Peruvian Andes Research Articles

Carved Stone Models as Symbolic Features in the Agrarian Landscape of the Sondondo Valley, Ayacucho, Peru

Carved stone models, or piedras maqueta in Spanish are stone representations of the agrarian landscape widely found in the Valley of Sondondo, in the south-central Peruvian Andes. This article aims to examine the representations, locations, scale, and certain visual features of these carved stone models in the valley. My analysis reveals that carved stone monuments provide a unique documentary source of information on the ancient Andean agrarian landscape of the Valley of Sondondo. The piedras maqueta are situated in different areas of the valley, and their study enables an understanding of their symbolism and ritual significance in relation to the environment, as well as daily agricultural spaces and tasks. Therefore, I explore the sacred landscape as an inseparable part of everyday agricultural practices.

Atmospheric black carbon observations and its valley-mountain dynamics: Eastern Cordillera of the Central Andes of Peru

Glacial bodies in the Peruvian Andes Mountains store and supply freshwater to hundreds of thousands of people in central Peru. Atmospheric black carbon (BC) is known to accelerate melting of snow and ice, in addition to contributing to air pollution and the health of people. Currently there is limited understanding on the sources and temporal variability of BC in valley and mountain environments in Peru. To address this problem, this study combined surface observations of BC collected during 2022-2023 with WRF model simulations and HYSPLIT trajectories to analyze the dispersion and sources of BC in valley and high elevation environments and the associated local atmospheric circulations. Results show high BC concentrations are associated with the valley-mountain wind system that occurs on both sides of the Huaytapallana mountain range. A pronounced circulation occurs on the western slopes of Huaytapallana when concentrations of BC increase during daylight hours, which transports atmospheric pollutants from cities in the Mantaro River Valley to the Huaytapallana mountain range. Low concentrations of BC are associated with circulations from the east that are channeled by the pronounced ravines of the Andes-Amazon transition. On average, during the season of highest BC concentrations (July-November), the relative contributions of fossil fuels are dominant to biomass burning at the valley observatory and are slightly lower at the Huaytapallana observatory. These results demonstrate the need to promote mitigation actions to reduce emissions of BC and air pollution associated with forest fires and local anthropogenic activity.

Community Based Tourism: A Global South Perspective

The analysis of the impact of Community Based Tourism (CBT) has revealed a significant divergence in assessments. This paper aims to analyse the factors contributing to the observed "Duality Dilemma" in CBT projects. The research seeks to leave behind a simplistic binary perspective that categorises CBT solely as either beneficial or problematic. The paper identifies three key variables contributing to this dual perspective: a) the Context Variable, which displays how the outcomes of CBT projects m can vary based on the specific circumstances in which they are implemented; b) the Methodological Variable, which underlines the importance of developing long-term and longitudinal fieldwork to avoid a biased analysis based on the short-term observations; c) the Paradigm Variable which takes into account that the researcher's theoretical framework inevitably shapes their focus, potentially emphasising certain outcomes over others. Finally, the paper draws on empirical evidence based on a 30-year longitudinal ethnographic study conducted on Amantaní island (Lake Titicaca, Peruvian Andes)

Assessing the Health Risk and Trophic Transfer of Lead and Cadmium in Dairy Farming Systems in the Mantaro Catchment, Central Andes of Peru

This study investigated lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) transfer in three dairy farming areas in the Mantaro river headwaters in the central Peruvian Andes and at varying distances from the mining complex at La Oroya. At each of these sites, the transfer of trace metals from the soil to raw milk was estimated, and a hazard assessment for lead and cadmium was carried out in scenarios of minimum, average, and maximum milk consumption in a Peruvian population aged 2–85. Pb and Cd were quantified by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Significantly, the concentrations of lead and cadmium were found to exceed the maximum limits recommended by the World Health Organization, with a positive geospatial trend correlated with the distance from mining activity. Both Pb and Cd were found to be transferred through the soil–pasture–milk pathway, with the primary source of Cd being phosphate-based fertilizers used in pasture improvement. Pb was found to be the most significant contributor to the Hazard Index (HI) with those under 19 years of age and over 60 recording an HI of >1, with infants being the most vulnerable group due to their greater milk consumption in relation to their body weight. A marginal increase in contamination was observed in the dry season, indicating the need for studies to be expanded over several annual cycles.

