Araucania Region Research Articles

The economic impact of violence in southern Chile

ABSTRACT For more than two decades, the Araucania region in southern Chile has been afflicted by violent acts related to the so-called Mapuche conflict. In this study, we ask what the region’s per capita GDP might have been if there had been no violence. To address this question, we establish 1997 as the starting point of the conflict and construct a counterfactual measure of Araucania’s per capita GDP using the synthetic control methodology. Our analysis indicates that the region’s per capita GDP has experienced an average decline of approximately US2.589 between 1998 and 2020 as a result of the violent conflict. This is a 22% decrease in comparison to the Araucania region’s anticipated GDP per capita.

A naturalized diploid Fragaria sp. (Rosaceae) found in southern Chile as revealed by morphological, ploidy and cytogenetic analyses

Fragaria genus has a worldwide distribution and different ploidy levels. The only wild Fragaria species described in Chile is the octoploid Fragaria chiloensis. In a group of Fragaria accessions from southern Chile including Fragaria chiloensis subsp. chiloensis f. patagonica individuals, an accession named Fragaria-MEN, caught our attention because it shows notable phenotypic differences compared to the rest of the accessions. Fragaria-MEN was collected near the Menetue hot springs (Araucania Region, Chile) and differs from the other F. chiloensis plants mainly in leaf morphology. Due to these differences, we carried out a full morphology description of Fragaria-MEN individuals and then a characterization of the chromosomes and genome size to verify the ploidy level. Morphological analysis reveals close vegetative and reproductive characteristics shared with the non-native diploid Fragaria vesca ‘Hawaii’ species. We also observed a DNA amount according to the diploidy (2n = 2× = 14) revealed by cytological analysis of chromosomes. We propose Fragaria-MEN as F. vesca population that should have been introduced and now is naturalized in the Araucania Region of Chile.

Urban Park Design and Pedestrian Mobility—Case Study: Temuco, Chile

Pathway design features in urban parks are vital in facilitating leisure walking and maintaining a minimal rate of physical activity, hence enhancing public health. This study investigated the relationships between the design aspects of Cautin Park, Chile’s largest urban park in the Araucania Region, and the tendency for walking, as well as walking behavior. The objectives were investigated using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Several design elements were discovered to be connected to walking tendency and walking behavior in this urban park, including path paving, pathway width, (dense) trees, green spaces and vegetation, connectivity with programs and activity zones, tranquility along pathways, more shade along pathways, pathways that provide better connectivity between different parts of the park, and the presence of benches along the urban park’s pathways. These insights could be used by urban planners and designers in the future planning of urban parks in this region.

Implications of Extractivism and Environmental Pollution in Mapuche Territories of the Araucania Region.

Chile is facing an environmental crisis and the territory of the Mapuche people is no exception. This is largely due to extractivism, which refers to the massive extraction and exploitation of natural resources in an indiscriminate manner. The objective of this study was to reveal the implications of extractivism and environmental pollution in Mapuche territories in the Araucanía region. The methodology used was qualitative, based on constructivist grounded theory. In-depth interviews and participant observation were used to collect data. The participants were 46 kimeltuchefes. The main results revealed extensive monocultures of non-native trees: pine and eucalyptus, which consume large amounts of water. They also revealed environmental pollution and indiscriminate forestry extractivism related to these trees, which generate soil degradation and water pollution. These consequences reduce biodiversity and disturb the ngenh (spiritual beings and protectors of nature). They also affect the Mapuche's agricultural activities and, in turn, their health and subsistence. In addition, non-native tree monocultures, environmental pollution and forestry extractivism transgress the az mapu (Mapuche code of ethics and behaviour), which disturbs the ethical, moral and spiritual relationship between the Mapuche and nature. They also have negative implications for the küme mogen (good living of the Mapuche), since they violate the balance and harmony between the Mapuche and all living beings, elements and spiritual beings that are part of nature. This also violates the reciprocity between the Mapuche and nature. It was concluded that there have been violations of the human rights of the Mapuche people, given that they are exposed to harmful environmental conditions that put their health and subsistence at considerable risk. In this sense, the Mapuche are experiencing a spiritual, physical, cognitive, attitudinal, affective and material imbalance. Ultimately, the state of Chile must generate intercultural environmental public and educational policies aimed at generating environmental awareness and creating actions to solve environmental problems in order to protect Mapuche and non-Mapuche territories.

Climate Change and its Influence on Tourism Fluctuation in the Araucania region of Chile

Climate Change and its Influence on Tourism Fluctuation in the Araucania region of Chile

Generic Pheromones Identified from Northern Hemisphere Cerambycidae (Coleoptera) Are Attractive to Native Longhorn Beetles from Central-Southern Chile.

We conducted field bioassays with several known cerambycid pheromones in two zones of central-southern Chile: (1) Las Trancas (Ñuble region) and Coñaripe (Los Rios region) (Study 1) and (2) Rucamanque and Maquehue (La Araucania region) (Study 2). Up to eight compounds were tested individually, including 3-hydroxy-2-hexanone, (2R*,3S*)- and (2R*,3R*)-2,3-hexanediol, fuscumol, fuscumol acetate, monochamol, 2-methylbutanol, and geranylacetone. Compounds were loaded in plastic sachets placed in either multiple funnel or cross-vane panel traps hung in trees in a randomized block design (n = 3 or 4). The number of treatments and bioassay periods varied depending on the study. A total of 578 specimens belonging to 11 native species were collected, with the three captured in the highest numbers being Eryphus laetus (292 specimens), Calydon submetallicum (n = 234), and Chenoderus testaceus (n = 20). The three species are of economic importance: E. laetus is considered a minor pest in apple orchards, and the other two species infest Nothophagus hosts, including some timber species. Traps baited with 3-hydroxy-2-hexanone collected significant numbers of both sexes of the two most abundant species, and this compound was the only treatment that attracted C. submetallicum. (2R*,3R*)- and (2R*,3S*)-2,3-Hexanediols were also significantly attractive to E. laetus. Our results suggested that 3-hydroxy-2-hexanone and 2,3-hexanediols, which are known pheromone components of cerambycid species worldwide, are also likely to be conserved aggregation pheromone components among some species in western South America.

Strategic scenario building for planning energy resources: The case of Araucania, Chile

La Prospective is an appropriate approach for contexts distinguished by high uncertainty and social conflict. This French scenario building method has received limited attention in the field of energy resources planning, especially beyond approaches focused on technological issues. The paper utilized the La Prospective method to generate strategic 2050 visions, integrating energy resources and spatial development. The Araucania region in Chile served as a case study, engaging 52 stakeholders, both experts and members of the public. The method was implemented in three stages: (a) system assessment; (b) understanding the dynamics of the system; and (c) obtaining strategic future visions. The results show a regional vision based on key concepts: (i) affordable electric power that protects the environment and clean air; (ii) preference for individual self-generation and/or collective systems (iii) digitally connected and available to everyone. The paper closes with a discussion on how participatory processes enable the elaboration of strategic futures based on high levels of consensus among stakeholders with different interests and professional backgrounds and provides a few recommendations for future research.

The first fossil toad (Anura: Bufonidae) from the Cura-Mallín Formation (Río Pedregoso Member, middle Miocene) of Lonquimay, Araucania Region, Central Chile

This work describes the first record of a fossil anuran from the Neogene of Chile, found in miocene outcrops of the Río Pedregoso Member of the Cura-Mallín Formation, near the town of Lonquimay, Araucanía Region. The material consists of a distal half of left humerus and the proximal half of a radioulnae preserved in natural articulation. These elements present several similarities with extant members of Rhinella, which allow to confer the specimen to this genus. These similarities are the greater development of the ulnar epicondyle with respect to the radial, which may also have a great development of the medial crest, and the presence of a lateral crest and a humeral head slightly laterally displaced from the shaft of the diaphysis. Rhinella is a well-represented genus in the current batrachofauna of South America, but with a poor fossil record. The finding represents the southernmost fossil record of Bufonidae in South America for the Miocene. This discovery increases the knowledge about the distribution of the members of Rhinella during this epoch.

Features of patients admitted for COVID-19 at a regional hospital in the Chilean Araucania Region

The Araucania region in Chile had the greatest COVID-19 incidence and lethality in Chile Aim: To describe the clinical characteristics and evolution of patients admitted for COVID-19 in a high complexity Hospital in the region of La Araucanía-Chile. Review of medical records of the first 169 patients aged 55 ± 17 years (50% women) admitted for COVID-19 between march and may, 2020 at a regional hospital in Temuco Chile. The most common comorbidities of these patients were hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. The symptom triad of cough, dyspnea and fever was present in 85%. Less frequent symptoms were diarrhea and vomiting. Biomarkers at admission such as ferritin, D-dimer, among others, were significantly higher among patients who required admission to the Intensive Care Unit. The presence of cough, dyspnea and fever were significantly associated with longer hospitalization time and requirement for mechanical ventilation. Hypertension and obesity were significantly associated with longer hospitalization stay. Eight percent of patients died. Symptoms such as cough, dyspnea and fever and specific biomarkers on admission were associated with a worse evolution of adult inpatients with COVID-19.

“Everywhere there are distilled spirits”: Alcohol Consumption and Alcoholism on the Chilean Frontier at the Turn of the Twentieth Century

Objective/Context: The incorporation of the Araucania region into Chilean territory, after the end of the military occupation in 1883, led to an increased process of colonization, exploration by traveling scientists, and the settlement of missionaries in the area. In addition, mestizo rural laborers (rotos) and European colonists joined the fronterizos, settlers who were already living on the frontier before the occupation. This article analyses the dynamics and effects of alcohol consumption and alcoholism regarding the perception of mestizo settlers and the indigenous population on the Chilean frontier at the turn of the twentieth century. Methodology: The analysis relies on primary sources, consisting mainly of travel books, reports, and scientific publications written by Chilean and European scientists, politicians, and missionaries, that have not yet been sufficiently studied. Originality: Using the less studied example of alcohol consumption on the Chilean frontier, this work’s contribution consists of demonstrating how the intense processes of occupation and colonization—and, in particular, the perceptions of different actors about indigenous and mestizo settlers—resulted in new forms of stigmatizing the settlers called rotos and the indigenous population, and, consequently, in the consolidation of social hierarchies. Conclusions: While alcohol consumption was acceptable for certain populations, as evidenced by the wine industry’s simultaneous prosperity, it was reprehensible for indigenous people and mestizo settlers. Because of the stigmatized perception of these social groups as drunk, lazy, and poor, especially in the context of intensive colonization that provoked increasing interest in lands occupied mainly by indigenous people and fronterizos, alcoholism can be interpreted as a vehicle for specific dynamics of exclusion. Ancient conceptions of a heroic indigenous culture, in the long run, led missionaries to strive to “protect” these groups from alcoholism, while traders used the images of heroic araucanos to establish extractive economies for national and foreign markets. The analyzed documents reveal that the indigenous population, as well as the rotos, became portrayed as helpless victims in need of moral education by intellectuals and missionaries, which sought to legitimize missionary work. In this sense, perceptions, social practices, and the mobility of knowledge on alcohol consumption proved to be a highly disputed field in the context of colonization and the incorporation of Araucania into the Chilean state.

Invasive Chinook Salmon in Chile: Stakeholder Perceptions and Management Conflicts around a New Common-use Resource.

Since the last decade, the Chinook salmon has become an invasive species in southern Chilean rivers, affecting their environment and displacing native species due to predation and competition. The socioeconomic valuation of this species is complex, due to its high economic, touristic, and culinary value. The tourism industry and artisanal fishing groups see the salmon as a new common-use resource to be regulated. The Chilean regulatory framework, in turn, has made the presence, danger, and economic importance of the species invisible. This document analyzes the social construction of salmonids according to different interest groups and their interaction with the legal invisibility of this species. Our study delves into a particular group: the artisanal fishermen of La Barra del Toltén, in the Araucania Region, whose main economic activity has been illegal Chinook salmon fishing, pressing for their legalization. This case raises reflections on the perennially complex relationship between nature and society, as well as the management of common problems and common resources.

First report the role of benthic macroinvertebrates as preys for native fish in Toltén river (38° S, Araucania region Chile)

The Toltén river is located in the 137 years old Araucania region, Chile (38° S), and is characterized by low alterations through human interference due agriculture and towns in its surrounding basin, the presence of native fishes and salmonids, and by its lake effluent regime originated from Villarrica lake. The aim of the present study was to make a review of ecological role of the benthic inland water macroinvertebrates as preys for native fishes of the River Toltén, in order to understand their importance in the ecosystem of the river. The literature revealed that the main prey for native fishes are Chironomidae larvae, nevertheless there are not specific reports for Tolten river. The exposed results are similar with similar native species for Patagonia, and these native species would have prey for introduced salmonids, or these species would have prey competition with introduced salmonids in according to the literature descriptions for Argentinean and Chilean Patagonia.

