Andean Region Research Articles

Human cat borne rabies as the new epidemiology of the disease in the Andes mountains.

Rabies virus (RABV) is the etiologic agent of rabies, a fatal brain disease in mammals. Rabies circulation has historically involved the dog has the main source of human rabies worldwide. Nevertheless, in Colombia, cats (Felis catus) have become a relevant species in the epidemiology of rabies. To characterize rabies cases in humans in Colombia in the last three decades in the context of the epidemiology of the aggressor animal. We conducted a retrospective longitudinal epidemiological study of human rabies caused by cats' aggression, collecting primary and secondary information. Variables considered included the demography of the patient, symptoms, information about the aggressor animal as the source of infection and the viral variant identified. We found that the distribution of rabies incidence over the years has been constant in Colombia. Nevertheless, between 2003 and 2012 a peak of cases occurred in rural Colombia where cats were the most frequent aggressor animal reported. Most cats involved in aggression were unvaccinated against rabies. Cat's clinical signs at the time of the report of the human cases included hypersalivation and changes in behaviour. Human patients were mostly children and female and the exposure primarily corresponded to bite and puncture lacerations in hands. The RABV lineage detected in most cases corresponded to variant 3, linked to the common vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus). The geographical presentation of cat borne RABV in humans occurred along the Andes mountains, epidemiologically known as the rabies red Andean corridor. By finding cats as the primary source of rabies spillover transmission in Colombia, this report highlights the importance of revising national rabies control and prevention protocol in countries in the Andes region. Our results demonstrate that rabies vaccination for outdoor cats needs to prioritize to reduce the number of rabies-related human deaths.

Obstetrical Complications in Venezuelan Refugee and Migrant Women: Analysis of Ecuadorian National Hospital Discharge Data, 2018-2021.

An estimated 7.7million Venezuelans have fled a severe humanitarian crisis in their country, most (70%) to other middle-income host countries in the same Andean region. Migration-related exposures during periconception and other critical gestational periods can adversely impact maternal-perinatal outcomes. Emerging evidence suggests that Venezuelan refugee and migrant women (VRMW) who migrate to Andean host countries are at-risk for delivering preterm and low birthweight infants and for Cesarean-sections. However, relatively few studies have examined obstetrical complications that could contribute to these or other short- and longer-term health outcomes of VRMW and/or their offspring. Our exploratory study analyzed four recent years of national hospital discharge data (2018-2021) from Ecuador to compare the primary discharge diagnoses of VRMW (n = 29,005) and Ecuadorian nationals (n = 1,136,796) for ICD-10 O code obstetrical complications related to or aggravated by pregnancy, childbirth, or the puerperium. Our findings indicated that VRMW were hospitalized for 0.5 days longer than Ecuadorian reference group women and they had higher adjusted odds (aOR) for a primary discharge diagnosis for obstetrical complications including preeclampsia (aOR:1.62, 95% CI:1.55,1.69), preterm labor (aOR:1.20, 95% CI:1.11,1.31), premature rupture of membranes (aOR: 1.72, 95% CI:1.63,1.83), oligohydraminos (aOR:1.24, 95% CI:1.12,1.36), obstructed labor (aOR: 1.39, 95% CI:1.31,1.47), perineal lacerations/other obstetric trauma (aOR:1.76, 95% CI:1.63, 1.91), STIs (aOR:2.59, 95% CI:1.29,2.92), anemia (aOR:1.33, 95% CI:1.24,1.42), and ectopic pregnancy (aOR:1.16 95% CI:1.04,1.28). They had similar aOR for diagnosed gestational diabetes and spontaneous abortion (SAB) compared to the reference group but a reduced aOR for genitourinary infections (aOR:0.79, 95% CI:0.74,0.84) and early pregnancy hemorrhage not ending in SAB (aOR:0.43, 95% CI:0.36,0.51). Our findings underscore the vulnerability of VRMW for a number of potentially serious obstetrical complications with the potential to adversely impact the short- and longer-term health of mothers and their offspring. Future studies should collect more detailed information on the migration status, experiences, and exposures of MRMW that influence their risk for obstetrical complications. These are needed to expand our findings to better understand why they have excess risk for these and to inform social and public health policies, programs and targeted interventions aimed at reducing the risk of this vulnerable refugee and migrant group.