Assessing Water Management Strategies in Data-Scarce Mountain Regions under Uncertain Climate and Socio-Economic Changes

AbstractWater management in mountainous regions faces significant challenges due to deep uncertainties arising from data scarcity, knowledge gaps, and the complex interplay of climate and socio-economic changes. While existing approaches focused on uncertainty reduction and water system optimization contribute to managing uncertainties, they often require probability distributions that can be difficult to obtain in data-scarce mountain regions. To address these challenges, we demonstrate the effectiveness of Exploratory Modeling and Analysis (EMA) in assessing water management strategies and identifying operational ranges that avoid future water scarcity. Through a case study in the complex and data-scarce Peruvian Andes, we employed EMA to run 12,000 simulations by 2050, incorporating deep uncertainties from climate and socio-economic scenarios, and hydrological modeling parameters. This analysis identified specific policy combinations demonstrating greater robustness across diverse scenarios and uncertainties. EMA explicitly identifies operational ranges of policies to avoid water scarcity but also highlights the conditions that might trigger policy failure. We also delve into the roles of the different factors used in EMA and their significance in water management applications. Our research illustrates that an exploratory hydrological modeling approach based on robust decision-making can foster a more informed decision-making process for long-term water adaptation in rapidly changing mountain regions under data scarcity and deep uncertainties.

Working together, learning apart: a multicommunity study in rural Peru

ABSTRACT This article is based on a team ethnographic study in the province of Yauyos in the Peruvian Andes. It focuses on rural education and the inequalities surrounding it. Teachers and parents exchange mutual recriminations as they seek to explain why some children have greater difficulties than others and why urban schools achieve superior results as shown in tests and verified in popular imaginaries. We examine two arenas where cultural misreadings, compensatory mechanisms and children’s agency come into play. One concerns verbal expression and classroom participation. The other concerns extracurricular mutual support networks and complements, from homework help to exposure to urban settings. Parents, teachers, and children all shared aspirations for children’s academic success. How that can be achieved, against high odds, is a source of tensions that the research documented and is the subject of ongoing debate in the Peruvian education sector.

Genomics and Phylogeny of Rhodotorula glutinis and Rhodotorula kratochvilovae Isolated from the Northern Peruvian Andes

Genomes of oleaginous yeast strains Rhodotorula glutinis CON-5 and Rhodotorula kratochvilovae POR-3, isolated from areas in the northern Peruvian Andes using SPAdes, were sequenced and assembled applying Illumina and de novo. Genomes of 20,515,696 and 20,738,185 bp, respectively, were determined. From the structural and functional annotations, the Basidiomycota phylum showed a similarity of 76.8% and 86.5% with 6,976 and 8,124 pairs of proteins in both yeasts respectively, with homologues in the UniProt data bank. Using OrthoVenn, a relationship between both yeasts was obtained from 450 orthologous groups. Likewise, the above-mentioned yeasts and R. toruloides (oleaginous Basidiomycota) showed 1,574 orthologous groups, indicating a good relationship. Construction of phylogenetic trees of genes encoding metabolic enzymes was also carried out, based on the ITS sequences which showed that CON-5 and POR-3 have a greater relationship with R. graminis. Their phylogenetic relationship was ascertained and determined that the enzymes involved in the metabolism of CON-5 and POR-3 are related to each other. It was also found that the protein sequences of the Basidiomycota phylum differ from Ascomycota. The study showed functional evidence regarding the lipid accumulation phenotype, an important aspect in the context of obtaining lipids or oleochemicals.

Species of the Poaceae family suitable for Andean livestock farming in the Peruvian Andes reported in GBIF and local studies

