South American Temperate Forests Research Articles

Relationships between ecological niche and expected shifts in elevation and latitude due to climate change in South American temperate forest plants

AbstractAimNiche properties, such as breadth and position along environmental gradients, are hypothesized to determine plant responses to climate change. We explored the properties of different plant niches in a biodiversity hotspot, over a wide span of elevational and latitudinal ranges, to assess the relationship between niche characteristics and the modelled distributional shifts due to climate change.LocationSouth American temperate forests.MethodsWe assessed the niche breadth and position of 118 plant species of South American temperate forests, using an Outlying Mean Index (OMI). Bioclimatic information was gathered for each species from WorldClim, and both present and future distributions were modelled using BIOMOD, considering migration constraints with MIGCLIM. The relationships between niche properties and shifts in elevational and latitudinal distributions were explored using linear regressions.ResultsNiche differences among species were related to two bioclimatic dimensions: the first one correlated with the mean diurnal temperature range and precipitation seasonality following the mediterranean—temperate—sub‐Antarctic climatic gradient; the second one correlated with minimum winter temperature along a gradient from oceanic‐influenced habitats to cold tree line habitats. The projected elevational shifts were inversely related to niche breadth and the forecast latitudinal shifts were directly related to niche breadth. The shifts in elevation and latitude for understorey plants were not consistent with the shifts of dominant trees.Main conclusionsThe plant niches were successfully discerned by OMI analyses and they were associated with specific morphological or physiological traits. South American temperate forest plants showed an inverse relationship between niche breadth and elevational shifts, but a positive relationship regarding expected latitudinal shifts. This may be related to the fact that niche drivers followed a latitudinal orientation and the species showed the Rapoport's effect. Thus, the niche breadth and latitudinal position of the species should be considered in climatic change studies.

Species delimitation in frogs from South American temperate forests: The case of Eupsophus, a taxonomically complex genus with high phenotypic variation.

One of the most characteristic and abundant amphibian taxa of South American temperate forests is Eupsophus. The ten currently recognized species of the genus have been divided in two species groups, roseus and vertebralis, but most of them, eight, belong to the roseus group. Recent phylogeographic and phylogenetic studies have suggested that species diversity of the roseus group could be underestimated. An examination of the literature shows that species of the roseus group exhibit high levels of variation in their external characteristics, particularly those used as diagnostic characters, which compromises their taxonomy and hinders their field recognition. High levels of variation were also observed in several new populations of the roseus group discovered in southern Chile (36°-40°S), which could not be identified to the species level by their external characteristics. On the other hand, the literature reveals a scarse karyotype differentiation and a high bioacoustic uniformity among the species of the roseus group. We performed a Bayesian phylogenetic analysis using mitochondrial and nuclear genes to reevaluate the species diversity of the roseus group, including all the nominal species of Eupsophus and new populations. This analysis was complemented with three species delimitation approaches, General Mixed Yule Coalescent, multi-rate Poisson Tree Process and Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery. We favored a conservative delimitation of only four species for the roseus group, a result more consistent with the distribution of pairwise genetic distances, and the available chromosome and bioacoustic evidence. The four recognized lineages, which have nearly completely allopatric distributions, are named after the earliest nominal species that they include, but because high levels of phenotypic variation, they are not diagnosable by consistent differences in external morphology. We discuss the implications of this new proposal for the taxonomy and conservation of the genus, and the possible causes of the difficulty to estimate its species diversity.

Vocal responses of austral forest frogs to amplitude and degradation patterns of advertisement calls

Degradation phenomena affecting animal acoustic signals may provide cues to assess the distance of emitters. Recognition of degraded signals has been extensively demonstrated in birds, and recently studies have also reported detection of degraded patterns in anurans that call at or above ground level. In the current study we explore the vocal responses of the syntopic burrowing male frogs Eupsophus emiliopugini and E. calcaratus from the South American temperate forest to synthetic conspecific calls differing in amplitude and emulating degraded and non-degraded signal patterns. The results show a strong dependence of vocal responses on signal amplitude, and a general lack of differential responses to signals with different pulse amplitude modulation depths in E. emiliopugini and no effect of relative amplitude of harmonics in E. calcaratus. Such limited discrimination of signal degradation patterns from non-degraded signals is likely related to the burrowing habits of these species. Shelters amplify outgoing and incoming conspecific vocalizations, but do not counteract signal degradation to an extent comparable to calling strategies used by other frogs. The limited detection abilities and resultant response permissiveness to degraded calls in these syntopic burrowing species would be advantageous for animals communicating in circumstances in which signal alteration prevails.

