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This study analyzed the ground conditions that allowed some extreme wildfires in 2017 and 2023 to take such proportions and burn around 750,000 ha across Central Chile. Using publicly available satellite data, we examined the relationship between the burned areas from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometers (MODIS) and their antecedent soil moisture from the Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission. We found that a small number of fires were responsible for disproportionately large burned areas and that these megafires (i.e., >10,000 ha) were more likely to exhibit relatively drier conditions in the months and days prior. Based on this, we tested various thresholds in low antecedent soil moisture to identify areas more prone to megafires. By differentiating the moisture conditions below and above 0.14 m3/m3, we were able to map all of the 2017 megafires, at least in part. Our classification balanced the success and errors in prediction, yielding 54.1% recall and 75.9% precision (well above the 56.3% baseline). For 2023, the burned areas could not be classified as accurately, due to differences in pre-fire conditions. Overall, our research provided new insights into the link between satellite-based soil moisture and extreme wildfire events. Among other things, this study demonstrated that certain critical thresholds in SMAP had predictive skill to identify conditions more conducive to megafires. Ultimately, this work can be expanded to other parts of the world in support of enhanced wildfire mitigation and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sandy coastlines are very dynamic spaces affected by a variety of natural and human factors. In Central Chile, changes in oceanographic and wave conditions, modes of inter-annual climate variability such as El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), and extreme events such as earthquakes and tsunamis condition the beach morphology. At the same time, direct human actions alter the arrival of sediments to the coast and their alongshore distribution. Despite the relevance of the beaches for this coastal region and the interesting relationship their morphology has with the aforementioned factors, there is a lack of robust morphological datasets to provide a deep characterization and understanding of the dynamism of the Chilean coast. Based on the information provided by satellite-derived shorelines (SDSs) defined by using the SHOREX algorithm, this paper characterizes the morphological changes of Playa Grande in Cartagena Bay (Central Chile) during the period 1985–2019. The shoreline position data are analyzed in the context of changing beach transforming elements, allowing for a better understanding of the changes according to multiple drivers. While some of these factors, such as earthquakes or coastal storms, have a punctual character, changes in wave patterns vary at different time scales, from seasonal to multi-annual, linked to climate phases such as ENSO. Its effects are translated into shoreline erosion and accretion conditioned by the morphology and orientation of the coast while influenced by the availability of sediment in the coastal system. According to that, a conceptual model of the dynamism and redistribution of sediment in the Bay of Cartagena is proposed. The work proves the high utility that the systematic analysis of multi-decadal SDS datasets obtained from the images acquired in the optical by the Landsat and Sentinel-2 offer for beach monitoring and understanding the coastal dynamism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed predation may reduce the quantity and diversity of seeds and limit seedling recruitment. However, the extent to which seed predation may depend on the species and vegetational microhabitat has been less studied. We studied seed predation of woody species in the Mediterranean-type ecosystem of central Chile. We explored if interspecific differences in the magnitude of seed predation depends on the seed mass, evaluated the role vertebrate herbivores in seed predation, and examined if seed predation depends on the vegetation patch type. We conducted a seed removal experiment with eight woody species in three vegetation patch types (forest, shrub, and open) and replicated in two localities. We established exclosures for birds and mammals (wire cages covering 1 m2) and evaluated seed removal during 18 days within and outside of them. We also evaluated the soil seed availability by collecting soil samples inside and outside these exclosures after 2 years of exclusion in the same vegetation patches, adding other three localities. Exclosures significantly reduced the number of seeds removed in all species and patch types of both localities (overall 24.02% of removal in non-exclusion areas vs. 1.77% in exclosures). The magnitude of seed predation was negatively related to the seed mass of species. Exclosures significantly increased the number and species richness of seeds in the soil of forest and shrub patches of four localities. The results suggest that seed predation is mainly produced by vertebrates, affects several woody species from central Chile, and is more common in forest and shrub patches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of