Suicide rates in the Araucania Region of Chile

Suicide is a public health problem in the world. In Chile, suicide rates increased since 1990 with regional differences in rates. To analyze the geographical distribution of deaths due to suicide that occurred in the Region of Araucanía between the years 2004-2015. The geographic distribution of suicide in the Araucania Region at district level (2004-2015) was analyzed using death data available at the web page of the Ministry of Health. Socio-demographic variables of suicide were characterized. The spatial distribution of suicide rates was represented using cartography, and suicide spatial clusters were identified through spatial-temporal exploration. There were 1,562 suicides, 86% in men, with a mean rate of 13.07 x105 inhabitants. The highest rates were registered in people aged over 70 years. Most individuals committing suicide were active workers. Hanging was the most common method to accomplish suicide. The territories from the coastal area in Cautín, and Nahuelbuta registered the highest suicide rates. Two statistically significant conglomerates with high incidence of suicide cases were identified. The use of geographic methods and the disaggregation of suicide cases at district level, allowed the identification of territorial variability in the distribution of suicide rates within the Araucanía Region. Spatial patterns of areas with high suicide risk were found.

Diffuse urban sprawl in intermediate cities. Simulation of the expansión process in the city of Temuco, Chile

Urbanization advances vertiginously and its impacts are visible beyond metropolitan spaces. In this context, urban sprawl simulation methodologies become relevant to understand and add to future urban growth scenarios. In this work, the case of the city of Temuco in the La Araucania Region is analyzed, using the following tools: Markov chains; Cellular Automaton; Multicriteria-Multi-objective Assessment; and the determination of land usage/cover using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Based on the above, the urban scenario was determined for 2049 from the spatial patterns of the area under study, since 1985. The model shows a trend to a peripheral and diffuse sprawl towards the north of the city and a strong development towards the western sector in the Labranza neighborhood. That is to say, the first sector is projected as a possible node of expansion, and the second, as one of consolidation. It is concluded that both zones require pertinent updated urban planning instruments, which the city has not had until now.

First biological report on a small crater lagoon in Northern Chilean Patagonia (38°S, Laguna Verde, Araucania Region, Chile)

First biological report on a small crater lagoon in Northern Chilean Patagonia (38°S, Laguna Verde, Araucania Region, Chile)

Responsabilidad personal docente y motivación escolar

El artículo tiene como propósito analizar las representaciones acerca de la responsabilidad personal docente en la motivación escolar. Participaron del estudio profesores en formación y en ejercicio de Educación primaria (n=773) de la Región de la Araucanía, Chile. A partir de un análisis de cluster se identificaron cuatro perfiles distintos, en donde esta responsabilidad se asume como propia o compartida y donde la motivación escolar es representada como algo continuo o como un momento acotado de la clase. Los resultados muestran que habría un desplazamiento de la responsabilidad docente hacia la familia, en torno a la motivación escolar, cuando se ejerce efectivamente la profesión. Además, los profesores en ejercicio tenderían concebir la motivación escolar como un momento acotado y de responsabilidad compartida; mientras que los futuros profesores participan significativamente más del perfil en donde la motivación es un proceso continuo y de responsabilidad del docente. Dado que el profesor es el agente que con mejores herramientas debería ser capaz de dar sentido y motivar el aprendizaje escolar, urge generar estrategias para que esta responsabilidad sea asumida de manera contundente por el propio profesor y como un proceso, más allá de un momento específico de la clase. This article analyzes self-reports of teacher perceptions regarding personal responsibility in school motivation. Participants were teachers-in-training and those currently working in Primary Education (n=773) in the Araucanía Region, Chile. Four different profiles were identified from cluster analysis, where responsibility was seen as personal, or shared; and where school motivation was represented as continuous, or discrete. Results show that respondents tend to place responsibility for school motivation within the family for the most effective exercise of the profession. For practicing teachers, school motivation tended to be conceived of as discrete moments, of shared responsibility; while future teachers were significantly more likely to see motivation as a continuous process, of personal (teacher) responsibility. Given that teachers have the educational tools and opportunity to most effectively motivate school learning, it is urgent to generate strategies where responsibility is robustly assumed by teachers themselves; and as a continuous process beyond a specific moment in the classroom.