Pattern of natural introgression in a Nothofagus hybrid zone from South American temperate forests

Interspecific gene flow is a common phenomenon in Nothofagaceae species; however, the dynamics of introgression in hybrid zones remains largely unknown. We focused on two ecologically and morphologically different Nothofagus species from Patagonia, Nothofagus nervosa and Nothofagus obliqua. In a natural hybrid zone, we established two plots 280 m apart in altitude (ca. 1.9 °C difference in mean temperature), and two subplots which captured microsite variation (abundance and spatial distribution of species and predominance of wind direction). We used intensive sampling of individuals (2055, including adults and regeneration) and molecular genotyping of 6 highly species-specific nuclear microsatellites for the identification and classification of hybrids, based on estimates of ancestry and interclass heterozygosity. We evaluated the relative contribution of our sampling effects to variation in hybrid incidence and direction of introgression using generalized linear mixed effects models. We determined that introgressive hybridization occurs at a global rate of 7.8% and that variation was mostly explained by plots (frequency at low altitude was approximately twice that found at high altitude), while it was less influenced by subplots. The high altitude plot was dominated by late-generation backcrosses to N. obliqua (asymmetric bimodality), whereas the low altitude plot consisted of intermediate hybrids (unimodality) and showed asymmetry for introgression between subplots. Differences were not detected between adults and regeneration, suggesting early-acting reproductive isolating barriers. F1 hybrids occur at a global frequency of 3.8%, and are fertile, as the detection of first- and late-generation hybrids indicates.

Influence of Anthropogenic Disturbances on Stand Structural Complexity in Andean Temperate Forests: Implications for Managing Key Habitat for Biodiversity.

Forest attributes and their abundances define the stand structural complexity available as habitat for faunal biodiversity; however, intensive anthropogenic disturbances have the potential to degrade and simplify forest stands. In this paper we develop an index of stand structural complexity and show how anthropogenic disturbances, namely fire, logging, livestock, and their combined presence, affect stand structural complexity in a southern Global Biodiversity Hotspot. From 2011 to 2013, we measured forest structural attributes as well as the presence of anthropogenic disturbances in 505 plots in the Andean zone of the La Araucanía Region, Chile. In each plot, understory density, coarse woody debris, number of snags, tree diameter at breast height, and litter depth were measured, along with signs of the presence of anthropogenic disturbances. Ninety-five percent of the plots showed signs of anthropogenic disturbance (N = 475), with the combined presence of fire, logging, and livestock being the most common disturbance (N = 222; 44% of plots). The lowest values for the index were measured in plots combining fire, logging, and livestock. Undisturbed plots and plots with the presence of relatively old fires (> 70 years) showed the highest values for the index of stand structural complexity. Our results suggest that secondary forests < 70-year post-fire event, with the presence of habitat legacies (e.g. snags and CWD), can reach a structural complexity as high as undisturbed plots. Temperate forests should be managed to retain structural attributes, including understory density (7.2 ± 2.5 # contacts), volume of CWD (22.4 ± 25.8 m3/ha), snag density (94.4 ± 71.0 stems/ha), stand basal area (61.2 ± 31.4 m2/ha), and litter depth (7.5 ± 2.7 cm). Achieving these values will increase forest structural complexity, likely benefiting a range of faunal species in South American temperate forests.

Fragmentation of Araucaria araucana forests in Chile: quantification and correlation with structural variables

Abstract: Landscape fragmentation is one of the main threats to South American temperate forests due to population growth, conversion of native forests to plantations of exotic species and non-sustainable timber harvesting. The lack of forest connectivity can interfere with pollination, seed dispersal, biodiversity and landscape quality. Species with relatively limited seed dispersal are potentially more sensitive to the landscape fragmentation. Araucaria araucana (Mol.) K. Koch is a long-lived, slow-growing, relict conifer in South America’s temperate forests with large seeds possessing a limited dispersal range. The objective of the study was to identify priority areas for Araucaria conservation based on fragmentation quantification and correlation with structural variables and regeneration conditions. Results from the FRAGSTATS® and CONEFOR® software indicated that Araucaria connectivity has increased in sites located in the central Andean Range in comparison to other sites, because of reduced human and livestock pressure as well as the relative absence of commercial plantations. The proximity index ranged from 6.01 m to 34834.2 m, and the probability of connectivity has significantly increased (175663 ha) in the central Andean Range. Significant relationships were found between the Simpson’s index (or the probability of connectivity) and basal area, and between the mean largest patch index and crown diameter. The largest patch index (r = 0.6; p < 0.05) and the area-weighted mean proximity index (r = 0.767; p < 0.05) were the most important landscape metrics influencing Araucaria regeneration. Furthermore, the integration of spatial pattern analysis obtained from satellite images and aerial photographs with forest and regeneration characterization from field sampling allowed to identify the most vulnerable areas. The methodology presented here can assist in the identification of target areas for spatial conservation, including management needs under the current budget restrictions.