Wari across the Andes: Modeling the radiocarbon evidence

The expansion and impact of the Wari polity across the Andes has been heavily debated by scholars over the past two decades. We use radiocarbon dates, Bayesian statistics, and contextual data from several Andean regions to review the chronology for Wari expansion, political reorganization, and impact on local settlements. We recognize that Wari political and economic influence will vary in space and time and present a model that addresses how influential moments (expansion, reorganization, collapse) in Wari's trajectory may or may not have had broader impacts across the landscapes of its peer polities. Our model, while not completely comprehensive, draws on both Wari's presence in the north highlands and in the south, where scholars have argued for distinct trajectories and character of Wari influence. It also examines data from local communities in these same regions contemporary with identified Wari settlements, but perhaps without outward indicators of Wari hegemony, to evaluate broader patterns in Middle Horizon settlement through the latter half of the first millennium CE.

Valorization of Mining Waste as Aggregates for Road Construction: Circular Economy in the Andean Region of Peru

La minería en el Perú es la mas grande actividad económica aportando un porcentaje considerable al Producto Bruto Interno nacional. Sin embargo, el proceso de esta actividad evidencia diversos conflictos socio-ambientales. La generación de residuos mineros o expresados como relaves mineros provenientes de los diversos procesos es una amenaza latente que afecta las esferas del desarrollo sostenible. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo la propuesta de valorización de relaves mineros como áridos para la construcción de carreteras en la región andina del Perú bajo un enfoque de economía circular. En consecuencia, se realizó diversos análisis para evaluar su viabilidad como el factor meteorológico de precipitación, acidez o alcalinidad, elementos presentes en la muestra, granulometría, California Bearing Ratio (CBR) y prueba Marshall. Los resultados han demostrado que la propuesta cumple con los parámetros establecidos a nivel nacional con una estabilidad de 877,67 kg y un aprovechamiento del 25% de los relaves mineros. En conclusión, el uso de relaves mineros como áridos para la construcción es una propuesta viable para la construcción de carreteras bajo un enfoque de economía circular. Finalmente, se recomienda el análisis de valorización de residuos mineros en otros elementos del sector construcción para continuar promoviendo la economía circular y desarrollo sostenible.

Orsillus depressus (Heteroptera: Lygaeidae), an invasive circum-mediterranean species recently reported from America. Are the endemic and already endangered Cupressaceae trees from the Andean Region facing a new challenge?

Orsillus depressus (Heteroptera: Lygaeidae), an invasive circum-mediterranean species recently reported from America. Are the endemic and already endangered Cupressaceae trees from the Andean Region facing a new challenge?

Climate change impact assessments on the Andean genus Menonvillea (Brassicaceae) reveal uneven vulnerability among major phylogenetic and biogeographic groups

Climate change impact on species can be heterogeneous depending on their environments, exposure, and intrinsic characteristics. Likewise, global warming may have an uneven effect on lineages, depending on whether phylogenetic conservatism or divergence of ecological niches predominates during clade diversification, imposing a higher risk to species groups from certain regions, habitats and lineages. This study evaluates the impact of future climate change on Menonvillea, a genus with 24 species distributed along the Andes and contiguous regions of the Southern Cone. The impact on the main phylogenetic, ecological and biogeographic groups is evaluated, also analyzing the effect on its richness and phylogenetic diversity. Results show a strongly negative impact on most species of the genus. However, the greatest pressure seems to be recovered for high Andean species, mainly from the southern portion of the Southern Andes (between 34°S–53S°), and mostly included in Menonvillea sect. Cuneata. Richness appears to be more impacted in high Andean regions, and the loss of phylogenetic diversity is greater than expected at random. These results highlight the strong negative impact that climate change can induce on lineages distributed in the Andean-Patagonian region, and that show patterns of phylogenetic niche conservatism.

Chorematic modeling to represent dynamics in the quinoa agroecosystems in Peru.

