns or medallitas (esta palabra en itálica), Chilean rose tarantula (Grammostola rosea)
or non-vascular like mosses and liverworts. In with its nest has been spotted on a branch
addition to plants, there are also an abundant located 27 m above the ground.
amount of lichens and fungi that also grow as
epiphytes. Mosses and liverworts are very small * Studies in Bosque Pehuén have been the first
making them difficult to classify, only becoming to document the richness of Chilean Andean
visible under a microscope. 17 different epi- Forest bryophytes. The resulting collection was
phyte species have been found in the Pehuén donated to the National Museum of Natural
Forest treetops.* History (mnhn) in 2016.
82
Ferns Fungi and Lichens
Ferns are one of the oldest types of seedless They are very important yet little known forest
vascular plants: they are more than 400 million organisms. It is estimated that there exists be-
years old, and over time many fern species tween one million and a half to five million fun-
have become extinct. In Chile there are more gi species worldwide, but only 80 thousand of
than 120 species and they are mainly found in them have scientific names. Fungi are garbage
temperate rainforests, where shade and mois- processors by excellence, their job is to break
ture are abundant, conditions that facilitate down and thereby release the nutrients avail-
their growth. able for plants. Some fungi (the mycorrhiza)
function as extensions of plant roots helping
The research carried out in Pehuén Forest dis- them capture nutrients from the soil. Fungi
covered a type of fern growing 160 kms further form huge underground networks, often invisi-
north than any previous records. ble. What we normally see as fungi are actually
their reproductive structures that blossom in
Hear them sleep, sleep, different seasons according to their species.
and don’t even touch them.
They’re not living or dying, Lichens on the other hand are a close symbio-
only listening to the silence, sis between fungi and algae that can develop
and making out of silence under the most extreme conditions, such as
something we don’t know: arid coastal desert weather or cold Antarctic
a dream of children, or dances temperatures. Many types of lichens are impor-
of uncanny little people. tant in nutrient cycling; they are known to be
So leave them half-asleep “nitrogen-fixers”, which in simple terms means
↑
"PELÍCULA"
keeping their secret that they act as natural fertilizers of the forest.
FERN and perhaps my own dream. Hence, fungi and lichens live discreetly and qui-
etly everywhere, including the forest, and their
Extract from “Ferns”, Gabriela Mistral, in Poema de Chile role is fundamental within the chain of life.
83
TAIQUE, DESFONTAINIA SPINOSA MIMULUS LUTEUS
Plants Birds
Calceolaria (pocketbook flower) ·· In Pehuén Forest 28 species have been reg-
Calceolaria biflora Lam. istered; 9 endemic to the temperate Chilean
Calceolaria crenatifolia Cav. rainforests and 11 from the Southern Cone.
Calceolaria tenella Poepp. & Endl. Hummingbird and Chilean hawk nests have
Calceolaria valdiviana Phil. also been spotted, which is uncommon for
this area.
La flor de las casacadas, spanish for
“waterfall flower” (Ourisia ruelloides) The birds can be found living in the:
·· Old-growth forests, such as the chucao,
Orchids the thorn-tailed rayadito, small hum-
Chloraea gaudichaudii Brongn. mingbird, the Chilean flicker, and the
Chloraea magellanica Hook. f. Magellanic woodpecker.
Codonorchis lessonii (Brongn.) Lindl. ·· Shrubs and grassland, such as the house
Gavilea odoratissima Poepp. wrens, zorzales, southern lapwing, the shiny
cowbird–common in all of Chile.
Alstroemerias ·· Or across the entire Bosque Pehuén territo-
Alstroemeria aurea Graham ry, such as the Patagonian sierra finch, the
striped woodpecker, or the Chilean pigeon.
Animals
·· 44 species of mammals, close to 150 birds, Variable hawk (Geranoaetus polyosoma): It is
13 amphibians, and 14 reptiles have been not a small bird so it can easily be seen. It builds
identified in the Araucanía. Due to the de- its nest with dry branches on treetops, where it
struction of their habitats in the region, many lays two eggs. To hunt it dives from the sky at
species have taken refuge in the Andes and small mammals, birds, reptiles or snails.
Coastal mountains. Dimensions: 44 cm tall / 55 cm wide.
84
CANELO ENANO
Chilean hawk (Accipiter chilensis): Also known Fire-eye diucon (Xolmis pyrope): Recognizable
as “gavilán chileno” is one of the fastest and by its shiny red eyes–when they are adults, grey
most agile predatory birds. Thanks to its slen- in youth. It sits on treetops and feeds on fruit
der body, it can fly between trees and foliage and small insects.
when chasing its prey—insects, lizards, and Dimensions: 21 cm tall.
smaller birds.
