Luis Rafael Volkmann

Environment Application and Study of Environmental Problems in the Forest of the Cordoba Hills, Argentina

Synargis Axenus Endemic Species.

Town/RegionCountryCategoriesDate
Cordoba HillsArgentinaCentral and Latin America, Forests17 Jan 2004

The Córdoba hills are the most oriental ramifications of the orographic system called Sierras Pampeanas (Pampa Hills) in the Northwest of Argentina.

The vegetation of the hills can be divided in 3 principal altitude sectors:

(1) "bosque serrano" or forest of the hills, normally under 1300 m of altitude,
(2) "romerillal" or heath, between 1300 and 1600 m,
(3) the grasslands and small forests above 1600 m.

The frequent fires and the invasion of exotic vegetation species in the forests, has drastically changed the ecosystems of the lower altitudes in the hills of Córdoba, Argentina.

Every year, an alarming extension of forests and grasslands are burned in the Córdoba province, mostly of antropic origin, that produce a gradual bareness and deterioration of the environment.

The actual distribution of the vegetation would indicate that the forests of the hills are one of the most drastically reduced by human activity.

The introduction of exotics is also a serious environmental problem. Many species brought by the men who colonized this part of the country, compete with and displace the native species. In many parts of the hills the neoecosystem is characterized by the presence of exotic vegetable species (Ulmus spp., Ligustrum spp).

Final Report

Read his final report below.

File DownloadSize
Detailed Final Report.doc86.5 KB
2nd RSG Awarded

Read about his latest RSG project http://www.ruffordsmallgrants.org/rsg/projects/luis_rafael_volkmann


Other Projects in: