Commentary over swamp forests, important wetlands of south-central Chile

Abstract

El presente trabajo proporciona información acerca de los pitrantos o hualves, un tipo de humedal arbóreo (bosque pantanoso) que prospera en la zona centro sur de Chile. En la IX Región, de los 5 sitios considerados zonas prioritarias para la conservación de la biodiversidad, 3 corresponden a humedales. Se entregan detalles de su composición florística, su estructura vertical y fitosociológica; se indican los sectores más representativos dentro de la región, especialmente de la zona costera, y se adjunta información de las amenazas (especialmente drenaje).The present work provides information over of the “pitrantos or hualves”, a type of swamp forest which grows in the south-central zone of Chile. In the IX Region, of the 5 “hot spots” considered for the conservation of the biodiversity, 3 correspond to wetlands. Here details are given of its flora composition, its vertical and phytosociological structure; the most representative sectors in the region are pointed out, specially of the coastal zone, and information on the threats (specially drainage) is included