Dimensions: 44 cm tall. White-crested elaenia (Elaenia albiceps):
This small bird is found in abundance in Chile,
Black-faced ibis (Theristicus Malanopis): This especially in summer; in autumn it migrates to
bird can regularly be spotted walking slowly in warmer climates like Peru or Brazil. Although
swamps, wetlands or forests. It has a long, thin, difficult to see because it camouflages with the
and curved beak that enables it to easily extract foliage of plants and trees, it can be recog-
worms and insects from the earth, although it nized by its song, a sound similar to its spanish
also feeds on small rodents and amphibians. It name (“fiu-fiu”).
is very noisy, emitting a sound that is reminis- Dimensions: 15 cm tall.
cent of a hornet.
Dimensions: 73 cm tall. Patagonian tyrant (Colorhamphus parvi-
rostris): With its short black beak, this bird
Tufted tit-tyrant (Anairetes parulus): It is captures insects in mid air, its favorite prey.
one of the smallest birds in Chile. It is agile Because it is small and moves around in thick
and roams in thickets in search of insects, its bushes, it is difficult to spot, but you can easily
main source of food. It builds its nests on trees, hear its high pitched whistle.
with lichen, grass and branches, covering its Dimensions: 13 cm tall.
interior with feathers. It lays up to three cream
colored eggs.
Dimensions: 11 cm tall.
85
MAGELLANIC WOODPECKER CHILEAN HAWK
86
IMAGES CAPTURED BY THE TRAP CAMERAS INSTALLED IN DIFFERENT POINTS OF
PEHUÉN FOREST. ON THE LEFT, A PUMA AND ON THE RIGHT A FOX.
Andean fox (Lycalopex culpaeus) “The puma, pangui or trepial is, along with
It lives in the Andes mountains, from Colombia the condor and the eagle, one of the animals
to the Patagonia: from sea level to an altitude of which ranks highest in the list of sacred map-
4,800 m. It is the biggest fox in Chile. Although uche animals. It is venerated and respected as
it is usually seen roaming alone, it howls when The Dominant One and it can only be named
looking for a partner during mating season. by those who have completed their warrior
Together they build a lair for their offspring. initiation rights.”
The Andean fox is an excellent hunter and feeds Ziley Mora. El Arte de Sanar de la medicina Machupe
on hares, rats, rabbits, lizards and birds. It also (The Art of Healing with Mapuche Medicine).
eats fruit. Uqbar, Santiago de Chile 2012.
Dimensions: 90 cm tall.
Huiña or Kodkod (Leopardus Guigna)
South American Puma (Puma concolor puma) This mountain cat is the smallest of the wild
This big cat is known by the Mapuche as cats in America. The trees are its lair: there it
“pangui” and by the people from the south as hides from foxes and pumas, its enemies. At
“mountain lion” (although it does not roar but nighttime it hunts rodents and birds, and it also
more so purrs.) It is very stealth, therefore its eats insects. Few specimens have been seen in
paw marks are easier to see then the animal Pehuén Forest.
itself. It prefers to hunt small mammals such as Dimensions: 70 cm tall.2
rabbits and rodents.
Dimensions: 120 cm tall.
Hares, deer and wild boars have been introduced into Pehuén Forest.
Only the hares are desirable, as the Pumas feed on them, the others are
destructive for this habitat.
87
viven en bosque pehuén
Segundo Méndez (1958) nació en Bosque Pehuén, y ha vi-
vido en el lugar, con algunos intervalos, casi toda su
vida. Junto a su esposa, Graciela Villagrán, crió ahí a
sus hijos, quienes ya han formado sus propias familias y
viven cerca del lugar. Hoy son los cuidadores del bosque
y agradecemos profundamente sus conocimientos de este
lugar, quienes nos han enseñado mucho.
90
91
construcciones sustentables
Además de la antigua casa de los cuidadores y los gal-
pones donde se reciben científicos, artistas y otros
colaboradores, en Bosque Pehuén se ha usado el sistema
constructivo sustentable de los yurts. Se trata de las
viviendas usadas desde hace siglos por los nómades de
Asia Central, particularmente los mongoles. Son fáciles
de trasladar y muy resistentes a los fuertes cambios cli-
máticos de esas estepas. Su estructura modular de madera,
además de gruesas telas que lo cubren, resisten bien el
frío y el calor.
sustainable constructions
In addition to the caretakers home as well as the barn-
style lofts that host scientists, artists and other col-
laborators, we have also used in Bosque Pehuén a sustain-
able construction system by means of a yurt. These yurts
are dwellings that have been used by nomads in Central
Asia for centuries, particularly the Mongols. They are
easy to move and very resistant to strong climate chang-
es and their modular wooden structures, in addition to
the thick fabrics that cover them, resist both warm and
cold temperatures.
92
93
"NATURE", ACCIÓN DE LANDART REALIZADA POR
MADELINE HURTADO EN BOSQUE PEHUÉN, 2008.
Diseño
Estudio Fig. 1
Impreso en A Impresores
Noviembre de 2016
Santiago de Chile
• Palito Negro
• Frutilla Silvestres
Rosaceae •
• Michay •
Dioscorea •
• Nalca
• Lenga
• Chacay •