Haplopappus (Asteraceae) from central Chile are described in this article. Haplopappus colliguayensis sp. nov. is restricted to La Chapa hill, Colliguay, Valparaíso Region, and is most similar to H. undulatus but differs from the latter in its stem indumentum, leaf shape and margin, and synflorescence arrangement. Haplopappus teillieri sp. nov. has been recorded from four high-Andean localities in the Choapa, Petorca, Rocín and Aconcagua river basins, and is most similar to H. punctatus but differs from the latter in its leaf length and margin, number of peduncles per twig, width of outer phyllaries, number of ray florets per capitulum, and achene dimensions. Additionally, we propose the reinstatement of H. kingii in agreement with an exhaustive revision of type material and protologues, as well as the study of herbarium specimens. Haplopappus kingii is restricted to mountainous areas in the southern portion of the Atacama Region, and resembles H. parvifolius and H. retinervius but differs from both by its leaf margin and apex, besides additional differences from each. We provide morphological descriptions, field images, distributional maps, conservation assessments, and taxonomic notes for the three species treated, as well as illustrations for the novel taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chile's distinctive flora, geographical isolation, and complex topography collectively contribute to a notable endemic species diversity, particularly within central regions identified as critical areas for biodiversity conservation. The cactus genus Eriosyce, as currently circumscribed, encompasses seven sections, with Eriosyce sect. Horridocatus presenting a notably complex species group. This study investigates the E. curvispina complex, a member of the Notocacteae tribe common in central Chile, by incorporating new populations and examining phylogenetic relationships using four plastid and one nuclear molecular marker. The phylogenetic analysis of sampled individuals identified nine independent lineages, each warranting recognition at the species rank. Despite minimal morphological differences among taxa, morphological characters were utilized to support and stabilize the DNA-based phylogenetic hypothesis. The results highlight the high taxonomic diversity in these cactus lineages and have implications for the classification of the E. curvispina complex, including new combinations and proposals of conservation status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the performance of fourteen high-resolution WRF runs with different combinations of parameterizations in simulating the atmospheric conditions over the complex terrain of central Chile during austral winter and spring. We focus on the validation of results for coastal, interior valleys, and mountainous areas independently, and also present an in-depth analysis of two synoptic-scale events that occurred during the study period: a frontal system and a cut-off low. The performance of the simulations decreases from the coast to higher altitudes, even though the differences are not very clear between the coast and interior valleys for 10 m wind speeds and precipitation. The simulated vertical profiles show a warmer and drier boundary layer and a cooler and moister free atmosphere than observed. The choice of the land-surface model has the largest positive impact on near-surface variables with the five-layer thermal diffusion scheme showing the smallest errors. Precipitation is more sensitive to the choice of cumulus parameterizations, with the simplified Arakawa–Schubert scheme generally providing the best performance for absolute errors. When examining the performance of the model simulating rain/no-rain events for different thresholds, also the cumulus parameterizations better represented the false alarm ratio (FAR) and the bias score (BS). However, the Morrison microphysics scheme resulted in the best critical success index (CSI), while the probability of detection (POD) was better in the simulation without analysis nudging. Overall, these results provide guidance to other researchers and help to identify the best WRF configuration for a specific research or operational goal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Historia 396 is the property of Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso, Instituto de Historia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This article examines the development of mechanization in the hacienda system of Central Chile, an oligarchic rural society in a peripheral country, by discussing the role and interests of the main social and institutional actors involved in the introduction and diffusion of agricultural machinery. Mechanization was implemented from power by dominant actors in the Chilean economy, above all the large landowners, and the foreign commercial firms that imported machinery. Thus, it concentrated on the harvests of wheat, alfalfa and clover, the main commercial crops on Central Chile's haciendas. In addition, mechanization consisted in the diffusion of imported machines and implements. The incipient Chilean metal industries (foundries) were not able to develop as significant producers of agricultural equipment. Despite their contradicting interests, those