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Images - Anconquija Region, Argentina (CPD Site SA35)
CPD Site SA35: The central massif of the Anconquija mountains rises to 5550 m.,
from a base at 450 m in the lowland plains only 20 km away. This massive but isolated
mountain chain creates its own weather patterns to feed a rich flora and fauna with
species adapted to the full range of conditions from permanent snows to subtropical
lowland seasonal rainforest.
Photo: Stephan Halloy.
CPD Site SA35: Anconquija region, Argentina. Tussock grassland and shrubland at
3770 m in the Cumbres Calchaquíes.
Photo: Stephan Halloy.
CPD Site SA35: A Begonia species possibly endemic to the region graces the slopes
of the Cumbres Calchaquíes (Tucumán, Argentina) at 3700 m with remarkably large flowers
for such small plants.
Photo: Stephan Halloy.
CPD Site SA35: Giant peat bogs are an important feature of the high regions of the
Anconquija. Some 20 hm3 of water are held in these wetlands which are over 10,000 years
old. Dozens of species of vascualr plants and many species of animals are restricted to
this habitat. This photo was taken at Cumbres Calchaquíes at 4320 m, Tucumán, Argentina.
Photo: Stephan Halloy.
CPD Site SA35: Peat bogs in Cumbres Calchaquíes, Tucuman, Argentina, which are
home to dozens of endemic vascular plants.
Photo: Stephan Halloy.
CPD Site SA35: Anconquija region, Argentina. Acaulimalva nubigena (Malvaceae), a
familiar dwarf mallow of the high slopes in the Anconquija region (3680m, Cumbres
Calchaquíes).
Photo: Stephan Halloy.
CPD Site SA35: A valued traditional medicine plant, Lycopodium cf. saururus is
widespread but rare. Continued pressure from plant collectors is threatening the species.
The Anconquija region is a treasure trove of such valuable species, with ideal conditions
to protect them. This photo was taken at Cumbres Calchaquíes at 2935 m, Tucumán,
Argentina.
Photo: Stephan Halloy.
CPD Site SA35: The Andean hummingbird, Oreotrochilus estella, is uniquely
adapted to high mountain climates. Unlike most warm-blooded animals, its body
temperature drops several degrees during cold nights to save energy. This photo was taken
at Cerro Muñoz, 3650 m, Tucumán, Argentina.
Photo: Stephan Halloy.