Caracterización de la vegetación en la Reserva de Biósfera Laguna Blanca (Catamarca, Argentina)

BORGNIA, M.; MAGGI, A.; ARRIAGA, M.; AUED, B.; VILÁ, B.L.; CASSINI, M.H.

Ecología Austral

Asociación Argentina de Ecología

Lugar: Buenos Aires; Año: 2006 p. 29 - 45

1667-782X

In this work we present the first characterization and classification of plant communities and ambients with satellite images in a typical area of Argentinean Dry Puna sub-region, corresponding to Laguna Blanca (Catamarca, Argentina) Biosphere Reserve. A floristic list of 75 plant species was conducted. Fifteen plant communities were defined according a physiognomic and structural criterion applying a Principal Component Analysis to organize steppe communities. Six ambient were characterized based on field work and satellite images using GIS. Maps for every ambient: grass steppe, shrub steppe, mixed steppe, "vegas", "salt marsh" and "peladares" were made. Through visual image interpretation were identified four physiographic patterns or sub-landscapes: low mountains, glacis, alluvial cones, "pedemonte", and valley. Finally, plant communities and the physiographic patterns were associated. Diversity and specific richness were calculated. We found that the Reserve is not altered in order to diminish the number of endemic taxa. This vegetation characterization and mapping provides basic information for Reserve management.