Pollen morphology and fossil record of the feathery mistletoe family Misodendraceae

Misodendraceae is a small family of mistletoes in the order Santalales. Its distribution is restricted to the southern South American temperate forests. The family comprises the sole genus Misodendrum with eight species of hemiparasitic shrubs, mainly parasitising the southern beech Nothofagus. This contribution presents palynological evidence from seven species, using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Pollen grains are consistently small, periporate and echinate, although differences in the length of echini and number and size of pores were noted. Pollen features can be used to distinguish groups of species and, in some cases, individual species. Cluster analysis of pollen characters differentiates two main groups: one includes M. brachystachyum, M. oblongifolium and M. quadriflorum; and the other includes M. gayanum, M. linearifolium, M. punctulatum and M. angulatum. Palynological results are compared with previous systematic studies of the family. The South American fossil pollen record is summarised and characters of the fossil pollen are analysed using UPGMA to test the relationships between extant and fossil species. Miocene pollen resulted similar to species of subgenus Angelopogon while Eocene pollen is disimilar to extant species of Misodendraceae.

Contrasting Propagation of Natural Calls of Two Anuran Species from the South American Temperate Forest.

The acoustic adaptation hypothesis predicts that sound communication signals have an optimal relationship with animals’ native environments. However, species sharing a habitat produce signals stratified in the spectral domain and exhibit different temporal patterns resulting in acoustic niche partitioning. The diversity generated is likely to affect differently the characteristics of propagating signals. We recorded at various distances from the sound source calls of the frogs Eupsophus calcaratus and E. emiliopugini in the austral temperate forest where they communicate and breed syntopically. The calls of E. calcaratus have higher frequency components and lower amplitude relative to calls of E. emiliopugini, and the acoustic active space for the signals of E. calcaratus is restricted relative to E. emiliopugini. The signals of both species experience similar attenuation patterns, but calls of E. calcaratus are affected by spectral degradation to a larger extent, with linear decreases in spectral cross-correlation and in the amplitude ratio between the first two harmonics. The calls of E. emiliopugini are affected by temporal degradation as a linear decrease in amplitude modulation depth of their pulsed structure. Further studies are needed to assess the relative importance of selective and phylogenetic factors on the divergent propagation patterns reported.

Salvage Logging by Indigenous People in a Chilean Conifer Forest

Salvage logging has been described as a controversial environmental practice in developed countries, but in developing countries this conflict has not been evaluated. We describe salvage logging of Fitzroya cupressoides, an endemic conifer of the South American temperate forests. In Chile, the Huilliche—an ethnical group—extract deadwood of Fitzroya to produce sawn timber and shingles. The objectives of this study were (i) to estimate the volume of deadwood that is removed by salvage logging performed by Huilliches and (ii) to evaluate the effects of this local activity on the regeneration of Fitzroya, especially regarding the amount of waste wood left behind. In 54 (10 10 m) plots we measured length, height and dbh of logs, snags, and stumps. We quantified the regeneration of Fitzroya by counting all individuals with heights below 2 m. Each plot was characterized by its altitude, slope, aspect, microtopography, canopy cover, and quantity of waste wood covering the forest soil. We found a total of 279.51 m 3 of deadwood of which 53.9% was rotten and 3.6% was used to make sawn timber and shingles. Contrary to expected, the number of seedlings (1‐50 cm) was positively related to waste wood. Juvenile’s density (1‐200 cm) was mainly explained by altitude, microtopography, and the interaction of these variables with slope. We concluded that salvage logging by Huilliches is an activity that removes a minimum of the ecosystem biomass. It apparently has no negative effects on the regeneration of Fitzroya, which is explained mainly by biotic and some abiotic factors, especially altitude.

