Andes Research Articles

A A new species of Graffenrieda (Melastomataceae) from the northern Andes, Caquetá, Colombia, and a key for the Graffenrieda group with calyptrate flowers

Background and Aims: Graffenrieda is a Neotropical genus with more than 70 species, mainly distributed in the Guiana Shield and the Andes. This work describes a new species of Graffenrieda and provides a key to identify all species with calyptrate flowers in the genus.Methods: The description of this new species was made from collections deposited in the Colombian herbaria JBB and COAH. Measurements of vegetative parts and inflorescence were made from dried material, while floral structures and fruits were measured from fresh material preserved in alcohol. Their conservation status was assessed according to IUCN guidelines. A key for the recognition of all species of the genus with calyptrate flowers, including the new species and Centronia species to be transferred to Graffenrieda is also provided here, for which lists of species in Neotropical countries, collection databases, and literature on both genera were consulted.Key results: Graffenrieda cardenasii sp. nov. is endemic to the southern Cordillera Oriental of Colombia and is characterized by its indumentum of irregular lepidote trichomes on the vegetative parts, leaves with incomplete lateral anisophylly, leafy bracteoles as large as the flower buds, 5-merous flowers, calyptrate calyx and 2-locular ovary. It is categorized as Endangered in view of its endemicity and habitat specificity. A key is provided for 30 species of the genus Graffenrieda that share the character of calyptrate flowers.Conclusions: This species is named in honor of the Colombian botanist Dairon Cárdenas López, a great collector and connoisseur of the Colombian Amazonian flora. It is so far known only from the type localities. The key to the species with calyptrate flowers included in this article allows 43% of the species in the genus Graffenrieda to be recognized, including four Centronia species.

Two new species of the genus Quindina Roewer, 1914 (Opiliones: Nomoclastidae) from Colombia: phylogenetic relationships and notes on their nest architecture

ABSTRACT Quindina Roewer, 1914 is a nomoclastid genus with 11 described species behaviourally characterised by its remarkable nest-building behaviour. In this paper we describe two new Colombian species of the genus from the western range of the Northern Andes, based on genital morphology and external characters. In addition, we explore their phylogenetic relationships using a phenotypic matrix with 96 characters, three newly proposed, and 55 terminals including all described species of Quindina and a wide outgroup sample across the suborder Laniatores. Quindina sanantonio sp. n. (type locality: Valle del Cauca, Santiago de Cali, San Antonio Forest) can be diagnosed by having two olive-green patches behind the ocularium and on the lateral portion of areas II and III, connected on the posterior margin of area III. Quindina horologium sp. n. (type locality: Risaralda, Santuario, Planes de San Rafael) can be diagnosed by having an hourglass-shaped dorsal pattern, beginning as two emerald-green patches next to the ocularium and continuing to the posterior margin of area III. Both species build nests without walls on the underside of leaves (ie flattened nest type), a previously unknown nest architecture for the genus. The phylogenetic analysis confirmed the monophyly of Quindina. The two new species, herein described, were recovered as basally branching within the genus. The inferred ancestral state for the nest architecture was the flattened nest type. We provide an updated key for the Colombian species of the genus Quindina and an updated distribution map. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:4C811186-3FAC-4F65-81BD-A5720513551E.

Tracking Small Animals in Complex Landscapes: AComparison of Localisation Workflows for Automated Radio Telemetry Systems.