Our research occurred in the Andean region, one of the eight global centers of domestication of plant species grown for agriculture. The shores of Lake Titicaca (located between Peru and Bolivia), at 3800 meters above sea level, are recognized as the center of origin of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.). In this region, complex societies have emerged, thanks to the development of water and soil management technologies. They have managed to overcome high mountain territories' extreme and variable climatic conditions. These societies have traditionally protected and preserved quinoa as food for present and future generations through their long-standing knowledge and cultivation practices. The fieldwork occurred in the context of Andean family farming, and our study analyzes nature-society dynamics with a chorematic approach and interviews with local communities. The interest of this work is the transformation of the landscape at the scale of the mountain agroecosystem to understand better the impacts of rural development policies. Chorematic modeling was applied to two periods, before and after 1970, a pivotal year in Peru for agriculture, to show how socio-spatial dynamics in the Andean environment are changing, particularly concerning the evolution of quinoa cultivation. The results show that wild quinoa relatives' distribution is strongly linked to the socio-spatial organization of the agroecosystem. Different species of wild quinoa relatives are maintained by villagers for their multiple foods, medicinal and cultural uses in natural areas, grazed areas, on edge, and also within cultivated fields. However, this management is changing under the pressure of global issues related to the international quinoa market, whose requirements imply reducing the presence of wild relatives in cultivated fields.

INTERESANTE REGISTRO, CON IMPLICACIONES CONSERVACIONISTAS, LLENA UN VACÍO EN EL RANGO DE DISTRIBUCIÓN GEOGRÁFICA PARA Hyloscirtus platydactylus (HYLIDAE)

Hyloscirtus platydactylus is reported for the first time from the Rangel municipality of Merida state, in the Venezuelan Andes. It also constitutes the first record of this taxon for the Montane dry forest Life Zone and the highest elevation record for the species. Twenty-eight post-metamorphic specimens and a dozen tadpoles were located during the local rainy season through visual searches in small springs surrounded by vegetation in intermediate stages of ecological succession. The new record is important because it fills a gap in the species' distribution and presents evidence of its presence in an area with different ecological characteristics than the other areas where it was already known. This discovery of H. platydactylus is of singular importance for the conservation of the natural vegetation patches that remain in this Venezuelan Andean region, which are important in terms of the representation of its characteristic fauna and flora. Hyloscirtus platydactylus largely lacks ecological and biological information and is classified as Vulnerable (VU) in the IUCN red list of species.

Molecular phylogeny and biogeography of the dwarf boas of the family Tropidophiidae (Serpentes: Alethinophidia)

Although present in the South American continent, dwarf boas (Tropidophiidae) show their greatest extant diversification in the Caribbean region, reaching their highest diversity in Cuba. Despite their remarkable species richness, phylogenetic affinities among species of Tropidophis and Trachyboa are still poorly known. Here, we provide a multi-locus phylogenetic hypothesis of the family that includes 25 of the 37 known continental and insular species, including most of its highly diverse Cuban endemic radiation (16 out of 17 species sampled). We also provide a time-calibrated tree derived from our molecular data. Our phylogenetic results indicate that the genus Tropidophis and its mainland and Cuban radiations are paraphyletic, while the Caribbean radiation forms a well-supported clade. We therefore synonymize Trachyboa with Tropidophis and provide new definitions for the species groups. Our time-calibrated tree suggests that tropidophiids originated along the northwestern Andean region of continental South America, diverging from its known sister-group genus Anilius during the late Cretaceous. The Atlantic Rainforest radiation diverged from the Andean radiation during the late Eocene. A mainland tropidophiid ancestor subsequently dispersed from northern South America to the Caribbean region in the latest Eocene. Dispersal likely took place through a near-continuous terrestrial land bridge that connected South America to the Greater Antilles during the late Eocene to early Oligocene (35–33 Ma). The existence of this land bridge, whether formed by the Aves Ridge (GAARlandia Hypothesis) or by a more southernly positioned landmass connecting the Greater Antilles and the northern Lesser Antilles Ridge (GRANoLA hypothesis), remains a topic of debate, which we address in this paper. After that main dispersal event, West Indian tropidophiids underwent over ten speciation events, rapidly colonizing the Caribbean islands. We also address the vertebral morphology of fossil and extant Tropidophiidae, with our observations challenging the current classification of several fossil taxa within crown-Tropidophiidae.

Using SAR-based products to calculate potato carbon uptake in a tropical Andean region

ABSTRACT Gross primary productivity (GPP) is an essential parameter to estimate the efficiency of carbon transfer in terrestrial ecosystems. The daily GPP has been monitored in the past using mainly optical satellite imagery. However, GPP has never been monitored using satellite Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery. We evaluate the possibility of using Sentinel-1 SAR data to estimate GPP and compare with field GPP measurements using eddy covariance (EC) systems in three commercial potato fields, located in the Andean region of Colombia, using three different water irrigation levels. Raw and processed radar data from Sentinel-1 were compared with the daily and accumulated GPP from the EC. Results indicate that SAR data has a high correlation with the accumulated GPP measured by the EC in the field. The normalized radar backscatter and radar brilliance coefficients with VH polarization show a good correlation with the EC accumulated GPP in irrigated potato fields (R2: 0.77–0.81), while radar vegetation indices show a good correlation with the EC accumulated GPP in potato fields with no irrigation (R2≈0.82). In particular, the accumulated GPP during the whole potato crop cycle was estimated with good accuracy (~5% error with irrigation and ~10% error with no irrigation).

