Fog Deserts of Chile and Peru
Located in the Pacific coast of Chile and Peru, the deserts of Sechura and Atacama are categorized as one of the oldest and driest in the world. These islands of vegetation that emerge from the middle of the desert landscape are known as “Fog Oases” (lomas).
The phenomenon is caused by the extreme weather occurrences, sea currents, winds, and the altitude of the Andes. To survive, the plants in this environment depend almost entirely on the haze coming from the sea. Some oases bloom once every ten years. Scientists from the Royal Botanic Gardens have remained attentive to impact of climate change on the hills and its effect on the ecosystems.
Experts from England, Chile and Peru have mapped out the extension of the hills. They have discovered that the hills are more than 17,000 square kilometers, approximately four times greater than previously recorded, with a reach ten times greater than London. Experts also discovered a broad habitation of endemic plants and flowers which have no scientific record. The ecosystems have been difficult to map due to the presence of the fog.
“It’s very exciting because it’s the only terrestrial system that reacts incredibly quickly to changes in sea temperatures. It’s like an indicator of what happens in the oceans but on land,” Justin Moat, a scientist at the Royal Botanic Garden in Kew, in London, and lead author of the study, tells BBC News Mundo.
“You normally see these changes in 10, 20 or 30 years. But with the oases of fog, the changes are almost immediate, in months or weeks, which makes them very useful as climatic indicators,” adds Moat.
The ecosystems in the Fog Oases are more than 3,000 kilometers along the pacific coastline. In the region, they extend to the south of the city of Piura in Peru and to the Llanos de Challe National Park, in Chile; and even continue going several kilometers towards the interior.
Unfortunately, only 4% of the Fog Oases are protected, and are typically threatened by mining, urban development, air pollution, and off-road 4 X 4 driving. There is an urgent call to protect these areas and its ecosystems.
The ecosystems are globally unique. Interestingly, about 58% of Peru’s population lives alongside these rare ecosystems. They are essential for water, clean air, culture and overall human well being. The endemic species within these ecosystems include wild tomatoes, medicinal plants, and animal populations, like the rare coastal Andean condor, desert fox, lizards and wild llama subspecies (guanaco).
“Clearly fog-driven ecosystems are truly amazing, globally very rare, and must be conserved at all costs. What many don’t realize is that over 58% of Peru’s population live alongside (or within) this unique ecosystem, so they are vital for water, clean air, culture and human wellbeing. The ecosystem also houses many endemic species including wild tomatoes, medicinal plants, and animals such as populations of Andean Condor, foxes, lizards and wild llama (guanaco)” says Moat.
What is being done to protect the Fog Oases
Researchers are working to establish a secured continental coastal chain of Fog Oases. By establishing a continental coastal protection, they hope to develop a constant monitoring network to protect biodiversity and gain a better understanding of terrestrial/marine coupling, climate change, and El Niño and El Niña cycles (ENSO). The team has created a system using a combination of drone mapping, historical satellite analysis, and detailed groundwork.
Currently, they are working with support from The National Geographic Society, and with the Peruvian government authorities to establish a notable guarded area and to reach a compromise for conservation. Thankfully, a multinational team of collaborators are dedicated to this conservation effort and to securing funding and promoting education for local researchers and school programs in Peru and Chile.
To learn more about the Royal Botanic Gardens, and support one of the collaborators in preserving the Fog Oases: click here
Director of Future Journalist ProgramVanessa Campa | Florida International University
Vanessa Campa is a recent graduate from Florida International University holding a Bachelor of Arts in English on the Writing and Rhetoric track, and a minor in Psychology. Through working for the Latina Republic as a Latin Correspondent, Vanessa has gained a true love and passion for reporting underreported stories in the region. Discovering underreported stories that will inspire her readers, she has specialized in interviewing and writing articles on outstanding Latinx women who have made an impact in their communities, especially immigrants. As a Director of the Future Journalist Program for the Latina Republic, Vanessa will continue carrying the organizations’ mission in changing stereotypes that have negatively impacted the people within the region, and bringing light to another side of Latin America that is concealed.