Occurrence patterns and niche relationships of sympatric owls in South American temperate forests: A multi-scale approach

Habitat-specialists have narrower niches, but achieve higher or similar peak performance (e.g. occurrence probability, ψ) than habitat-generalists along resource gradients that may be selected from the stand- to landscape-levels. Understanding the relationship between niche width and ψ of forest owls will facilitate the development of appropriate management recommendations for their conservation. We assessed ψ of the threatened habitat-specialist rufous-legged owls (Strix rufipes) and habitat-generalist austral pygmy-owls (Glaucidium nana) across three spatial scales, and tested whether they differed in resource utilization and peak ψ in temperate forests of southern Chile. We conducted 1145 broadcast surveys at 101 sites and used multi-season occupancy models, accounting for imperfect detection, to estimate ψ. For S. rufipes, ψ ranged between 0.05 and 1 across sites, and was positively associated with the variability (standard deviation, SD) in diameter at breast height (DBH) of trees and bamboo understory density. For G. nana, ψ ranged between 0.67 and 0.98, and was positively associated with forest-patch shape index (irregularity and edge effects) and forest cover at 180ha, although the parameter estimates were imprecise. Relative to G. nana, S. rufipes had lower total resource utilization due to lower ψ over gradients of all covariates, but achieved similar peak ψ for resources related with stand-level forest complexity and forest stability at the landscape scale. Occurrence of habitat-specialist owls will be promoted if multi-aged stands with a variety of tree sizes (SD of DBH=19.9±9cm), including large old-growth trees, with relatively high bamboo cover (34.2±26.6%), are retained. Landscapes with forest cover >63.5% would also favor occurrence by habitat-specialist owls.

Factors associated with the detectability of owls in South American temperate forests: Implications for nocturnal raptor monitoring

Owls occur at relatively low densities and are cryptic; thus, monitoring programs that estimate variation in detectability will improve inferences about their presence. We investigated temporal and abiotic sources of variation associated with detection probabilities of rufous-legged owls (Strix rufipes), a threatened forest specialist, and austral pygmy-owls (Glaucidium nana), a habitat generalist, in temperate forests of southern Chile. We also assessed whether detection of 1 species was related to the detection of the other species. During 2011–2013, we conducted 1,145 broadcast surveys at 101 sampling units established along an elevational gradient located inside and outside protected areas. We used a multi-season occupancy framework for modeling occupancy (ψ) and detection (p), and ranked models using an information-theoretic approach. We recorded 292 detections of rufous-legged owls and 334 detections of austral pygmy-owls. Occupancy was positively associated with elevation for rufous-legged owls but constant (i.e., did not vary with covariates) for pygmy-owls. Detectability for both owls increased with greater moonlight and decreased with environmental noise, and for pygmy-owls greater wind speed decreased detectability. The probability of detecting pygmy-owls increased nonlinearly with number of days since the start of surveys and peaked during the latest surveys of the season (23 Jan–7 Feb). Detection of both species was positively correlated with the detection of the other species. We suggest both species should be surveyed simultaneously for a minimum of 3–4 times during a season, survey stations should be located away from noise, and observers should record the moon phase and weather conditions for each survey. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.

Ample active acoustic space of a frog from the South American temperate forest

The efficiency of acoustic communication depends on the power generated by the sound source, the attributes of the environment across which signals propagate, the environmental noise and the sensitivity of the intended receivers. Eupsophus emiliopugini, an anuran from the temperate austral forest communicates by means of an advertisement call of moderate intensity within the range for anurans. To estimate the range over which these frogs communicate effectively, we conducted measurements of call sound levels and of auditory thresholds to pure tones and to synthetic conspecific calls. The results show that E. emiliopugini produces advertisement calls of about 84dB SPL at 0.25m from the caller. The signals are affected by attenuation as they propagate, reaching average values of about 47dB SPL at 8m from the sound source. Midbrain multi-unit recordings show quite sensitive audiograms within the anuran range, with thresholds of about 44dB SPL for synthetic imitations of conspecific calls, which would allow communication at distances beyond 8m. This is an extended range as compared to E. calcaratus, a related syntopic species for which a previous study has shown to be restricted to active acoustic spaces shorter than 2m. The comparison reveals divergent strategies for related taxa communicating amid the same environment.