Geography-based transmission network expansion strategies for Andean electrical systems

In many countries of the Global South, transmission network expansion faces unique challenges due to the diversity of available resources and specific geographic conditions. These challenges are particularly evident in regions with complex geographies, such as the Andean region, where elevation differences and irregular topography pose significant obstacles to the development of electricity infrastructure. This study addresses these challenges by applying non-conventional strategies for transmission grid expansion, with a particular emphasis on adapting to the unique geographic features of the Andean region. To illustrate this, a case study called EC-45 bus system is developed using Ecuador as a country representative of the geographic diversity of the Andean region. Furthermore, this work presents a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model that prioritizes the repowering and reconfiguration of existing lines over the construction of new lines. The methodology employed evaluates the investment required for the construction of new lines, considering construction costs for three site types (<1000 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.), ≥1000 m.a.s.l., and combined). Quantitative results show that using non-conventional solution methods can generate savings of up to 30.60% in investment costs compared to the solution provided by the Linear Disjunctive model. This approach offers a way towards more efficient management of resources, especially in countries with complex geographies such as the Andean one.

Habitat of two threatened short-tailed whip-scorpions (Arachnida: Schizomida) in the tropical Andes of Northern South America

AimSchizomids are one of the less-known arachnid groups in terms of their natural history and ecology. However, due to their remarkable short-range endemic distribution, they may be vulnerable to climate change and habitat loss. In Colombia, although the national IUCN red list of threatened invertebrates has categorized species of schizomids as vulnerable (VU), this assessment was based on expert criteria. Therefore, information about the ecology of schizomids is critical for a more accurate reassessment of their conservation status. In this study, we describe the habitat of two species of Surazomus in endangered Andean tropical forests of Colombia after a sampling effort of 15.12 m2 (n = 168 soil samples) and the collection of 6999 soil fauna individuals from the samples. We analyzed soil fauna communities associated with schizomids as well as different forest and environmental variables from permanent plots installed a decade ago in the Sabana de Bogotá region. Detailed information on climate, plant communities, and forest structure was obtained from these plots. Thus, we provide the first comprehensive habitat description of schizomids including both above- and belowground compartments. We found that each species lives in specific habitats with different soil fauna communities, suggesting a potential association between geographical fidelity and habitat conditions. This result could indicate that schizomids are highly sensitive to dramatic environmental changes, such as those experienced in the Andean region of Colombia.Implications for insect conservationOur study is valuable for the future reassessment of the conservation status of schizomids in the country, particularly considering that the previous categorization was based on expert criteria. Since habitat conditions and soil fauna communities are species-specific, schizomids could be disproportionately vulnerable to climate change and human disturbances in the Colombian Andes.

Growth and yield of Retrophyllum rospigliosii pure plantations in the Colombian Andes

Most reforestation in Colombia, especially in the Andean region, are monocultures of pines and eucalyptus with defined nursery and silvicultural packages. Planting native species would avoid the widespread controversy over reforestation with exotic species. Nevertheless, there are few studies that evaluate the growth and yield of native species and provide supported data to establish new projects. Here, we modeled the growth and yield of the native coniferous Retrophyllum rospigliosii in different areas of the Colombian Andes in terms of mean diameter (D), height (H), and volume (V) as a function of age, based on longitudinal data from 115 research sample plots from three sites that were remeasured between 4 and 9 times for 20 years. We fitted the von Bertalanffy growth model for D, H, and V through Bayesian generalized nonlinear mixed models to model tree growth. The adjustment of the models for the absolute growth of R. rospigliosii was 0.99, 0.99, and 0.97 for D, H, and V, respectively. All models fulfilled all regression assumptions. Although the growth rates of R. rospigliosii differed between planted sites, R. rospigliosii plantations generally exhibited low growth and barely reached the sizes required for commercialization. These results suggest that the extensive use of R. rospigliosii in pure plantations is unlikely and discourages the massive propagation of R. rospigliosii.