Automated radio telemetry systems (ARTS) have the potential to revolutionise our understanding of animal movement by providing a near-continuous record of individual locations in the wild. However, localisation errors in ARTS data can be very high, especially in natural landscapes with complex vegetation structure and topography. This curtails the research questions that may be addressed with this technology. We set up an ARTS grid in a valley with heterogeneous vegetation cover in the Colombian high Andes and applied an analytical pipeline to test the effectiveness of localisation methods. We performed calibration trials to simulate animal movement in high- or low-flight, or walking on the ground, and compared workflows with varying decisions related to signal cleaning, selection, smoothing, and interpretation, along with four multilateration approaches. We also quantified the influence of spatial features on the system's accuracy. Results showed large variation in localisation error, ranging between 0.4-43.4 m and 474-1929 m, depending on the localisation method used. We found that the selection of higher radio signal strengths and data smoothing based on the temporal autocorrelation are useful tools to improve accuracy. Moreover, terrain ruggedness, height of movement, vegetation type, and the location of animals inside or outside the grid area influence localisation error. In the case of our study system, thousands of location points were successfully estimated for two high-altitude hummingbird species that previously lacked movement data. Our case study on hummingbirds suggests ARTS grids can be used to estimate small animals' home ranges, associations with vegetation types, and seasonality in occurrence. We present a comparative localisation pipeline, highlighting the variety of possible decisions while processing radio signal data. Overall, this study provides guidance to improve the resolution of location estimates, broadening the application of this tracking technology in the study of the spatial ecology of wild populations.

New constraints on the tectonic history of the basement of the Western Cordillera and coastal forearc of Ecuador

The Western Cordillera and forearc of the Northern Andes (north of 5° S) are constructed from allochthonous terranes floored by oceanic crust. A paucity of accurate geochronological data from the ultramafic and mafic basement sequences of the Western Cordillera and Coastal region of Ecuador has lead to distinct differences in published tectonic models, with different allochthonous units and contrasting timelines of accretion and collision. We present new zircon UPb and groundmass 40Ar/39Ar dates of the basement units, which have been combined with new whole rock geochemical and isotopic data to constrain their tectonic histories prior to and during their accretion to South America. Ultramafic and mafic rocks with oceanic plateau affinities can be divided into two plateau sequences, where an inboard, younger plateau (85–92 Ma; Pallatanga Block) is sutured against South America, and was modified by a pre-accretionary intra-oceanic arc (Pilatón-Pujilí arc) that was terminated by the accretionary process. An older, outboard oceanic plateau sequence (∼120 Ma) forms the basement to a series of coastal blocks within the present forearc (Piñon, San Lorenzo, Pedernales and probably the Esmeraldas blocks). The outer plateau also hosts a pre-accretionary intra-oceanic arc (Pascuales – San Lorenzo arc), which remained active during and post-accretion (San Lorenzo – Rio Cala arc). Coeval changes in palaeomagnetic declination, the onset of rapid exhumation (>1 km/My) of the Early Cretaecous continental margin and sedimentation within the newly formed retro-arc foreland basin and foreland region supports a model where both oceanic plateau sequences accreted to South America in a single accretion event at 75–70 Ma. Thus, it is likely that the accreted oceanic plateau was composite, and included both the younger and older plateau sequences prior to accretion. We test an alternative model where the inner (younger) and outer (older) oceanic plateaus accrete in sequence, although this fails to account for the timing of block rotations in the forearc.

Science and research: Pillars of the development of high Andean livestock farming in a context of climate change

Science and research: Pillars of the development of high Andean livestock farming in a context of climate change

Andean tubers: traditional medicine and other applications

Tubers are a staple food in Andean highland communities, valued for their rich carbohydrate content with starch being the predominant component. Additionally their consumption is preferred for various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory effects, pain relief, digestive system improvement, diabetes management and wound healing, among others. Several studies have focused on Andean tubers such as Oxalis tuberosa, Tropaeolum tuberosum, Ullucus tuberosus, Arracacia xanthorrhiza and Smallanthus sonchifolius, revealing different compounds with pharmacological effects on humans and strengthening the immune system. Therefore, the objective of this review was to compile information from different databases such as Scopus and Web of Science on research conducted in the last decade on these tubers, highlighting their health benefits and potential for technological innovation for the benefit of the Andean communities that produce these crops. These tubers have been little marketed outside their production areas due to a lack of awareness. Although their applications have been limited, they have shown positive results, making them promising sources of health-beneficial phytochemicals. They could be used in technological developments to benefit health, particularly in addressing diseases that cause the most deaths.