Andean grassland ecosystems are covered by a mega-vascular floristic diversity constituted by families such as Poaceae, Rosaceae, Asteraceae, Plantaginaceae, Fabaceae, and Cyperaceae, among the most important ones that include suitable species for Andean Livestock feeding such as sheep, cattle, and South American camelids. However, the accelerated degradation of ecosystems and the extinction of several important species, have put it in our interest to know better the spatio-temporal distribution of these species as a starting point for spatio-temporal monitoring. With this purpose, we compiled information on those identified as D species in the Poaceae family, from thesis studies and published scientific articles. We also examined the record and spatial distribution of D species of this family in the Global Biodiversity Information System (GBIF) corresponding to the Sierra region of Peru. Specific geo-processed maps were generated after data curation. It was found that there are 63 D species included in the genus: Agrostis, Agropirum, Bromus, Calamagrostis, Dissanthelium, Festuca, Hordeum, Muhlenbergia, Nasella, Paspalum, Poa, Stipa, Trisetum and Vulpia, of which only 52 species are registered in GBIF, noting the concentration of records in places of greater tourist interest and with funded research projects such as the Huascaran National Park and others. The few studies on natural grassland species in Peru and the low spatial coverage of the species recorded in GBIF still limit the generation of adequate monitoring strategies.

An updated distribution of the Andean swamp rat Neotomys ebriosus along the Peruvian Andes with notes on habitat use and taxonomy

Abstract The Andean swamp rat Neotomys ebriosus is a sigmodontine rodent restricted to the Central Andes of South America. A distribution map of the species in Peru have been previously drawn based on few of the localities where the species has been captured and collected. I update the distribution of the species in Peru based on new records from three different areas surveyed by the author, specimens at Museum collections in the United States and France from VertNet webpage, localities from the collection at the Natural History Museum of Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, and localities from the collection at the Natural History Museum of the Universidad Nacional San Agustín. The northern limit of the species distribution is increased based on new localities with collected individuals. Habitat used by N. ebriosus is mainly high Andean bogs; most individuals caught adjacent to the borders of Andean bogs and along streams near the bogs. Collected individuals leave unclear subspecies division and identity.

Documents, education, and aesthetics: Exploring processes of subjectification among community health workers in Peru

ABSTRACT This article examines the processes of subjectification involving community health workers in the Peruvian Andes. Community health worker programmes keep education at the core, striving to provide marginalized people with information about mother-and-child health, family planning, nutrition, and illness prevention, among other things. Education is one of the arenas where Foucauldian themes of subjectification are most explicit (Kipnis 2011). However, the subjectivities such development programmes seek to produce by training and monitoring those involved are not necessarily those that emerge. In studies of health policies and their implementation in targeted areas, the focus tends to be on how governmentality discourses and techniques produce responsible and governable subjects. However, little attention has been paid to understanding the processes of subjectification and how they are interpreted and enacted by the targeted subjects (Winkler-Reid 2017). This article aims to illuminate how community health workers use their embodied understanding of school literacy and aesthetics to engage with specific community health-related tasks. It argues that aesthetics is a central part of the formation of subjectivity and that expectations of aesthetic qualities similar to those of classroom situations contribute to accentuating the community health workers becoming ‘good students’. In this specific setting, being evaluated as a ‘good student’ receives more emphasis than other goals of the community health worker programme, such as providing easier access to health care services for their fellow community members.

Two new species of Dasybasis Macquart from the Peruvian Andes of Cusco (Diptera: Tabanidae: Diachlorini).

Two new horse fly species, Dasybasis mancoi sp. nov. and D. huaynai sp. nov. (Diptera: Tabanidae: Diachlorini), are described from the Peruvian Andes near Cusco on the basis of morphological features, including those of the female genitalia. Digital photographs of both species and of the terminalia of both females and of one male are provided. The two new species are related to D. bulbula Coscarn & Philip, as evidenced by their similar morphological characteristics.

Effect of plant age on yield and chemical composition of colza (Brassica napus L) produced as a supplement to grazing dairy cows in the Peruvian Andes.

Se evaluó el efecto de cuatro edades de cosecha (90, 120, 150 y 180 días) sobre el rendimiento de biomasa aérea y composición química de la colza, así como su uso como suplemento henificado para vacas lecheras en pastoreo a 3279 msnm. El rendimiento forrajero y la composición química se evalúo en 16 parcelas, 4 por tratamiento, de acuerdo con un diseño de bloques completos al azar. La biomasa de colza cosechada fue henificada y picada a 1 cm de longitud, suministrada diariamente a razón de 3 kg por vaca. Dieciséis vacas Holstein cruzadas y multíparas se distribuyeron en cuatro tratamientos que consistieron en henos elaborados de acuerdo con la edad de cosecha. La producción de leche por vaca se registró durante seis semanas. Los sólidos totales, grasa, proteína y lactosa se determinaron en la última semana del estudio. A medida que la edad de la colza fue mayor se incrementó la biomasa forrajera y la fibra detergente neutra (FDN), y disminuyó la concentración de proteína cruda; sin embargo, la producción de leche y sus componentes lácteos no se vieron afectados por la suplementación de los cuatro tipos de heno, con excepción del heno de colza cosechada a 90 días de edad, que incrementó el contenido de proteína láctea.

