Search Results (143)

Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays a crucial role in climate change mitigation by regulating atmospheric CO₂ and maintaining ecosystem balance; however, its stability is influenced by land use in anthropized areas such as the tropical Andes. This study developed a dynamic compartmental model based on ordinary differential equations to simulate carbon fluxes among litter, humus, and microbial biomass under four land uses in the Las-Piedras River basin (Popayán, Colombia): riparian forest (RF), ecological restoration (ER), natural-regeneration (NR), and livestock (LS). The model includes two decomposition rate constants: k₁, for the transformation of fresh organic matter, and k₂, for the turnover of humified organic matter. It was calibrated using field data on soil physicochemical and biological properties, as well as carbon inputs and outputs. The results showed clear differences in SOC dynamics among land uses: RF had the highest SOC stocks (148.7 Mg ha⁻¹) and microbial biomass, while LS showed the lowest values and the greatest deviation due to compaction and low residue input. The humus fraction remained the most stable pool (k₂ ≈ 10⁻⁴ month⁻¹), confirming its recalcitrant nature. Overall, the model reproduced SOC behavior accurately (MAE = 0.01–0.30 Mg ha⁻¹) and provides a framework for improving soil carbon management in mountain ecosystems. Full article

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), an Andean crop with exceptional nutritional value, thrives in ecosystems exposed to intense ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation; yet the molecular mechanisms underlying its photoreception remain largely unknown. The UV Resistance locus 8 (UVR8) protein, a member of the Regulator of Chromosome Condensation 1 (RCC1) family, is the primary UV-B photoreceptor in plants. Here, we report the first in silico characterization of the RCC1 gene family in C. quinoa, aimed at identifying and structurally analyzing UVR8 homologs. Genomic analysis uncovered 40 CqRCC1 genes, exhibiting extensive structural diversity. Phylogenetic reconstruction identified two proteins, CqRCC1_20 and CqRCC1_23, as the closest homologs of AtUVR8 from Arabidopsis thaliana. Homology modeling revealed that CqRCC1_20 maintains the canonical seven-bladed β-propeller architecture of UVR8, whereas CqRCC1_23 carries a deletion leading to a six-bladed structure. Both isoforms retain the critical tryptophan residues (W233, W285, W337) and the C-terminal Valine-Proline (VP) motif required for photoperception and Constitutive Photomorphogenic 1 (COP1) interaction. Notably, the CqRCC1_23 model predicts fewer hydrogen bonds at the dimer interface and structural alterations at key regulatory interaction sites. Collectively, these results indicate that quinoa harbors functionally conserved UVR8 isoforms with structural divergence, such as CqRCC1_23, which may influence photoreceptor stability and enable a sustained UV-B response, potentially conferring an adaptive advantage in high-radiation environments. Full article

Andean high-altitude ecosystems are critical to sustaining biodiversity, agriculture, and the livelihoods of indigenous populations. However, accelerating glacier retreat, irregular precipitation, and intensive water use have exacerbated ecosystem degradation and water insecurity. This study conducts a scoping review (PRISMA-ScR) of peer-reviewed and grey literature (2000–2025) to examine how water footprint (WF) management through its blue, green, and gray components can be operationalized within an Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) and Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA) to ensure equitable access and ecological sustainability in the Andes. Quantitative synthesis from 72 sources shows that agricultural withdrawals account for over 78% of total blue-water use, while glacier-fed runoff has declined by 32% over the past two decades. Empirical evidence from Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia demonstrates that integrating indigenous irrigation systems with modern efficiency technologies reduces consumptive water use by up to 25% and enhances wetland biodiversity indices by 15–20%. These findings support the development of an Integrated Water-Biodiversity-Rights Framework (IWBRF) that links WF indicators (WFAM and ISO 14046) with ecosystem integrity and social equity metrics. The study advances theory by clarifying how WF indicators inform rather than replace IWRM and HRBA decision processes, offering a practical model for achieving water justice, biodiversity protection, and climate resilience in fragile Andean ecosystems. Full article