Modelo cinemático del control estructural 4D y metalogénesis del distrito auroargentífero Vetas-California (Santander, Colombia)

). The gold and silver deposits of the Vetas-California mining district are hosted in Paleozoic gneisses and Mesozoic granites of the Santander massif in the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia, far from the northern Andean volcanic arc. In the California area, there is ambiguity in defining the epithermal-type metallogenic model with high to intermediate sulfidation due to the presence of Late Triassic-Early Jurassic and Miocene magmatism. The best-known hydrothermal episodes comprise two early porphyritic-style phases: a) characterized by a propylitic alteration with molybdenite of the ~10.1 Ma-old La Mascota breccia, related to granodiorite porphyries and smaller-volume rhyodacitic dykes; and b) attributed to a magmatic-hydrothermal system due to phyllic alteration associated with quartz-pyrite veins with hydrothermal sericite dated at ~3.4 Ma. These two hydrothermal episodes were followed by four epithermal phases related to the development of multiphase hydrothermal breccias and quartz-alunite alteration, defined by bornite, covellite, and chalcopyrite, alongside wolframite, enargite, and sphalerite, with gold and silver mineralization between ~2.6 and ~ 1.6 Ma. To understand the relationship of the emplacement of the porphyries and the subsequent auro-argentiferous enrichments to the deformation front observed in the Pamplona buttress, to the east of the Santander Massif, a 4D structural model of the mineralization is formulated here. This model is based on the spatial analysis of the stresses responsible for the La Baja-Angostura dextral fault in terms of the regional kinematics of the Bucaramanga sinistral fault. It is considered that the SW sector of the deposit area corresponds to a well-defined, tabular, sub-vertical body of the La Mascota breccia. On the other hand, the NE sector in the La Baja-Angostura fault is expressed as a topographically elevated right horsetail splay, which controls the more disseminated distribution of the mineralization by means of veinlet swarms arranged in an ~E-W direction. The disseminated mineralization of Vetas-California was probably favored by late thermal expansion-contraction events in the gneissic sockets, which allowed the accumulation and precipitation of boiling solutions rich in volatiles and elements of economic interest.

Environmental Impact by Particulate Material and Meteorological Parameters on the Incidence of Positive Cases of COVID-19 During the First Year of the Pandemic in a High Andean City

Environmental Impact by Particulate Material and Meteorological Parameters on the Incidence of Positive Cases of COVID-19 During the First Year of the Pandemic in a High Andean City

The small and inconspicuous majority: Revealing the megadiversity and historical biogeography of the Pristimantis unistrigatus species group (Anura, Strabomantidae)

With more than 600 recognized species, the genus Pristimantis is already the most diverse among vertebrates, but described species only represent a fraction of the actual diversity in this clade. This genus is widely distributed throughout the Neotropics and represents an interesting model for biogeographic studies because Pristimantis spp. are direct developing and generally have narrow ecological niches and low dispersal abilities. The P. unistrigatus species group is one of the most important components in the genus (ca. 200 recognized species) and has been supported by morphological but not by molecular evidence. We assessed the species boundaries and distribution in the P. unistrigatus species group and infer spatiotemporal patterns of diversification related to historical landscape changes in the Neotropics. We gathered three mitochondrial, and two nuclear DNA loci from 416 specimens throughout the range of the group, and including 68 nominal species. We redefine the group based on the obtained phylogeny and found 151 candidate species that composes it, with 83 of these remaining undescribed. We recovered 11 major clades within the group that diverged before 13 Ma. The diversification of the group started during the early Miocene most likely in northwestern South America, currently corresponding to western Amazonia and northern Andes. The other neotropical areas subsequently acted as sinks, receiving lineages mostly during the last 10 Ma, after the demise of the Pebas System and the setup of the modern Amazonian hydrographic system.

