Ñuble

Ñuble, which was only created in 2018, borders the Maule Region to the north and the Biobío Region to the south, and in terms of area it is the smallest in Chile. The mountain range of Ñuble is located within the biodiversity hotspot of Central-South Chile, a transition zone between sclerophyllous forests and southern temperate forests. As such it has a high diversity of endemic species, but most habitats are threatened by environmental degradation due to the construction of hydroelectric dams, forest plantations, agricultural activities and mining. Ironically, even within Nevados de Chillán-Laguna del Laja Biological Corridor Biosphere Reserve, which was declared by UNESCO in 2011, habitats are severely threatened. Recently a new endemic genus Rayenia was discovered in this reserve. Rayenia malalcurensis was found growing alongside other endemic species such as Eucryphia glutinosa and its discovery once again highlights the high levels of biodiversity in this Chilean hotspot, and the conservation measures urgently needed in the face of threats from climate change and other human activities. Ironically, also within the reserve, is the San Fabián valley, which contains yet another watercourse soon to be lost due to the construction of a hydroelectric dam - this will result in the loss of 1000 old-growth trees of the threatened conifer Prumnopitys andina!

The Endemic Plants of Chile

Endemic Taxa in Ñuble

Endemic taxa only occurring in Ñuble