actors, along with state agricultural institutions' experts, formed a knowledge elite that not only adopted but, more fundamentally, selected and creatively adapted those types and models of agricultural machines that demonstrated to be more suitable to the hacienda system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzes the cloud properties associated with cold fronts that affected central Chile during May–September 1998–2014 using observational and reanalysis data. Warmer, moister, and more unstable conditions in early winter favor the development of deeper mixed‐phased clouds in cold fronts, having larger rain and ice water contents. Late in the season, cooler, drier, and more stable conditions predominate, favoring the development of a larger percentage of shallower warm‐phased clouds. Years when cold fronts show large environmental humidity and high cloud tops were associated with stronger systems that produced the largest precipitation. The linear positive relationship between cloud tops and precipitable water reported in the Central and Eastern Pacific was also found in storms developing in the Eastern South Pacific. The intensity of cold fronts also determines their cloud development and observed rainfall. High freezing level (FL) cold fronts are more frequent in May and June, generally occur in very high humidity environments, are stronger, include more rain and ice water contents, and allow the development of the highest clouds compared to low FL storms, which are more frequent in August. The strength of low FL storms, instead of their available humidity seems to be the key factor controlling the rain they produce. On the other hand, the intensity of high FL storms seems not to be a decisive factor in controlling its rainfall. Finally, the presence of an atmospheric river seems not to guarantee the rainiest events among high and low FL cold fronts. Key Points: Cold fronts find the wettest, least stable environment in May, causing the highest clouds and large rainfall. Conditions worsen afterwardsHigh freezing level (FL) cold fronts develop in high humidity environments, are stronger, and produce more rainfall than low FL cold frontsThe strength of low FL cold fronts seems to be a key factor modulating the transition from weak‐storm‐low‐rain to strong‐storm‐large‐rain [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Megadroughts represent droughts with a high-intensity, long-lasting duration, and extensive spatial extent. However, as these characteristics have not been quantitatively proposed, a reasonable guideline for identifying megadroughts has not been determined. This study aims to identify the quantitative characteristics of a megadrought and suggest a guideline for detecting the occurrence of the megadrought. This study focused on the central Chile megadrought that occurred from 2010 to 2016 in central Chile. The megadrought was analyzed using the standardized precipitation index (SPI) while increasing its timescale. The 60-month timescale spatially represented that more than 60% of all stations in central Chile experienced a drought indicating moderate or more drought intensity (SPI ≤ −1) for a long duration of more than 36 months in the megadrought period. Then, guidelines were suggested based on the timescale, drought intensity, and spatial extent of drought as the criteria to detect the occurrence of the megadrought. In the criteria of moderate or more drought intensity and the spatial extent of 50% or 60%, the 60-month timescale detected the occurrence of the megadrought the earliest and most appropriately. This study will be used as a useful guideline to define and detect megadroughts that will occur in the future.

Abstract This study analyzes the cloud properties associated with cold fronts that affected central Chile during May–September 1998–2014 using observational and reanalysis data. Warmer, moister, and more unstable conditions in early winter favor the development of deeper mixed‐phased clouds in cold fronts, having larger rain and ice water contents. Late in the season, cooler, drier, and more stable conditions predominate, favoring the development of a larger percentage of shallower warm‐phased clouds. Years when cold fronts show large environmental humidity and high cloud tops were associated with stronger systems that produced the largest precipitation. The linear positive relationship between cloud tops and precipitable water reported in the Central and Eastern Pacific was also found in storms developing in the Eastern South Pacific. The intensity of cold fronts also determines their cloud development and observed rainfall. High freezing level (FL) cold fronts are more frequent in May and June, generally occur in very high humidity environments, are stronger, include more rain and ice water contents, and allow the development of the highest clouds compared to low FL storms, which are more frequent in August. The strength of low FL storms, instead of their available humidity seems to be the key factor controlling the rain they produce. On the other hand, the intensity of high FL storms seems not to be a decisive factor in controlling its rainfall. Finally, the presence of an atmospheric river seems not to guarantee the rainiest events among high and low FL cold fronts.