Zinc Accumulation Pattern in Native Cortaderia nitida in High Andes (Ecuador) and Potential for Zinc Phytoremediation in Soil

The aim of this work was to determine the content of heavy metals in soil and, for the first time, in wild Cortaderia nitida, and to discuss its potential as a metal phytoremediator plant. We sampled sediments (bulk and rhizosphere) and C. nitida (roots and shoots) in three nearby spots with different land uses (urban, industrialized and agricultural) along the Chibunga river basin (Ecuador). We analyzed the physico-chemical parameters in soil and heavy metal contents in soil and plants. The agricultural sediments showed the highest conductivity and redox potential, but the lowest pH. Among all the metals analyzed in soil and plants, we only found significant values of Zn and Fe. We observed clear differences in patterns of Zn distribution throughout soil and plants among the three areas sampled, thus suggesting that soil properties played an important role in Zn compartmentalization. Also, C. nitida demonstrated effective Zn translocation from roots to shoots, especially in farmlands (translocation factors between 1.64 and 2.51). Together with the results obtained for other Cortaderia species in metal-polluted areas, this study proposes C. nitida as a candidate to further study its metal phytoremediation potential and encourages this research in heavy metal-enriched soils.

Internal deformation of the North Andean Sliver in Ecuador-southern Colombia observed by InSAR

Summary In the Northern Andes, partitioning of oblique subduction of the Nazca plate beneath the South American continent induces a northeastward motion of the North Andean Sliver. The strain resulting from this motion is absorbed by crustal faults, which have produced magnitude 7 + earthquakes historically in the Andean Cordillera of Ecuador and southern Colombia. In order to quantify the strain in that area, we derive a high-resolution surface velocity map using InSAR time-series processing. We analyzed 6 to 8 years of Sentinel-1 data and combined different satellite line-of-sight directions to produce a reliable velocity map in the East direction. We use interpolated GNSS data to express the velocity map with respect to Stable South America and remove the long-wavelength pattern due to the post-seismic deformation following the 2016 Mw 7.8 Pedernales earthquake. The InSAR velocity map finds high E-W shortening strain rates along N-S trending structures within the Western Cordillera and the Interandean valley, with little deformation taking place east of them. This result strengthens the previous proposition of a ∼350 km long Quito-Latacunga tectonic block, forming a restraining bend in the overall right-lateral strike-slip fault system accommodating the northeastward escape motion of the North Andean Sliver. However, the high spatial resolution provided by InSAR indicates that previously proposed boundaries for this block need to be revised. In particular, InSAR results highlight high strain rate (>300 nstrain/yr) along undescribed active structures, south and west of the proposed limits for the Quito-Latacunga block, respectively in Peltetec and Ibarra regions. Interestingly, the two areas with the largest strain rates spatially correlate with the proposed areas of large historical earthquakes. Modeling of the InSAR and GNSS velocities in these areas suggests shallow coupling and high slip rates on structures which, previously, were not identified as active. We also demonstrate a slow-down of the shallow aseismic slip on the Quito fault after the Pedernales earthquake, suggesting that stress changes following large megathrust events might trigger transient slip behaviors on crustal faults. The high-resolution strain map provided by this work provides a new basis for future tectonic models in the Ecuadorian and southern Colombian Andes, and will contribute to the seismic hazard assessment in this highly populated area of the Andes.

Biosynthetic gene clusters from uncultivated soil bacteria of the Atacama Desert.

Soil microorganisms mediate several biological processes through the secretion of natural products synthesized in specialized metabolic pathways, yet functional characterization in ecological contexts remains challenging. Using culture-independent metagenomic analyses of microbial DNA derived directly from soil samples, we examined the potential of biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) from six bacterial communities distributed along an altitudinal gradient of the Andes Mountains in the Atacama Desert. We mined 38 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) and identified 168 BGCs. Results indicated that most predicted BGCs were classified as non-ribosomal-peptides (NRP), post-translational modified peptides (RiPP), and terpenes, which were mainly identified in genomes of species from Acidobacteriota and Proteobacteria phyla. Based on BGC composition according to types of core biosynthetic genes, six clusters of MAGs were observed, three of them with predominance for a single phylum, of which two also showed specificity to a single sampling site. Comparative analyses of accessory genes in BGCs showed associations between membrane transporters and other protein domains involved in specialized metabolism with classes of biosynthetic cores, such as resistance-nodulation-cell division (RND) multidrug efflux pumps with RiPPs and the iron-dependent transporter TonB with terpenes. Our findings increase knowledge regarding the biosynthetic potential of uncultured bacteria inhabiting pristine locations from one of the oldest and driest nonpolar deserts on Earth.IMPORTANCEMuch of what we know about specialized metabolites in the Atacama Desert, including Andean ecosystems, comes from isolated microorganisms intended for drug development and natural product discovery. To complement research on the metabolic potential of microbes in extreme environments, comparative analyses on functional annotations of biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) from uncultivated bacterial genomes were carried out. Results indicated that in general, BGCs encode for structurally unique metabolites and that metagenome-assembled genomes did not show an obvious relationship between the composition of their core biosynthetic potential and taxonomy or geographic distribution. Nevertheless, some members of Acidobacteriota showed a phylogenetic relationship with specific metabolic traits and a few members of Proteobacteria and Desulfobacterota exhibited niche adaptations. Our results emphasize that studying specialized metabolism in environmental samples may significantly contribute to the elucidation of structures, activities, and ecological roles of microbial molecules.

