by Amy Deane
January 23, 2008
Page 6 : About the Restoration Project
Our goal is to restore essential habitat for endangered chinchillas while deterring habitat degradation in this ecosystem. Specifically, we will focus on ecosystem restoration in several areas and will utilize native vegetal species, many of which, like the fauna, are endemic and of grave conservation concern. The use of fuel wood for ore processing and unsustainable agricultural practices in northcentral Chile has led to desertification. In fact, all areas visited in the project region have been severely affected due to resource exploitation. Several hill slopes have little vegetation, and hardly any native tree species can be found.
The second major and current problem is of abandoned farms and free ranging livestock. Although there has been a dramatic decrease in livestock (9000 animals in 1983 as opposed to 1000 in 2000), and in farms, no one has attempted to restore native vegetation. Firewood collection for heating and cooking, grazing by livestock and so on has been persistent. Rabbits and hares, both of which are non-native species, consume the vestigial vegetation essential for native fauna, especially the endangered long-tailed chinchillas.
Making chinchilla habitat areas
Habitat fragmentation has resulted in creation of isolated habitat patches for all wildlife species, including chinchillas. This has increased the possibility of extinction for species with small populations and limited mobility. Connecting core habitat areas to other key areas of habitat will hopefully aid in the stabilization and eventual increase of plant and animal populations.
Creating habitat by growing native plant species that serve as food, cover and shelter for chinchillas also aids in the conservation of other animal species in the community, such as Degus (Octodon degus)—which are also called “brush-tail rats”—the Chinchilla rat (Abrocoma bennetti), and Cururos (Spalacopus cyanus). All of these species only occur here in central Chile. Many of the plant species are also of conservation concern. By collecting seeds from different localities, we are ensuring genetic diversity in our plant nurseries.
Project specifics
Our nursery began growing plants for this project in 2000. The seeds are hand-collected and sown in containers that promote a large root-to-shoot ratio. Having a large ratio is important because we want to promote deep and rapid root growth once the plant is transplanted. Thus, seedlings have a better chance of establishing themselves before the dry hot desert summer.
We plan to create at least twelve restoration areas. Each circular area is fenced by barbed wire and has a diameter of 40 meters. One hundred and sixty seedlings are to be placed one meter apart in four main transect lines that cross through the circle.
An additional 40 seedlings are planted in between these transects. A total of 200 plants per area are planted in two days by a four-member crew. Holes are dug a little deeper than the seedling container size (which is about 1.5 feet).
The holes are dug with a large crowbar and a tuna can. Then a small amount of soil is backfilled and a handful of topsoil added. Some natural fertilizer is added, along with some water. The seedling is transferred into the hole and more soil and water is added.
A dirt semicircle that collects rainwater surface flow is constructed around each seedling and, when large rocks are available close by, these are placed around the seedling to shade it and also to accumulate condensation for natural irrigation. Each seedling has a protective fence to guard against predation by rabbits and hares. After planting, each seedling is measured and tagged to track establishment, growth & survivorship.
Below is a list of animal families that are native to the vegetation communities that we are enhancing. Included is the number of endangered, vulnerable, and rare species in each family (E=endangered, V=vulnerable, R=rare, I=unknown status).
- Marsupials – 1 species – 1R
- Carnivores – 5 species – 2E, 1V, 1I
- Rodents – 9 species – 2E, 2V, 1I
- Bats – 1 species
- Birds – 51 species – 1E, 1V
- Reptiles – 8 species – 5V
Plants
This region of Chile hosts at least 209 native plant species, of which 125 are endemic. We are currently growing, or planning to grow, 14 species to support chinchilla habitat restoration efforts. Of those 14 plant species, three are endangered and seven are vulnerable.
Next Page : 16 May 2008 Project Update
Pages: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
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