Background and aims: Botanic gardens play a fundamental role in conservation due to the maintenance of seed and live plant collections. However, the exchange of ornamental plant seeds between botanic gardens can facilitate the entry of seeds of alien species with invasive potential. In 2018, during a visit to the collections of the National Botanical Garden (Chile), we discovered populations of an herb of the genus Veronica (Plantaginaceae). The aim of this paper is to report for the first time the presence of Veronica cymbalaria as a new exotic feral species for the flora of Chile. M&M: Live material was studied and compared with the original description of the species. The collected material was deposited in the herbarium of the National Botanical Garden (JBN). Results: Veronica cymbalaria, which grows abundantly in and around the biological collections of the National Botanical Garden, is described. Images of the species, a map of the site of occurrence and a key to distinguish Veronica species growing in Chile are included. Conclusions: Veronica cymbalaria is reported for the first time for the flora of Chile. The distribution range of this alien species is extended to southern America. The genus Veronica is represented by ten allochthonous species in Chile.

Chilean hake (Merluccius gayi gayi) is one of central Chile's most important demersal resources, and its fishery involves an artisanal fleet that mainly uses gillnets. In the recent history of the fishery, there has been a decrease in catch sizes and a progressive reduction in mesh sizes. This study aimed to analyze the factors that influenced the mean catch sizes of Chilean hake between 2001 and 2018 to understand this situation, correlating the response of fishermen with the capture efficiency of the nets used. Applying a generalized linear model, a significant effect of the factors year, port (zone), and mesh size were observed on the mean size of individuals caught. The model explained 85% of the deviation, the greatest relative contributions being made by the factors year (53.6%) and port (30.2%). A lower effect was estimated for the mesh size factor with 1.2% deviance. These findings suggest that the progressive reduction in mesh sizes is associated with a response to the demographic change in the stock. Differentiated management measures by zones could be considered in the fishery, given the estimated differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Tecnología y Ciencias del Agua is the property of Instituto Mexicano de Tecnologia del Agua (IMTA) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Characterizing insect communities in pollinator-dependent crops helps determine the potential pollinator effectiveness and their effects on crop yield. Few studies have examined pollinator communities and their services to crops in South America. Furthermore, optimal sampling methods for these communities in the crop habitat have received little attention. Pan traps are one of the simplest and most widely used sampling methods to assess insect diversity. We compared different pan trap arrangements to describe potential pollinator communities in two commercial crops (blueberry and canola) in Southern Chile. We compared communities in the crops and assessed how sampling position (border or center) and pan trap color (blue, white, or yellow) affected sample composition. Species composition was significantly different between crops. Furthermore, trap color affected sample composition in blueberry, but trap position did not, whereas color had no significant effect on canola, but trap position did. In all cases, yellow pans captured the largest number of species. Hymenoptera explained most of the differences in sampling efficiency because of the differential responses across species. We suggest that pan trap assessments of the diversity in potential pollinator insects depend on crop characteristics, including planting configuration and floral morphology. Therefore, comparative studies should include pans of different colors positioned at various locations within the crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The natural heritage and ecological processes of protected wilderness areas (ASP) are constantly threatened by a variety of factors, including wildfires. This study seeks to evaluate the impacts of large wildfires (IFM, = 200 ha) in the ASPs of central Chile over the last 20 years (2000 - 2020), by identifying and characterizing the affected areas as well as the damages caused. To identify the affected sectors, burned areas were mapped using historical records along with remote sensing tools. The maps of burned areas allowed for the identification of 35 large wildfires that have impacted the ASPs of central Chile, including 