Peatlands of the Southern South America: a review

LEÓN, CAROLINA A; MARVIN, G; RODRIGUEZ, CAROLINA; ITURRASPE R; SAVORETTI, ADOLFINA; PANCOTTO V. A,; BENITEZ-MORA, A.; VALDEZ, A; THOMAS P. ROLAND; MAUQUOY D.,; ROY MACKENZIE

Mires and Peat

International Mire Conservation Group (IMCG)

Año: 2021 vol. 03

1819-754X

Southern South American peatlands (SSAP) play akey role in the ecological dynamics of Patagonia. They mostly comprise of undisturbedenvironments that provide important ecosystem services, including carbonsequestration, water reservoir and habitat for both widespread and endemic organisms.When compared with boreal peatlands, our knowledge of the functioning of SSAP ispoor, and it is necessary to raise awareness about their scientific andecological value and to ensure their conservation. This article examines abroad base of historical and contemporary published research literature on the peatlandsof Chile and Argentina, from 1843 onwards, to identify gaps in knowledge, implicationsfor the assessment of peatland functioning, and targets for peatland conservationand management. To achieve this goal, we reviewed a total of 196 research papers/reportsfrom across the peer-reviewed and grey literature. We conclude that gaps in ourknowledge and understanding of SSAP have deeply undermined the development ofeffective conservation strategies for these understudied ecosystems. To reversethis situation, we recommend that future research and management efforts shouldaim: (1) to build an inventory of the peatlands that exist in SSAP, includingtheir location and area; (2) to ensure land use planning prioritises themaintenance of SSAP ecosystem services; (3) to improve existing legislation andprotocols of good and sustainable practice for extractive activities; and, (4) tocarry out an extensive awareness campaign aimed at the local population and keydecision makers