Maastrichtian-Cenozoic erosional history of the northern Peruvian Amazonian Andes implications for the Eastern Cordillera evolution (Huallaga Basin, northern Peru)

Late Cretaceous-Cenozoic Andean mountain building may have experienced various phases of orogenesis in response to variations the dip angle of the subducting slab, distinct magmatic pulses, and shortening rates of the orogen. The timing of the Eastern Cordillera (EC) erosion and the relationship between the Andean orogenesis and the establishing of the transcontinental Amazon River remains unclarified. The erosional history of the Amazon Andes and the timing of these orogenic events may be revealed by the late Cretaceous-Cenozoic sedimentary record of the Amazonian retroarc foreland basin. We investigate the provenance of the Maastrichtian-Cenozoic deposits of the Huallaga Basin based on major and trace elements concentrations, SmNd isotopic composition, and UPb zircon dating. We also refined the Oligocene paleoenvironment and calculated Paleogene sedimentation rates. Our results show that despite the 25 Myr-long sedimentary hiatus, both the Maastrichtian and Eocene units show dominant sourcing from the magmatic arc of the Western Cordillera (WC). Increases in Paleozoic and Famatinian zircon grains and a shift toward more negative ƐNd(0) values, indicate dominant EC sources during the Oligocene to middle Miocene. This change in provenance area is Rupelian in age based on the Maximum Likelihood Age (MLA) of JUA22 (29.70 ± 0.62 Ma), suggesting that the onset of Peruvian EC erosion started at ∼30 Ma. The erosion of the EC was accompanied by an increase in sedimentation rates and the development of a meandering fluvial system. Finally, a substantial decrease in zircon grains derived from the Cretaceous and Cenozoic Andean arcs from late Miocene to Recent sediments suggests no contribution of the WC. In contrast, an increase in Paleozoic magmatic arc zircon grains indicates sources in the EC. We compare our findings to constrain the erosional history of the Amazonian Andes and investigate the relationship between the timing of EC uplift and the onset of the transcontinental Amazon drainage system during the Cenozoic.

Litter Decomposition Rates of Four Species of Agroecological Importance in the Peruvian Coast and Andean Highland

Litter Decomposition Rates of Four Species of Agroecological Importance in the Peruvian Coast and Andean Highland

Ecological quality of the Jucusbamaba River, a high Andean urban river in northeastern Peru