Severe constraints for sound communication in a frog from the South American temperate forest

The efficiency of acoustic communication depends on the power generated by the sound source, the quality of the environment across which signals propagate, the environmental noise and the sensitivity of the intended receivers. Eupsophus calcaratus, an anuran from the temperate austral forest, communicates by means of an advertisement call of weak intensity in a sound-attenuating environment. To estimate the range over which these frogs communicate effectively, we conducted measurements of sound level and degradation patterns of propagating advertisement calls in the field, and measurements of auditory thresholds to pure tones and to natural calls in laboratory conditions. The results show that E.calcaratus produces weak advertisement calls of about 72dB sound pressure level (SPL) at 0.25m from the caller. The signals are affected by attenuation and degradation patterns as they propagate in their native environment, reaching average values of 61 and 51dB SPL at 1 and 2m from the sound source, respectively. Midbrain multi-unit recordings show a relatively low auditory sensitivity, with thresholds of about 58dB SPL for conspecific calls, which are likely to restrict communication to distances shorter than 2m, a remarkably short range as compared to other anurans.

Ectomycorrhizas Naturally Established in Nothofagus nervosa Seedlings Under Different Cultivation Practices in a Forest Nursery

Mycorrhizas are mutualistic associations between soil fungi and plant roots which usually improve water and nutrient uptake, influencing plant fitness. Nothofagus nervosa (Raulí) is an ecologically and economically important species of South American temperate forests. Since this native tree species yields valuable timber, it was overexploited and its natural distribution area was critically reduced, so it is currently included in domestication and conservation programs. Among the factors that should be considered in these programs are the ectomycorrhizas (EcM), which would be important for the successful establishment and survival of outplanted seedlings. The aim of this work was to analyze the abundance and diversity of EcM in N. nervosa nursery-cultivated seedlings assessed by morphotyping, fungal isolation, and DNA sequencing. Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) occurrence was also studied. A 2-year trial was conducted following the cultivation conditions used for domestication programs. Seedlings were cultivated under two different cultivation practices (greenhouse and nursery soil) without artificial inoculation of mycorrhizal fungi. Seedlings' roots were examined at different times. It was observed that they developed EcM between 6 and 12 months after germination and AMs were not detected in any plant. The most abundant ectomycorrhizal fungi present in seedlings' roots were Tomentella ellisii (Basidiomycota) and an unidentified fungus named Ascomicetous EcM sp. 1. Abundance and diversity of EcM varied between the two cultivation techniques analyzed in this study, since seedlings that continued growing in the greenhouse had higher colonization values, but those transplanted to the nursery soil were colonized by a higher diversity of fungal taxa.

Impacts of cattle on the South American temperate forests: Challenges for the conservation of the endangered monkey puzzle tree (Araucaria araucana) in Chile

Notwithstanding the increasing cattle activity on the South American temperate forests, its impacts on the forests regeneration are yet poorly understood. We investigated the influence of cattle on the regeneration of monkey puzzle tree (Araucaria), an endangered conifer of the temperate forests of Chile and Argentina, on properties of small landowners and of timber companies. In thirty-six 100×20m plots, we recorded the number of seedlings and saplings from seeds and resprouts, the number of cattle dung pats and the density of parent trees. We used the cattle dung pats as a surrogate of cattle activity (the cattle intensity index, CAI). The regeneration was analyzed as a function of the CAI, land tenure regime, the study site, and the number of parent Araucaria trees. We used likelihood methods and model selection for data analysis. Overall, there was a negative exponential influence of the CAI on all response variables. In small landowner forests, even low cattle intensities caused regeneration to drop rapidly to zero, whereas in plots owned by timber companies regeneration decreased smoothly as the CAI increased. The CAI affected regeneration of Araucaria qualitatively by decreasing the ratio of sexual/asexual regeneration, which may lead to problems of genetic drift in the long-term. Our results suggest that conservation of a single species does not necessarily ensure its long-term persistence. It is necessary to protect the ecosystems in which the species grows and involve local stakeholders in the development of management strategies that reduce the impacts of cattle ranching.