17 SNASPE units and Nature Sanctuaries. The origin of most wildfires was located outside of the administrative limits of the ASPs and began in native forests and plantations. Regarding the main damages caused, 16 ecosystem types were affected by IFMs, 12 of which were under a significant level of risk. Additionally, considering the effects on water quality, an average of 21.2 ha of affected riparian vegetation was recorded per year, while 15 units recorded damage to soil conservation. Regarding CO2 emissions, an average of 10,389 tCO2 per year were released into the atmosphere. Finally, the results led to four different guideline recommendations for managing and preserving these areas, which focused on reducing occurrences, preventing large wildfires, and post-fire management in the ASPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two main leaf types are recognized among vascular plant species: compound and simple. Compound leaves are believed to be photosynthetically more productive than simple ones, by diluting mass tissue in more projected area. Conversely, simple leaves are believed to be more stress-tolerant by packing mass tissue in less projected area during stress like drought. Nevertheless, convective cooling is more efficient in compound than simple leaves, a process that could alleviate water loss in drought periods. In Central Chile, woody species with simple and compound leaves coexist. This zone is facing a mega-drought event, causing browning and tree mortality. However, how severe droughts affect photosynthetic traits on both leaf-type species have not been addressed so far. We measured photosynthetic traits in well-watered and drought conditions in three compound and three simple leaf species, and drought response ratios were obtained. We hypothesized that with no water limitation compound leaf species will show higher net photosynthesis (AN) than simple leaf species associated with a higher mesophyll conductance (gm). Opposite results are expected for simple leaf species due to their stress-tolerant physiology, showing fewer changes in their photosynthetic traits. We found that gm and AN were larger in compound leaf species in well-watered conditions. With drought, both leaf-type species were negatively affected despite foliar temperature in compound leaf species was 4 °C lower. Our result suggests that regardless of leaf shape the matorral species in Central Chile will be seriously affected in their AN due to the megadrought currently affecting this zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tsunami inundation estimates are of crucial importance to hazard and risk assessments. In the context of tsunami forecast, numerical simulations are becoming more feasible with the growth of computational power. Uncertainties regarding source determination within the first minutes after a tsunami generation might be a major concern in the issuing of an appropriate warning on the coast. However, it is also crucial to investigate differences emerging from the chosen algorithms for the tsunami simulations due to a dependency of the outcomes on the suitable model settings. In this study, we compare the tsunami inundation in three cities in central Chile (Coquimbo, Viña del Mar, and Valparaíso) using three different models (TsunAWI, Tsunami-HySEA, COMCOT) while varying the parameters such as bottom friction. TsunAWI operates on triangular meshes with variable resolution, whereas the other two codes use nested grids for the coastal area. As initial conditions of the experiments, three seismic sources (2010 Mw 8.8 Maule, 2015 Mw 8.3 Coquimbo, and 1730 Mw 9.1 Valparaíso) are considered for the experiments. Inundation areas are determined with high-resolution topo-bathymetric datasets based on specific wetting and drying implementations of the numerical models. We compare each model’s results and sensitivities with respect to parameters such as bottom friction and bathymetry representation in the varying mesh geometries. The outcomes show consistent estimates for the nearshore wave amplitude of the leading wave crest based on identical seismic source models within the codes. However, with respect to inundation, we show high sensitivity to Manning values where a non-linear behaviour is difficult to predict. Differences between the relative decrease in inundation areas and the Manning n-range (0.015–0.060) are high (11–65%), with a strong dependency on the characterization of the local topo-bathymery in the Coquimbo and Valparaíso areas. Since simulations carried out with such models are used to generate hazard estimates and warning products in an early tsunami warning context, it is crucial to investigate differences that emerge from the chosen algorithms for the tsunami simulations.

