Vegetation of Patagonia

BISIGATO, ALEJANDRO; BERTILLER, MÓNICA BEATRIZ

Lizards of Patagonia: Diversity, Systematics, Biogeography and Biology of the Reptiles at the End of the World (Natural and Social Sciences of Patagonia)

Springer

Año: 2020; p. 85 - 102

In this chapter, we describe the major phytogeographic provinces of Patagonia. Emphasis is placed on physiognomic vegetation formations, internal heterogeneity, and degree of anthropic disturbance. Main vegetation formations within provinces include temperate forests, steppes, moorlands, and shrublands. Internal plant heterogeneity is high in all provinces and is associated with climate, soils, altitude, and natural (e.g., volcanism) or anthropogenic disturbances. The most important anthropogenic disturbance varies among provinces in relation to vegetation formations. Domestic grazing is a widespread disturbance agentin steppes and shrublands, while oil and natural gas extraction may also cause disturbances affecting local plant communities in some areas. In contrast, clearing for agriculture and afforestation are common in temperate forests. Invasion of exotic plants and animals are also a threat for the conservation of pristine vegetation. Disturbances, together with the ongoing climate change, can strongly influence vegetation structure and functioning that in turn could affect populations of wild animals, particularly lizards.