Integrating Ecology and Environmental Ethics: Earth Stewardship in the Southern End of the Americas

The South American temperate and sub-Antarctic forests cover the longest latitudinal range in the Southern Hemisphere and include the world's southernmost forests. However, until now, this unique biome has been absent from global ecosystem research and monitoring networks. Moreover, the latitudinal range of between 40 degrees (°) south (S) and 60° S constitutes a conspicuous gap in the International Long-Term Ecological Research (ILTER) and other international networks. We first identify 10 globally salient attributes of biological and cultural diversity in southwestern South America. We then present the nascent Chilean Long-Term Socio-Ecological Research (LTSER) network, which will incorporate a new biome into ILTER. Finally, we introduce the field environmental philosophy methodology, developed by the Chilean LTSER network to integrate ecological sciences and environmental ethics into graduate education and biocultural conservation. This approach broadens the prevailing economic spectrum of social dimen...

Priorities for the conservation of the pudu (Pudu puda) in southern South America

The southern pudu (Pudu puda) is a threatened deer that is endemic to the South American temperate forests. Despite its assumed threatened status, there is relatively little understanding on the ecology and conservation of this species. Considering this situation and the fact that there are some research groups currently working on this species, we organised a symposium to discuss research and management priorities – as well as to coordinate efforts – to move forward on the conservation of the pudu. We agreed that main research priorities should be to increase the understanding of the threats that jeopardize the viability of pudu populations, with a strong emphasis on research questions that will provide information for the management of these threats. The main management recommendations were to implement monitoring of pudu populations at least in protected areas, to implement specific actions to remove threats from protected areas and to start following internationally-accepted guidelines for the management of rescued and confiscated animals.

Can red flowers be conspicuous to bees?Bombus dahlbomiiand South American temperate forest flowers as a case in point

It has been argued that trichromatic bees with photoreceptor spectral sensitivity peaks in the ultraviolet (UV), blue and green areas of the spectrum are blind to long wavelengths (red to humans). South American temperate forests (SATF) contain a large number of human red-looking flowers that are reported to be visited by the bumblebee Bombus dahlbomii. In the present study, B. dahlbomii's spectral sensitivity was measured through electroretinogram (ERG) recordings. No extended sensitivity to long wavelengths was found in B. dahlbomii. The spectral reflectance curves from eight plant species with red flowers were measured. The color loci occupied by these flowers in the bee color space was evaluated using the receptor noise-limited model. Four of the plant species have pure red flowers with low levels of chromatic contrast but high levels of negative L-receptor contrast. Finally, training experiments were performed in order to assess the role of achromatic cues in the detection and discrimination of red targets by B. dahlbomii. The results of the training experiments suggest that the bumblebee relies on achromatic contrast provided by the L-receptor to detect and discriminate red targets. These findings are discussed in the context of the evolutionary background under which the relationship between SATF species and their flower visitors may have evolved.

The lleuque forests of South Central Chile: a phytosociological study and syntaxonomical classification within South American temperate forests

This paper is a phytosociological study of a forest community dominated by the lleuque (the Araucanian name for the podocarpaceae Prumnopitys andina). This is a mixed forest community with gymnosperm and broad-leaved trees growing in a temperate sub-Mediterranean climate, with a somewhat continental character within the very oceanic territory of Chile. The paper describes the new Nothofago obliquae-Prumnopitydetum andinae association, mostly located between the Bío-Bío and La Araucanía regions (parallels 36º to 40º south). We deal with the bioclimatic characteristics of the community, its biogeographical restrictions and its continuing presence in special topographical sites. The paper not only analyzes the floristic composition of the community in order to ascribe it syntaxonomically to the Wintero-Nothofagetea class, but also considers a number of floristic arrangements which support a reinterpretation of some syntaxa which are phytosociologically ranked as orders or classes.

Knowing and Doing: Research Leading to Action in the Conservation of Forest Genetic Diversity of Patagonian Temperate Forests

Researchers dealing with conservation subjects usually do not put the results of their work into practice, even when the primary purpose of their research is the preservation of biodiversity. In the South American temperate forests we identified an area with the highest genetic diversity in Argentina of Nothofagus nervosa, one of the most relevant southern beech species. Based on the information of our scientific study and our recommendations, the authorities of Lanin National Park changed the protection status of this area to avoid logging. The new forestry management plans include consideration of "high genetic diversity" in decisions on where logging will be allowed. Results of our initial genetic study induced the analysis of biodiversity at the species and ecosystems levels, which yielded results similar to our genetic studies. A strong connection among researchers and managers from the onset of our study and the awareness of the former about the importance of the implementation of the research work were key to bridging the gap between conservation research and conservation practice.