Nothofagus in Patagonia

Authors: Don J Mead
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2010, Issue N.Z.J.For. 55(1) 2010, pp 8-9, May 2010
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: Immediately following the World Forestry Congress three New Zealand participants (Alan Reid, John Novis and myself) took the field trip to Southern Patagonia. This note reports on some of the management we were shown in Nothofagus forests. The three main beech species are N. pumilio(lenga), N. betuliodes and N. antarctica (ñire). Fur trade The Argentina area of Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego lies between about 53 and 550^oS and a third is covered in forest. About 41% of these forests are protected. In 1946 twenty five pairs of Canadian beavers were introduced to promote a fur industry. The industry never developed but the beaver enjoyed the conditions having no natural predators. They have effectively destroyed or severely modified about 3% of the native forest, mainly along the fertile river and stream bottoms (Photo1). Their activities have greatly modified the stream and nutrient cycling dynamics.

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