The Jucusbamaba River, located in the northeastern region of Peru, flows through two towns that use its waters for agricultural activities. However, these activities generate waste discharged back into the river, which is additionally polluted by untreated domestic wastewater discharges. The main objective was to evaluate the ecological quality of this lotic system, analyzing biotic and abiotic parameters during two seasons. The biotic parameters included microinvertebrates and fecal coliforms, while the abiotic parameters encompassed temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, turbidity, total dissolved solids, and biochemical oxygen demand. Six sampling points were established where physicochemical and microbiological parameters were analyzed. Simultaneously, quantitative sampling of macroinvertebrates was carried out at the same points to evaluate their diversity using Shannon- Wiener, Margalef and Simpson indices. The Andean Biotic Index (ABI) and the Biotic Family Index (FBI) were calculated to determine the ecological quality of the river using macroinvertebrates. Finally, the spatio-temporal variation of macroinvertebrate composition and physicochemical and microbiological parameters were analyzed. Very high concentrations of BOD, total dissolved solids, and electrical conductivity were obtained in the dry season, while in the rainy season, they were pH, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity. 12548 individuals from 6 classes, 11 orders, and 26 families were collected. The greatest richness of macroinvertebrate families was found at points 1 and 2, with Trichoptera, Ephemeroptera and Plecoptera individuals predominating. There was evidence of temporal variation in physicochemical and microbiological parameters, as well as in macroinvertebrate composition. It was concluded that the ecological quality of the Jucusbamba River decreases as it follows its course due to anthropic disturbances. This research can be used to develop management plans, awareness-raising, and sanitation measures to ensure the protection and conservation of the Jucusbamaba River.

Ethnobotanical Knowledge of Nostocales and its Contribution to the SDGS

Objectives: This study explores the botanical and ethnobotanical knowledge, uses, and geobotanical distribution of Nostocales algae in high Andean communities of Huancavelica, Peru. It aims to document local knowledge and usage and understand the algae's distribution in relation to environmental conditions. Theoretical Framework: Nostocales algae are recognized for their nutritional and biomolecular value, with applications in human nutrition, animal feed, and environmental contexts. Understanding traditional and modern uses highlights their cultural and economic importance. Method: Data was collected through surveys of 610 individuals and botanical records using a photo-documentary herbarium, assessing local knowledge, usage patterns, and environmental distribution. Results and Discussion: Findings reveal that high Andean residents have significant knowledge about Nostocales algae, particularly Nostoc commune (34%) and Nostoc spp. (28%). The algae, known locally as "llullucha" are found in streams, consumed fresh, and sold at $1.80/kg. High knowledge levels are found among adult males with primary education. The algae are used as food for humans and animals and for economic support, with applications in fresh, dried, and processed forms. Geobotanically, Nostoc commune is common at altitudes between 4400 and 5320 meters, with temperatures of 4-10°C and relative humidity of 20-60%, thriving in puna and mountainous regions. Research Implications: It underscores the significance of Nostocales algae in local diets and economies, providing valuable data for conservation and sustainable management. Originality: It offers new geobotanical records and insights into local knowledge and uses, contributing to the understanding of these algae's cultural and economic roles in Peru.

From Rangelands to Cropland, Land-Use Change and Its Impact on Soil Organic Carbon Variables in a Peruvian Andean Highlands: A Machine Learning Modeling Approach

Andean highland soils contain significant quantities of soil organic carbon (SOC); however, more efforts still need to be made to understand the processes behind the accumulation and persistence of SOC and its fractions. This study modeled SOC variables—SOC, refractory SOC (RSOC), and the 13C isotope composition of SOC (δ13CSOC)—using machine learning (ML) algorithms in the Central Andean Highlands of Peru, where grasslands and wetlands (“bofedales”) dominate the landscape surrounded by Junin National Reserve. A total of 198 soil samples (0.3 m depth) were collected to assess SOC variables. Four ML algorithms—random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), artificial neural networks (ANNs), and eXtreme gradient boosting (XGB)—were used to model SOC variables using remote sensing data, land-use and land-cover (LULC, nine categories), climate topography, and sampled physical–chemical soil variables. RF was the best algorithm for SOC and δ13CSOC prediction, whereas ANN was the best to model RSOC. “Bofedales” showed 2–3 times greater SOC (11.2 ± 1.60%) and RSOC (1.10 ± 0.23%) and more depleted δ13CSOC (− 27.0 ± 0.44 ‰) than other LULC, which reflects high C persistent, turnover rates, and plant productivity. This highlights the importance of “bofedales” as SOC reservoirs. LULC and vegetation indices close to the near-infrared bands were the most critical environmental predictors to model C variables SOC and δ13CSOC. In contrast, climatic indices were more important environmental predictors for RSOC. This study’s outcomes suggest the potential of ML methods, with a particular emphasis on RF, for mapping SOC and its fractions in the Andean highlands.

