Despite climate change, pollution, deforestation, and other factors that harm the environment, nature never ceases to amaze us by showing new forms of life. This is the case of a chacay forest, an endemic species that only grows in one place in the province of San Juan.
According to the director of Native Forests in the province of San Juan, Gustavo Mercado, this forest is located in a mountainous area of Calingasta, which is already in the red conservation category. For this reason, access is only allowed for those conducting research activities.
While the existence of this forest has only recently been confirmed, there has been literature and satellite images documenting its presence in the area for some time.
“Ambiente had included this chacay forest in the Provincial Native Forest Territorial Planning Program based on satellite images and other bibliographic information, but it had never been visited. Now, we conducted a technical visit to verify its vegetative state and implement conservation measures,” stated the director of Native Forests.
## A new discovery in nature: the chacay forest
The first visit to this chacay forest was carried out by personnel from the Environmental Secretariat, who went to the site to verify its condition and protect it, as it is a species that only grows in that location. Mercado added that the forest covers a perimeter of 59 kilometers at the foot of the Calingasta mountain range and mentioned that the vegetation is in good condition.
Additionally, he pointed out that specimens of shrubs over five meters high were found. Due to the state of the forest, the director noted that the conditions of the site meet the necessary requirements to enter the native forest program and thus receive the necessary funds to ensure its conservation.
“Being an endemic forest, that is, of species that grow in a single location and being part of the native forest program, it receives funds from the Nation for its conservation. It is in the red conservation category, meaning that access is only allowed for scientific purposes,” said Mercado.
## Entry prohibited for activities other than research
Furthermore, the director of Native Forests stated that “entry to this forest for sports and recreational activities is prohibited. Sanctions are planned for those who violate this provision and endanger its conservation.”
Finally, he announced that the funds allocated to this site were used to fence the entire perimeter, as well as to eliminate invasive plants that grew in this space and are harmful to the health of the chacay. The cabin that will house the personnel responsible for fieldwork and monitoring access to unauthorized individuals in the area was also restored.
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