Traditional potato tillage systems in the Peruvian Andes impact bacterial diversity, evenness, community composition, and functions in soil microbiomes

The soil microbiome, a crucial component of agricultural ecosystems, plays a pivotal role in crop production and ecosystem functioning. However, its response to traditional tillage systems in potato cultivation in the Peruvian highlands is still far from understood. Here, ecological and functional aspects of the bacterial community were analyzed based on soil samples from two traditional tillage systems: 'chiwa' (minimal tillage) and 'barbecho' (full tillage), in the Huanuco region of the Peruvian central Andes. Similar soil bacterial community composition was shown for minimal tillage system, but it was heterogeneous for full tillage system. This soil bacterial community composition under full tillage system may be attributed to stochastic, and a more dynamic environment within this tillage system. 'Chiwa' and 'barbecho' soils harbored distinct bacterial genera into their communities, indicating their potential as bioindicators of traditional tillage effects. Functional analysis revealed common metabolic pathways in both tillage systems, with differences in anaerobic pathways in 'chiwa' and more diverse pathways in 'barbecho'. These findings open the possibilities to explore microbial bioindicators for minimal and full tillage systems, which are in relationship with healthy soil, and they can be used to propose adequate tillage systems for the sowing of potatoes in Peru.

Study of the physicochemical characteristics, antimicrobial activity, and in vitro multiplication of wild blackberry species from the Peruvian highlands

The Peruvian Andes are the natural habitat of several wild blackberry species that are little known and exploited due to the lack of technological and scientific development to support their agricultural potential. In this context, a study was conducted to understand the physicochemical composition, bioactive compounds, antimicrobial activity, and in vitro multiplication of four wild blackberry (Rubus sp.) species from the northern Peruvian highlands. The results indicate that fruits of R. floribundus presented the highest content of total soluble solids (9.58 ± 1.83°Brix) and titratable acidity (1.88 ± 0.07% citric acid). The fruits of R. weberbaueri recorded the highest total phenolic content (415.06 ± 8.69 mg GAE/100 g Ff). The antioxidant capacity determined by the DPPH assay varied significantly among species, with the highest value found in fruits of R. andicola (50.27 ± 0.11 mg TE/100 g Ff). The fruit extracts of R. weberbaueri and R. andicola showed better antimicrobial activity, with Staphylococcus aureus being the most sensitive bacterium. In the in vitro multiplication phase, the results show that BAP (6-Benzylaminopurine) has a significant effect at a dose of 1.5 mg l−1 on shoot number, leaf number, and shoot length. The results may help in the management of genetic resources.

A monumental stone plaza at 4750 B.P. in the Cajamarca Valley of Peru.

We report one of the earliest known circular plazas in Andean South America and one of the earliest examples of monumental, megalithic ceremonial architecture in the Americas. The example presented here is constructed of large free-standing and vertically placed megalithic stones and is located in the Cajamarca basin of the northern Peruvian Andes. This construction method has never before been reported in the Andes and is distinct from other monumental circular plazas in the region. We present three radiocarbon dates associated with the initial construction of the plaza which average to approximately 2750 calibrated years before the common era (cal BCE), corresponding squarely to the Late Preceramic period, which saw the first monumental construction in the Andes. This is one of the earliest examples of monumental, megalithic architecture in the Americas.

Parasitosis by Fasciola hepatica and Variations in Gut Microbiota in School-Aged Children from Peru.