Once upon a time: exploring the biogeographic history of the largest endemic lizard family in the Neotropics (Squamata: Gymnophthalmidae)

Abstract Gymnophthalmids are a diverse lineage of Neotropical lizards that present challenges in the understanding of their phylogenetic relationships and biogeographic history. Using a densely sampled phylogeny and distribution data, we investigated their biogeography at the family level. Dividing South and Central America into 12 regions, we tested six biogeographic models considering dispersal-extinction, vicariance, and founder events. Our analysis revealed high taxonomic and phylogenetic endemism in the Andes, Amazon, and Guiana Shield. The best-fit model identified the Guiana Shield as the likely ancestral area of the family, with dispersal events dominating over vicariance. Key areas for species interchange were the Amazon, Northern Andes, and Guiana Shield. The core regions of diversification included the Andes, Amazon, and Guiana Shield, with elevated species richness and biotic interchange events during the Eocene and Oligocene. The Guiana Shield stood out as a stronghold of gymnophthalmid diversity, driven by dispersal rates and ancient lineages. Our findings challenge previous hypotheses about the diversification of these lizards, suggesting a colonization pattern from lowlands to high elevations rather than the South-to-North Speciation Hypothesis for Andean lineages.

Evaluating the performance of Polylepis incana seeds: reassessing their potential for restoration and conservation of high Andean forests

The use of high‐quality seeds is essential for reforestation and ecosystem restoration; however, few Andean species have been assessed to determine factors influencing seed quality. Most Andean native tree species used for restoration are propagated from naturally regenerated seedlings or cuttings. We evaluated the seed quality (germination, viability, vigor, and physical characteristics) of a central Peruvian population of the keystone high Andean tree species Polylepis incana (quinual) in relation to the mother tree and microsite characteristics. Our analysis, using 12,912 seeds categorized by weight, included germination tests in incubator, tetrazolium tests, and vigor test (germination in nursery conditions). Results showed a mean germination rate of 30.9 ± 22.4%, with a significant proportion of damaged (38.7%), empty (19.1%), and non‐viable (12.7%) seeds. Heavier seeds exhibited the highest germination, while dasometric variables of the mother tree were not related to seed performance. However, solar incidence and slope negatively impacted germination. We conclude that seed quality may be higher than previously estimated, supporting the need to re‐evaluate and promote the use of seeds for propagating P. incana. Furthermore, since the characteristics of mother trees seem not to be relevant for this species and only solar incidence and terrain slope seem to negatively affect seed quality, we consider it important to change the paradigm from identifying individual seed trees to identifying seed forests. Conservation of natural forests as primary seed sources should be the foundation of future reforestation and restoration efforts in the high Andes.

Forage yield and nutritive value of plantain and chicory for livestock feed at high altitudes in Peru

AbstractBackgroundEvaluation of forage resources is vital for the sustainability of livestock farming in the South American Andes, especially under conditions of low water availability for irrigation and acid soils.MethodsWe evaluated the productivity and nutritive value of two cultivars of chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) and one of plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) in three high‐altitude sites (AL) of the northern highlands of Peru: AL‐I: 2300–2800 m.a.s.l, AL‐II: 2801–3300 m.a.s.l. and AL‐III: 3301–3800 m.a.s.l., for 1 year. The parameters evaluated were dry matter yield (DMY), plant height (PH), growth rate (GR) and nutritional value.ResultsPlantain achieved the greatest annual DMY (ADMY), PH and GR compared to the two chicory cultivars (9.34, 9.56 and 13.39 Mg ha−1 for Puna II and Sese 100 chicory and Tonic plantain, respectively; p = 0.0019). The greatest ADMY and GR occurred at AL‐I. Regarding nutritional value, differences were observed only for in vitro digestibility of dry matter and metabolisable energy with chicory cultivars higher than plantain.ConclusionsThe results indicate that the three cultivars evaluated may be used as a nutritional supplement in cattle feed, associated with grasses because they have high nutritive value suitable for milk production in the mountain regions of Peru.