An Evaluation of Range Condition on One Range Site in the Andes of Central Peru

Abstract

Little published information is available on the vegetation or its response to grazing in the high elevation (3,900-4,SOOm) grasslands ofthe Andes, known as the pun. The objective of this study was to evaluate grazing-induced vegetation changes on a major range site in the puma. Basal cow and diversity were compared on (1) rangelands managed by a coopentive of land holders (moderate grazing); (2) communal grazing land (heavy grazing); and (3) sacrifice or holding pastures (very heavy grazing). Basal cover was determined using point transects. With increased grazing pressure standing height of the vegetation was greatly reduced as was vegetstion basal cwer. Total cover of grasses was reduced while forb corer increased. Ability of a species to grow close to the soil surface probably enabled it to tolerate very heavy grazing. Species diversity as determined by Simpson's D, Shannon-Weaver's H', and species richness was highest on the community lands.

Key ecosystem services and ecological intensification of agriculture in the tropical high-Andean Puna as affected by land-use and climate changes

“…1). The region includes ecosystems that are associated with high plateaus and inter-montane basins (Wilcox et al, 1987). Puna is subdivided in two different phytoregions, the Moist or Wet Puna and the Dry or Xerophytic Puna (Josse et al, 2009).…”

Early Horizon camelid management practices in the Nepeña Valley, north-central coast of Peru

“…The high-altitude habitats associated with modern camelid herding are generally devoid of C 4 species, with the exception of Muhlenbergia sp., which has been recorded in some highland pastures. Nevertheless, these plants are not especially abundant (Wilcox et al 1987) and constitute a relatively minor fraction (no more than 15% and usually much less) of camelid forage today (Bryant and Farfan 1984;Reiner and Bryant 1986).…”

Change and Continuity in a Pastoralist Community in the High Peruvian Andes

“…Its population is 500 inhabitants and the extent of its territory is 35,903 ha. This section of the Peruvian highlands is part of the Central Andean puna, or wet puna (Custred 1977;Troll 1968;Wilcox et al 1987), with tropical dry alpine vegetation, and elevations ranging from 3800 to 5200 m. Most of the lands are covered by puna grassland (Troll 1968;Wilcox et al 1987) or native pastures (Calamagrostis rigecens, Festuca dolichophylla, Stipa ichu ;Custred 1977;Sotomayor 1986;Tapia Núñez and Flores Ochoa 1984;Wilcox et al 1987) and wetlands often dominated by mosaics of cushion plants (Miranda 1995;Tapia Núñez and Flores Ochoa 1984). The topography is of a highland plateau with some peaks, some of which were identified by local people as sites of ice caps that do not exist anymore.…”

“…Interestingly, Andean pastoralism encompasses elements of both definitions; it provides subsistence to pastoralists (Flores Ochoa 1968), and in general it appears to be a successful adaptation process to mountain conditions (Flores Ochoa 1977b). The adaptive process includes domestication of camelids (Baied and Wheeler 1993;Gade 1977;Wheeler 1988) and plants (especially potatoes [Solanum tuberosum] and quinua [Chenopodium quinoa]; Custred 1977), and the biological adaptations of humans (Baker 1976;Thomas 1977;Thomas 1997; Thomas and Winterhalder 1976;Velásquez 1976) and vegetation (Wilcox et al 1987). Though pastoralists' subsistence is achieved through livestock husbandry, barter and trade, and seasonal migration, social relationships and cultural constraints seem to prevent wealth accumulation (in this case, herd size) that would lead to social differentiation and overexploitation of limited resources (Browman 1974;Orlove 1982).…”