This study aimed to characterize the physicochemical and functional properties of bovine milk from four districts (Acraquia, Ahuaycha, Pampas, and Daniel Hernández) of the Pampas Valley, Tayacaja province, Huancavelica (Peru), and assess its geographical traceability using vibrational spectroscopy and chemometric tools. Milk samples were analyzed for composition (fat, protein, lactose, salts), fatty acid profile, total phenolic compounds (TPC), antioxidant capacity (AC), and spectral features using mid-infrared (MIR) and Raman spectroscopy. The results revealed significant compositional differences among localities, particularly in fat, protein, and salt content, with Daniel Hernández milk showing higher nutritional density. The fatty acid profile, although statistically similar across districts, highlighted a favorable nutritional composition dominated by oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids. TPC and AC values were homogeneous among districts, reflecting similar feeding and management practices. Molecular vibration analysis via MIR and Raman spectroscopy allowed for the identification of key biochemical differences, particularly in lipid and carbohydrate regions. SIMCA classification models, based on MIR spectral data, successfully discriminated samples by origin with Inter-Class Distance (ICD) values exceeding 3, confirming statistically significant separation. Discriminating power plots revealed that proteins (amide I), lactose (C–O, C–C), and lipid-associated bands (C=O, CH₂) were major contributors to class differentiation. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of combining spectroscopic and chemometric approaches to trace the geographical origin of milk and provide scientific support for potential quality labeling systems. This methodology contributes to ensuring product authenticity, promoting regional value-added dairy production, and supporting sustainable rural development in high-Andean ecosystems. Full article

In recent decades, accelerated urban growth in Arequipa has led to the loss of more than 40% of riparian vegetation and increased ecological fragmentation in the Chili River valley. This transformation has degraded water quality and limited equitable access to green and public spaces. Therefore, this research aims to design a Green Corridor along the Chili River as an ecosystem-based strategy to enhance social connectivity and ecological resilience in Arequipa, Peru. The methodology combined an extensive literature review, a comparative analysis of international case studies, and a territorial diagnosis supported by geospatial and climatic data. The process is supported by digital tools such as Google Earth Pro 2025, AutoCAD 2024, SketchUp Pro 2023, and solar simulations with Ladybug-Grasshopper, complemented by data from SENAMHI, SINIA, and the Solar Atlas of Peru. The results propose a resilient green corridor integrating passive and active sustainability strategies, including 40 photovoltaic panels, 44 solar luminaires, biodigesters producing between 90 and 150 kWh per month, and phytotechnologies capable of absorbing 75,225 kg of CO₂ annually, based on WHO conversion factors adapted to high-altitude conditions. The proposal employs eco-efficient materials such as reforested eucalyptus wood and volcanic sillar, creating recreational and productive spaces that promote social cohesion and circular economy. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the potential of ecosystem-based design to regenerate arid urban riverbanks, harmonizing environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and cultural identity. Thus, the Chili River corridor is consolidated as a replicable model of green-blue infrastructure for Andean cities, aligned with Sustainable Development Goals 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, and 15. Full article

Andean berry (Vaccinium meridionale Swartz) is a species of berry mostly exclusive to the Andean ecosystems, mainly present in Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, and Jamaica, where it grows between 2000 and 3000 m.a.s.l. Although most of the fruit is harvested naturally, limited fruit production significantly restricts large-scale farming and sales. Most research on phytochemicals from this berry has focused on polyphenolic compounds, particularly anthocyanins such as cyanidin-3-O-galactoside and delphinidin-3-O-hexoside. These compounds have significant antioxidant potential and require appropriate post-harvest handling to preserve their stability and biological functionality. A systematic literature search was conducted covering studies from January 2000 to January 2025 across Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Evidence from original research includes chemical analyses, in vitro biological activity, in vivo effects in animal models, and clinical studies. Although findings suggest antiproliferative, chemoprotective, and cardioprotective properties, current evidence remains largely preclinical, and clinical validation is urgently needed. Despite its promise, challenges persist in standardizing cultivation, scaling production, and optimizing post-harvest. The berry has been incorporated into food products, but further research is essential to support its transition from experimental use to validated clinical applications. Full article