Diversity and conservation status of palms (Arecaceae) in two hotspots of biodiversity in Colombia and Ecuador

Societal Impact StatementPalms provide vital plant resources and ecosystem services to people across the tropics. To improve conservation guidance, a “health check” of palms in two highly threatened biodiversity hotspots in Colombia and Ecuador was undertaken. Palms are very diverse in these regions, but over one third are threatened with extinction now, especially among endemic species. Widespread and useful palms are also under intense human pressure and need to be prioritized in terms of sustainable management practices. Given the importance of palms for humans, inclusive conservation actions should be continued in both countries in order to safeguard this resource.Summary Palms provide central plant resources to societies in the tropics, especially in the Global South. The western Pacific and Andean regions of Colombia and Ecuador host two hotspots of biodiversity. To prioritize conservation policies towards palms, we undertook a conservation assessment of species in the region. We compiled a taxonomically verified database of specimens collected in both hotspots. We inferred preliminary conservation assessments using International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Criteria B. In addition, we evaluated the level of exposure of palms to human use and population density using the anthrome concept. We documented 144 native palm species in 33 genera occurring in both hotspots of Colombia and Ecuador. Of these, 55 are endemic to this region. We recorded 133 species for Colombia, 43 endemic, and 71 species for Ecuador, 9 endemic. A third of all palm species in the region are potentially threatened with extinction (50/144) and 12 as preliminary Critically Endangered. Aiphanes and Geonoma have the highest number of threatened species. In total, 60% of palm specimens were collected in the “low human impact” anthrome type. In contrast, 41% of specimens occur in high human density areas. The two hotspots of biodiversity in Colombia and Ecuador are very diverse in palms. However, we show that this diversity is under threat and is predominantly found in areas impacted by human activities. Extinction risk is highest in endemic species in both countries. Widespread and useful palm species also face threats linked to overexploitation or habitat loss. Inclusive conservation measures should be designed to conserve, together with communities, this plant resource.

Exploring Plastic Mulching as a Strategy for Mitigating Drought Stress and Boosting Maize Yield in the Ecuadorian Andes

Global food security faces a substantial risk stemming from water scarcity, particularly in regions heavily dependent on rainfall for agricultural purposes. In the Andean region, which is grappling with water scarcity, innovative and sustainable approaches are imperative for securing food sources. Plastic mulching has emerged as a potential solution to address water scarcity challenges by conserving soil moisture and optimizing growing conditions. A two-year field experiment was conducted that evaluated the efficacy of plastic mulching in preserving soil water content and reducing drought stress for maize. Two maize cultivars were grown with plastic mulching and conventional practices using a randomized completed block design with three replicates. The results demonstrated that employing plastic mulch led to a rise in the soil water content, particularly within the initial 30 cm of depth, resulting in variances of up to 4.71% humidity between the 20 and 30 cm depths. For the 2019 and 2020 evaluation years, plastic mulching elevated the volumetric water content in the first 30 cm of the soil by 8.39% and 14.18%, respectively. Additionally, it elevated the soil temperature by 1.26 °C and reduced the maize flowering time. Plastic mulching substantially enhanced the fresh corn yield, reaching a 162% increase compared to conventional plots. These findings underscore the potential benefits of plastic mulching in conserving the soil water content, alleviating drought and cold stress for crops in the Andean region.

A new species of Ctenomys (Rodentia, Ctenomyidae) from the pre-Andean regions of Mendoza Province, Argentina

Abstract The genus Ctenomys (Rodentia: Hystricomorpha) includes an impressive diversity of species, all of which have evolved in southern South America. The number of recognized species is currently approaching 70. During the last few decades, taxonomic revisions and new field collections have resulted in both the description of new species and the synonymization of others, suggesting that much of the alpha taxonomy of Ctenomys remains unresolved, particularly when considering the vast areas of distribution that are still unsampled. Both phylogeographic patterns and the fossil record suggest that the Andean Cordillera has played a critical role in the diversification of the genus. Building upon recent, intensive field sampling in the Andean and pre-Andean regions of southern Mendoza Province, I integrated molecular and morphological data to evaluate the taxonomic status of populations of Ctenomys in this region. These analyses revealed a taxonomically-diverse Ctenomys assemblage within which here I provide the description for a new species. Available data indicate that this new species is endemic to southern portions of Mendoza Province, a geographic region that represents the confluence of 3 lineages ‘magellanicus,’ ‘maulinus,’ and ‘mendocinus,’ and that it is thus an area of particular importance for the conservation of these rodents.

