Soil, vegetation and vicunas in apolobamba (bolivia): conservation of biodiversity

Abstract

High-grasslands in the Andes Mountain Range are the natural habitat of many species such as vicuna (Vicugna vicugna), endangered specie recognized by The World Conservation Union. These ecosystems are especially weak and suffer, in many cases, over-exploitation processes due to the cattle raising. The National Area of Apolobamba Integrated Management (ANMIN-A) is located northwest of Bolivia and there, government and indigenous people carry out a vicuna sustainable management programme in the aim of the conservation of this specie and its natural habitat. The objectives of this work were to study different zones with diverse vicuna and other domestic camelid populations in Apolobamba in order to evaluate: (i) soil conservation degree through the analysis of physical and chemical properties, (ii) vegetation characterization and (iii) the relationship soil-plant system. Some soil and plant samples were taken in different sampling plots according to vicuna and domestic camelid population densities. Moreover, it was taken into account the geo-morphological and landscape characterization. Results showed differences between soil characteristics and fertility qualities, and plant covert, vegetation species identification and palatability. Results discussion exhibited that the studied zones had different degradation processes, mainly, due to the vegetation modification. In conclusion, in Apolobamba there were differences in the study zones with diverse vicuna and domestic camelid population densities, related to soil and vegetation conservation degree. On the other hand, some zones need specially protection measures associated to the cattle raising impacts and the soil-plant system degradation.