Central Andean puna

The Central Andean puna is a montane grasslands and shrublands ecoregion located in the Neotropic biogeographic realm, covering Central and South America, the Caribbean, and southern portions of Mexico, spanning approximately 211,478 km². Classified under the WWF ecoregion code NT1002, this region represents a distinct ecological community shaped by its unique combination of climate, geography, and evolutionary history.

Climate and Vegetation

This ecoregion experiences cool temperatures with high UV radiation and variable precipitation at altitude. The dominant vegetation consists of alpine grasses, cushion plants, and low shrubs above the treeline. These conditions create the foundation for the ecological communities found within the Central Andean puna.

Ecological Significance

These high-altitude ecosystems are islands of unique biodiversity, often harbouring species found nowhere else due to geographic isolation. They are especially sensitive to climate warming. The Central Andean puna contributes to the broader biodiversity patterns of the Neotropic realm.

Geographic Distribution

The Central Andean puna extends across Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru. This geographic range places it within the Neotropic realm, one of the eight major biogeographic divisions of the world.

Notable Species

The Central Andean puna supports a range of wildlife, including (Dictyota dichotoma), agate snail (Cecilioides acicula), Annual Knawel (Scleranthus annuus), axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum), Ball Mustard (Neslia paniculata), Bastard Alkanet (Buglossoides arvensis), Bastard Nodding Thistle (Carduus acanthoides), Bastard Scotch Thistle (Carduus nutans), and 42 more species. Among these, 13 species are classified as threatened on the IUCN Red List, underscoring the conservation importance of this ecoregion.

Conservation

Like many montane grasslands and shrublands ecosystems, the Central Andean puna faces threats from climate change (upslope migration of treelines), overgrazing, and tourism impacts. Conservation efforts in this ecoregion focus on habitat preservation, sustainable land management, and protecting corridors that connect fragmented habitat patches.