Contemporary and relic waters strongly decoupled in arid alpine environments

Deciphering the dominant controls on the connections between groundwater, surface water, and climate is critical to understanding water cycles in arid environments. Yet, persistent uncertainties in the fundamental hydrology of these systems remain. The growing demand for critical minerals such as lithium and associated water demands in the arid environments in which they often occur has amplified the urgency to address these uncertainties. We present an integrated hydrological analysis of the Dry Andes region utilizing a uniquely comprehensive set of tracer data (3H, 18O/2H) for these environments, paired directly with physical hydrological observations. We find two strongly decoupled hydrological systems that interact only under specific hydrogeological conditions where preferential conduits exist. The primary conditions creating these conduits are laterally extensive fine-grained evaporite and/or lacustrine units and perennial flowing streams connected with regional groundwater discharge sites. The efficient capture and transport of modern or “contemporary” water (weeks to years old) within these conduits is the primary control of the interplay between modern hydroclimate variations and groundwater aquifers in these environments. Modern waters account for a small portion of basin budgets but are critical to sustaining surface waters due to the existence of these conduits. As a result, surface waters near basin floors are disproportionally sensitive to short-term climate and anthropogenic perturbations. The framework we present describes a new understanding of the dominant controls on natural water cycles intrinsic to these arid high-elevation systems that will improve our ability to manage critical water resources.

Shaping Ethnoracial Identities: State-Society Relations and Programmatic Differentiation in the Andes

Under what circumstances do ethnoracial groups become programmatically differentiated? This article argues that ethnoracial programmatic differentiation results from major transformations in groups’ access to state power. Access to state power conditions ethnoracial groups’ perceptions of the state and their support for state-centric programmatic policies. As historically-excluded groups gain access to power, and historically-advantaged ones lose theirs, programmatic differentiation increases, the product of shifting relationships with the state. I evaluate this argument using survey data from the Andean region and demonstrate that ethnoracial groups have become programmatically differentiated where the indigenous have recently gained political power, but not elsewhere despite widespread structural inequalities and extensive indigenous organizational capacity. The findings shed light on why ethnoracialized preferences vary across contexts in unexpected ways.

Risk of human leptospirosis in Colombia: spatiotemporal analysis and related hydroclimatic factors.

Leptospirosis is an endemic zoonosis in tropical areas that is mainly related to rural activities; nevertheless, human leptospirosis (HL) outbreaks differ among regions. In Colombia, HL notifications are mandatory. Our objective was to determine the spatiotemporal distribution of HL in Colombia during 2007-2018 and its relationship with the main hydroclimatic variables. We determined the estimated incidence and lethality of HL according to department and year. The Bayesian spatiotemporal analysis of an autoregressive model (STAR) model included HL cases and hydroclimatic factors (average temperature, rainfall and relative humidity) for quarterly periods. During the study period, 10 586 HL cases were registered (estimated incidence: 1.75 cases x 105) and 243 deaths by HL (lethality 2.3%). The STAR model found association of HL risk with temperature (RR:6.80; 95% CI 3.57 to 12.48) and space. Quindío and three other Amazonian departments (Guainía, Guaviare and Putumayo) had a positive relationship with a significant number of HL cases, adjusted for quarterly precipitation and humidity. Spatial analysis showed a high risk of HL in departments of the western Andean Colombian regions. By contrast, in the spatiotemporal model, a higher HL risk was associated with temperature and departments of the North Colombian Amazon regions and Quindío in the Colombian Andean region.

Taxonomical status of Andreaea clavata var. tenuior Broth. (Bryophyta, Andreaeaceae)

The moss genus Andreaea Hedwig (1801:47) (Andreaeaceae Dumort., Bryophytina Engl.) is found growing on acid and neutral rocks in cool temperate to subpolar environments, as well as in the high altitude mountains of tropical and subtropical regions (Murray 1988). The genus include between 15 and 20 species in the Andean region (Churchill et al. 2020) with many taxa still poorly known. Andreaea clavata Broth. (in Herzog 1916:10) is only know from two collections, one from Bolivia and one from Peru (Hermann 1976; Menzel 1992).