(1) Background: Human fascioliasis is considered an endemic and hyper-endemic disease in the Peruvian Andean valleys. Our objective was to determine variations in the composition of the gut microbiota among children with Fasciola hepatica and children who do not have this parasitosis. (2) Method: A secondary analysis was performed using fecal samples stored in our biobank. The samples were collected as part of an epidemiological Fasciola hepatica cross-sectional study in children from 4 through 14 years old from a community in Cajamarca, Peru. (3) Results: In a comparison of the bacterial genera that make up the intestinal microbiota between the F. hepatica positive and negative groups, it was found that there are significant differences in the determination of Lactobacillus (p = 0.010, CI: 8.5-61.4), Bacteroides (p = 0.020, CI: 18.5-61.4), Clostridium (p < 0.001, CI: 3.5-36.0), and Bifidobacterium (p = 0.018, CI: 1.1-28.3), with each of these genera being less frequent in children parasitized with F. hepatica. (4) Conclusions: These results show that F. hepatica may be associated with direct or indirect changes in the bacterial population of the intestinal microbiota, particularly affecting three bacterial genera.

The native potato, a symbol of macho expression in the Quechua culture of Peru.

The present field research focuses on the native potato varieties, Wira pasña and Llumchuy waqachi, cultivated in the Peruvian highlands at roughly 4,000 m above sea level. The objective is to analyze the macho essence of the names assigned to the native potato, names that represent the social manifestation of women in Quechua culture. Participant observation and interviews about the different daily activities of the participants facilitated the research on the macho essence of the names of the native potato in the Quechua culture. The preponderant Quechua oral sources in the Peruvian Andes did not allow us to identify exactly how names associated with the macho way of social life were assigned to the native potatoes.

Functional Properties and Acceptability of Potentially Medicinal Tea Infusions Based on Equisetum arvense, Desmodium molliculum, and Mentha piperita.

Natural herbal teas are one of the three most consumed beverages in the world, and despite their frequent use in the cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical industries, there is still much to about them. This study aimed to determine the functional properties of tea infusions made from dried Equisetum arvense (EA), Desmodium molliculum (DM), and Mentha piperita (M) grown in the Peruvian Andes. Next, using a simplex design with unrestricted centroid amplified centroid, 12 combinations were obtained for the combination of dried leaves with EA: 0∼100%, DM: 0∼100%, and M: 0∼100% optimal combination of EA: 6.59%, DM: 84.62%, and M: 8.79% maximizes functional components for total polyphenols (2,831.18 mg EAG/100 g), flavonoids (37.73 mg CAT/g), and antioxidant capacity (145.99 μmol Trolox/g). It can be confirmed that dried mixtures of these plants made into tea are a significant source of bioactive molecules, have a tolerable flavor, and can be used for therapeutic purposes when consumed.

Estallido social en Puno. Entre la crisis política y el reconocimiento etnocultural

The essay describes and reflects on the Peruvian social outburst (2003), having the Puno region as place of reference. An historical setting of the Peruvian Andes where the cultural cradles of the indigenous Quechua and Aymara peoples merge. During the 2021 presidential elections, the citizens of Puno supported the candidacy of Pedro Castillo, finding once again the opportunity of a national government that would recognize and value their cultural space, as well as execute changes aimed at offering opportunities for the wellbeing of Andean populations. The presidential ousting of Castillo and president Boluarte subsequent decision of not calling for new elections lead to an outburst.  The demonstrations in the south of the country were violently repressed by security forces. Puno became the region with the highest number of victims of the repression. As shown throughout national history, rejection to the protests of Andean citizen manifests in discriminatory actions by the State and other sectors of society.

Influence of fibres on the resilient modulus and expansion of clayey subgrade soils

ABSTRACT Expansive clayey soils at the subgrade level of roads and highways in different cities can affect the performance and durability of pavements. This increases the need for maintenance and conservation work, leading to higher operating costs. Traditionally, clayey soils are stabilised by adding lime or cement. However, the handling and use of these materials are restricted in some Latin American countries due to illegal drug production, and obtaining high-quality materials from distant sources can be impractical. The goal of this study is to determine the effectiveness of incorporating fibres in improving the performance of expansive clayey subgrade soils. To achieve this goal, resilient modulus tests and measurements of compacted soil expansion were performed. Two types of fibres were selected for this study: natural Ichu fibre, which is common in the Peruvian Andes, and polypropylene fibre. The soil used was a high-plasticity clay from the city of Pucallpa, to which varying percentages of fibres were incorporated (0.25%, 0.5% and 1%). The samples were prepared with a gyratory compactor to achieve their maximum dry density as obtained with the standard compaction effort. The results indicated that the incorporation of fibres improved the value of the resilient modulus while significantly reducing soil swelling.