First Descriptions of Aquatic Arthropods in an Unpolluted Native Forest Relict (Rucamanque, 38° S, Araucaria Region, Chile)

The Araucania region (38° S, Chile) originally had native perennial forest in middle valleys regions, that was gradually replaced by towns and agricultural zones during the last century, nevertheless there is some relicts of these native forests that are preserved, one of these relicts is Rucamanque, a protected area in the surrounding of Temuco town. The aim of the present study was a first aquatic Arthropoda description in a stream of this protected area using species co-occurrence and niche overlap null models. The results of species co-occurrence null model revealed that species associations are random, whereas the results of niche sharing revealed that species reported have different ecological niches, and in consequence there is not interspecifi c competence. The exposed results revealed the presence of aquatic fauna representative for unpolluted streams; similar descriptions were found for other similar inland water ecosystems in Argentinean and Chilean Patagonia.

Impact of Biomass Burning on Air Quality in Temuco City, Chile

ABSTRACT Residential wood burning emits a complex mixture of particulate and gaseous compounds. In this article we show an in-depth chemical characterization of particulate matter evidencing the impact of biomass burning on the urban air quality in Greater Temuco, the capital city of the Araucania Region, Chile. The measurements were carried out at two sites, Las Encinas and Padre Las Casas, in spring and winter. Extremely high fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations (up to 700 µg m–3) were frequently observed at both stations in the wintertime, while in spring, PM2.5 concentrations were significantly lower (campaign-average 6.4 and 8.6 µg m–3 in Las Encinas and Padre Las Casas, respectively). Chemical composition of submicron PM was dominated by organics (average 87%) followed by inorganic ions (10–30%) and a minor contribution of black carbon (< 5%). In the wintertime, atmospheric levels of biomass burning tracers, such as levoglucosan, potassium and chloride, were elevated and their diurnal profiles showed a significant concentration increase in the evening. Diurnal profiles combined with the in-depth chemical analysis clearly indicated that in the wintertime local biomass burning was the main source of air pollutants in the region. Furthermore, in winter, most of the high concentration events correlated with the periods with high surface pressure, low temperature and low wind speed. These events matched with higher temperatures at high altitude than at the surface characterizing the typical profile of a vertical inversion that prevents the dilution of air pollutants.

First Report of Arthropod Fauna in Flooded Plains of Northern Patagonia (38° S, Araucania Region Chile)

In northern Patagonia, there is a kind of water body characterized as flooded plains (vegas), resulting from heavy rains. They have submerged vegetation that sustains aquatic insects and crustaceans, including burrowing crayfish of the genus Parastacus. The object of the present study was to present the first description of the community structure of three such water bodies. The results revealed the existence of seven species in the only site with Parastacus pugnax Poeppig, 1835, whereas in the sites where P. pugnax was absent there were one and three species respectively. The niche-sharing null model revealed the absence of niche-sharing due to interspecific absence. This kind of habitat presents marked heterogeneity, attributable to specific micro-environmental variations.

Paisagem natural e patrimônio cultural na região da Araucanía, Chile

O Chile é um país que apresenta uma diversidade paisagística representada pelos variados níveis topográficos, os diferentes tipos climáticos, a rica biodiversidade e a irregular ocupação humana. Nesse cenário, o presente trabalho enfoca a região de Araucanía, onde são evidenciadas as diferentes paisagens naturais, o patrimônio cultural, bem como os segmentos e roteiros turísticos implantados na região, com destaque para o turismo etnicocultural mapuche. A pesquisa priorizou estudar os mecanismo de gestão das áreas protegidas, observando as ocorrências da gestão compartilhada e a oportunidade de serviços oferecidos à população local. O processo investigativo adotou o procedimento metodológico integrado reunindo diferentes campos das ciências, como a Geografia Física, Geologia, Biologia, Ecologia, Paisagismo e o Turismo.