Reliable precipitation estimates are critical for climate analysis and ecosystem management in regions with complex topography and limited ground-based observations. Bolivia, where the Andes, inter-Andean valleys, and Amazonian lowlands converge, presents sharp climatic heterogeneity that challenges both satellite retrievals and reanalysis products. This study evaluated three widely used datasets, MSWEP V2.2, CHIRPS V2, and ERA5-Land, against monthly station records from 1980 to 2022 to identify the most reliable precipitation estimations for hydrological and climate applications in five distinct regions. We applied a robust validation framework that integrates continuous and categorical performance metrics into a Combined Accuracy Index (CAI), providing a balanced measure of magnitude and event detection skill. Additionally, we implemented a conservative trend analysis with explicit correction for serial autocorrelation to ensure reliable identification of long-term changes. The results showed that MSWEP V2.2 consistently outperforms CHIRPS V2 and ERA5-Land across most regions, achieving the highest combined skill. In the Altiplano, MSWEP reached a CAI of 0.91, compared to CHIRPS (0.80) AND ERA5-Land (0.68). In the Valles region, MSWEP also led with 0.85, outperforming CHIRPS (0.79) and ERA5-Land (0.51). By contrast, CHIRPS V2 performed better in the Llanos (0.85) relative to MSWEP (0.82) and ERA5-Land (0.79). In the Chaco, MSWEP and CHIRPS performed similarly (0.80 and 0.81, respectively), while ERA5-Land scored 0.70. In the Amazonian lowlands, all three products performed well, with MSWEP ranking first (0.93), followed by ERA5-Land (0.88) and CHIRPS (0.86). ERA5-Land systematically overestimated precipitation across Bolivia, with annual biases above 36 mm month⁻¹. Trend analysis revealed significant precipitation declines, particularly in the Llanos (MSWEP: −0.88 mm year⁻¹; CHIRPS: −1.19 mm year⁻¹; ERA5-Land: −0.90 mm year⁻¹), while changes in the Altiplano, Valles and Amazonia were weaker or nonsignificant. These findings highlight MSWEP V2.2 as the most reliable dataset for Bolivia. The methodological framework proposed here offers a transferable approach to validate gridded products in other data-scarce and environmentally diverse regions. Full article

High-Andean lakes are strategic freshwater ecosystems whose monitoring is essential for effective water resource management. However, their optical complexity limits the applicability of conventional methods. In this study, the water quality conditions of the Ozogoche lakes, located in Sangay National Park (PNS), were assessed using Sentinel-2 (S2), Landsat-8 OLI (L8), and Landsat-9 (L9) imagery processed with automated water products from the Case 2 Regional Coast Colour (C2RCC) processor, including the C2RCC, C2X-COMPLEX, and C2X versions. Comparisons between in situ chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) measurements and satellite-derived products confirmed that C2RCC achieved the lowest error (RMSE = 0.68 mg/m³). The multitemporal analysis (2016–2024) of Chl-a, total suspended solids (TSSs), and the diffuse attenuation coefficient (kd_z90max) revealed interannual variations. The results consistently classified the lakes as ultra-oligotrophic, providing an integrated perspective of their environmental quality. This study demonstrates the reliability of C2RCC products for monitoring high-Andean aquatic ecosystems and underscores the potential of remote sensing to overcome accessibility and cloud cover constraints, delivering valuable insights for the sustainable management of water resources in protected areas. Full article

Osorno volcano (41.1° S, 72° W) is located in the Andean Southern Volcanic Zone. The volcano lies within a national park as part of the protected areas system. This setting provides an opportunity to compare soil microbial communities between sectors with (H) and without (NI) anthropogenic activities within a volcanic territory. To do so, we selected one of the most visited volcanoes in Chilean Patagonia to examine composition, diversity (taxonomic and phylogenetic), and co-presence and mutual exclusion interaction networks between members of volcanic soil bacterial communities. Soil DNA was extracted, and the 16S rRNA gene was analyzed by high-throughput DNA sequencing, followed by taxonomic identification. The most prevalent phylum across all sites (H and NI) was Pseudomonadota, followed by Acidobacteriota, Actinobacteriota, and Chloroflexota. Based on taxonomic and phylogenetic indices, we found that the diversity of bacteria was significantly less in the humanized area than in the non-intervened areas. Beta diversity analysis also revealed a clear separation between humanized and non-intervened soils. Additionally, a decrease in network connectivity was observed at NI sites. Our results provide clear evidence that anthropogenic factors, such as tourism, vehicle parking, and combustion processes, are key drivers shaping bacterial community structure in volcanic soils, with potential consequences for ecosystem health and the capacity to provide ecosystem services. Full article

