wildlife

Notwithstanding the absence of rainfall and the extreme aridity of the soil, plant and animal species have great capacity to adapt to the harsh climatic conditions in the north of the country. Thus we find, for example, The Artemia, a brine shrimp, an invertebrate organism 1 cm long, whose predator is the Flamenco, (Flamingo) a bird that is recognized by its  white-pink plumage and elegant flight, often in flocks. The Condor, the most impressive bird of the Andes, measures about 3.5 meters and weighs about 12 kilos. Other bird species are the Andean Partridge and Rhea. Mammals include the Llama, Alpaca, the Guanaco and the Vicuña, besides the red foxes and rodents as Vizcacha and Chinchilla.

The flora is composed by herbs and flowers such as salt grass, thyme and Llareta that stands out above others because  its ability to adapt. In fact, this endemic species is distinguished by its extreme hardness, similar to the rocks where it grows, preferably between 3,000 and 5,000 m.o.s.l. It is a long lived species with slow growth. To reach half a meter thick it requires from 100 to 150 years and examples of 500 years or more can be found . It has a highly prized resin that led  the mining industry to an indiscriminate exploitation of it as fuel endangering its existence.

Among the trees,  the Chan and Algarrobo, characterized by its greenery and friendly haven its shade offers, plus some fruit species.

There are also several species of cactus, a plant family that, in their adaptation to arid climates, the leaves fell off and covered itself with thorns where water concentrates. Among them are the Chandelier and Cardon.

Photo: Wikipedia.com