Accurate estimation of aboveground biomass (AGB) is essential for monitoring forage availability and guiding sustainable management in high-altitude pastures, where grazing sustains livelihoods but also drives ecological degradation. Although remote sensing has advanced biomass modeling in rangelands, applications in Andean–Amazonian ecosystems remain limited, particularly using UAV-based structural and spectral data. This study evaluated the potential of UAV LiDAR and multispectral imagery to estimate fresh and dry AGB in ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) pastures of Amazonas, Peru. Field data were collected from subplots within 13 plots across two sites (Atuen and Molinopampa) and modeled using Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machines, and Elastic Net. AGB maps were generated at 0.2 m and 1 m resolutions. Results revealed clear site- and month-specific contrasts, with Atuen yielding higher AGB than Molinopampa, linked to differences in climate, topography, and grazing intensity. RF achieved the best accuracy, with chlorophyll-sensitive indices dominating fresh biomass estimation, while LiDAR-derived height metrics contributed more to dry biomass prediction. Predicted maps captured grazing-induced heterogeneity at fine scales, while aggregated products retained broader gradients. Overall, this study shows the feasibility of UAV-based multi-sensor integration for biomass monitoring and supports adaptive grazing strategies for sustainable management in Andean–Amazonian ecosystems. Full article

Amphibians face a global conservation crisis, driven largely by habitat degradation. Effective and practical strategies for habitat restoration are urgently needed, particularly for Critically Endangered species in human-impacted ecosystems. Telmatobius philippii is a species classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. Its habitat is restricted to a few thermal springs in the Ascotán salt flat in Chile. A significant portion of one of these springs, V11, dried up in 2005 due to industrial groundwater withdrawals, leading to the loss of natural refuges and population decline. As part of a recovery plan for this spring we implemented a habitat improvement program by installing artificial refuges (clay tiles, bricks, and rock piles) and monitored their use over a two-year period. The results indicated that the refuges, particularly the clay tiles, were utilized by T. philippii at all life stages (larvae, juveniles, and adults). Refuge occupancy increased over time, reaching 75% by the end of the study, and the presence of eggs and early-stage larvae confirmed successful breeding associated with the artificial structures. This demonstrates the positive effect of artificial refuges as a practical tool for the recovery of Telmatobius populations. To our knowledge, this study provides the first documented case of successful habitat enhancement for this threatened group of high Andean amphibians, offering a replicable strategy for conservation in fragile ecosystems. Full article

The conservation of ecosystems is essential for ensuring natural resources like water, a key ecosystem service sustaining human activities. However, its effect on human well-being remains uncertain. This study explores links between water provision, local activities, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets in El Carmen de Jadán, a rural Andean community in Azuay, Ecuador. Located downstream of the Aguarongo Protected Forest (APF), residents rely on headwaters for agriculture, livestock, and domestic use. Conservation efforts since the 1990s have played a key role in maintaining this supply. We developed a storyline to create a conceptual framework connecting water provision, respondents’ activities, and personal and community goals and challenges. We surveyed 55 water users and evaluated relationships through two indices: Level of Support for Contribution (LSC) and Importance of Contribution (IC). A network analysis of highest values revealed that human consumption activities (44–52 responses) were most linked to water, followed by livestock (29–37), agriculture (24–29), and ancestral health practices (28). Human consumption was associated with SDG targets 2.4, 6.1, 6.4, 6.6, 12.8, 13.3, 15.2, and 15.4 (346–416 links), while other activities were linked to all 11 targets analyzed, including 1.1, 1.2, and 2.1 (220–427). The results show strong connections between conservation, livelihoods, and sustainability goals. Full article

The study investigated the diversity and ecology of Myxomycetes (Amoebozoa) along a vegetation gradient in the Cuzco department, Peru, spanning altitudes from 2500 to 4700 m. Field collections were carried out at six sites distributed across three distinct vegetation formations: non-Amazonian Forest, paramo, and high Andean zones with and without vegetation cover. The collected material was analyzed through direct observation, cultivation in moist chambers, and morphological identification, resulting in the record of 18 species, including three new records for Peru (Diderma circumdissilens, Licea tenera, and Perichaena luteola). Species richness was higher at lower altitudes and in environments with greater substrate availability, such as dead branches and mosses, but declined under extreme environmental conditions, particularly at high elevations. Principal component analysis revealed differences in community composition among the environments, associated with environmental variables and substrate types. The results highlight that the Peruvian Andes harbor a significant biodiversity of Myxomycetes, including species adapted to high-altitude conditions, reinforcing the importance of conservation and further study of these extreme ecosystems. We conclude that high mountain environments serve as biodiversity hotspots, and that future studies, including molecular techniques, are essential to understanding the distribution and adaptation of these organisms in the Andean environments. Full article

At 47° S in Argentine Patagonia, the interaction between the Southern Westerly Winds (SWW) and the Andean barrier generates a steep climatic gradient, providing an ideal setting to evaluate Holocene vegetation responses. This study focuses on the extra-Andean sector, where new pollen records from La Tapera (LTap) and Cisne 7 provide insights into steppe vegetation dynamics under dry conditions. These sequences are contrasted with previously studied records further west (LF, ZB, CMN1, CMN2, and COCU) to assess west–east gradients in vegetation change and moisture availability throughout the Holocene. Western records indicate that the Early Holocene was dominated by grass–dwarf-shrub steppe under arid conditions, followed by increased humidity around 7600 cal yr BP that promoted the development of forest–steppe ecotonal environments. The Middle Holocene was characterised by aridity, reflected in shrub dominance and reduced forest signals, whereas the Late Holocene included a humid pulse between ~1750 and 1000 cal yr BP, followed by renewed aridity over the last millennium. In contrast, eastern records show persistent shrub–dwarf-shrub steppes since ~4700 cal yr BP, with vegetation changes expressed mainly as shifts in the relative dominance of shrubs and dwarf–shrubs rather than floristic replacements. Archaeological sites corroborated and complemented the continuous records, strengthening the reconstruction of environmental variability across different temporal windows. Overall, this west–east comparison highlights the differential sensitivity of ecosystems to SWW fluctuations, reinforcing their role as an important forcing of hydrological balance and vegetation dynamics in mid-latitude Patagonia. Full article

The Ecuadorian Tropical Andes serve as vital biodiversity hotspots, crucial for hosting and preserving unique endemic species. While numerous taxonomic groups within these hotspots have been extensively studied, microalgae remain relatively unknown. This study aimed to document the microalgal diversity of Tropical Andean lakes in Ecuador and its relationship with abiotic environmental factors. Water samples were collected from 28 lakes throughout 10 conservation areas, spanning different altitudes in the Ecuadorian Tropical Andes, along with water physical/chemical data. A total of 92 microalgal genera were identified, spanning Bacillariophyta, Chlorophyta, Glaucophyta, Ocrophyta, Cyanophyta, and Euglenophyta. Lakes such as Rodeococha, Anteojos, Chinchillas, Toreadora, Magdalena, and La Mica exhibited the highest richness of microalgal genera. A positive association between temperature and the majority of microalgal phyla, except Glaucophyta, was observed. On the other hand, negative correlations were observed between total dissolved solids and water conductivity with microalgal biodiversity. Additionally, all groups displayed negative associations with pH, except Glaucophyta. The Jaccard similarity index was low among lake communities in agreement with the uniqueness of genera found in some lakes. This study represents a fundamental baseline for future investigations into Ecuador’s microalgal diversity and its relationship with abiotic environmental factors in the delicate freshwater ecosystems of Tropical Andean lakes. Full article