The late Eocene-Early Miocene intra-arc Abanico extensional basin represents a major feature in central Chile (∼31°-42°S). Such basin system concentrated the magmatic activity along this Andean region and hosted locally more than 3.000 m of volcanic and volcaniclastic deposits (Abanico Formation) over a southward thinning crust (<35 km thick). South of 34°30′S, major changes occur in and out of the basin realm that modify the rather regular distribution of the geological features observed northwards, namely: 1. Southward termination of the exposures of the Farellones Formation, 2. Increased presence of pre-Abanico volcanic and plutonic exposures in the basin realm, 3. Southward width increase of the basin, 4. Abrupt end in the Maule region of the Cretaceous plutonic swaths exposed in the eastern Coastal Cordillera and westward bend of the swaths of Mesozoic units, 5. Increased presence of primitive volcanic rocks in the west-side of the basin, and 6. Presence, south of 36°S, of the Cura-Mallín Formation on the east-side of the basin. These changes are caused by the oblique orientation of the Abanico basin relative to the Mesozoic structural and paleogeographic trends and are enhanced by the increased southward opening of the basin. This opening would have occurred through a westward scissors-like rotation of the block of continental crust located west of the basin, which corresponds to the present-day Coastal Cordillera south of 34°30′S. The eastern border, which is represented by the El Diablo fault, remained essentially fixed. The westward rotation is supported by the north-northeast orientation of the Mesozoic plutonic and stratified swaths south of 34°30′S. Additionally, the swaths of Mesozoic rocks are obliquely interrupted by the similarly oriented western border of the basin. Previous analogue models designed to understand the opening and closure mechanisms of an extensional basin show that greater extension and subsidence in the basin occur next to the mobile border, which in the Abanico basin was located on its west side. This observation aligns with the increased southward presence of primitive volcanic rocks, like the Colbún Formation, in the region where crustal thinning would have been greater. Analogue models show that the increased southward extension allowed the development of wider depocenters. In the Maule region, an eastern depocenter near the El Diablo fault, hosted the Early to Middle Miocene deposits of the Cura-Mallín Formation. During contraction, deeply rooted reverse faults can involve basement rocks of the basin and bring them up to the surface as observed in the Abanico basin realm in the Tinguiririca and Maule regions. This study also highlights the continuity and importance of the El Diablo fault in the configuration of the basin. It is shown that, notwithstanding the existence of major changes south of 34°30′S, this fault represents a major structural element that remained unchanged along the Andean segment comprised between ∼32° and 36°30′S separating the Cenozoic deposits to the west from Mesozoic deposits to the east. This fault can be traced continuously from, at least, the Aconcagua valley (33°S) to the Maule region (36°30′S), and most probably extends further south. Apart from separating the Cenozoic Abanico basin deposits from the Mesozoic units involved in the east-vergent Andean fold-thrust belt, its trace forms an almost straight line that connects the Palomo, Tinguiririca, Planchón-Peteroa, Descabezados, San Pedro and Rezago volcanic centers and complexes, hot-springs, and hydrothermal alterations. [Display omitted] • The opening of the Abanico basin occurred by W-ward rotation of its W-border; the El Diablo fault is the fixed E-border. • The basin southward width increase caused major crustal thinning in the south region allowing ascent of primitive magmas. • El Diablo fault controlled the extensional/contractional activity on the basin E-side and the present volcanic activity. • The westward rotation of the western limiting block of the basin caused the NNE-SSW trend of the Mesozoic plutonic swaths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the performance of fourteen high-resolution WRF runs with different combinations of parameterizations in simulating the atmospheric conditions over the complex terrain of central Chile during austral winter and spring. We focus on the validation of results for coastal, interior valleys, and mountainous areas independently, and also present an in-depth analysis of two synoptic-scale events that occurred during the study period: a frontal system and a cut-off low. The performance of the simulations decreases from the coast to higher altitudes, even though the differences are not very clear between the coast and interior valleys for 10 m wind speeds and precipitation. The simulated vertical profiles show a warmer and drier boundary layer and a cooler and moister free atmosphere than observed. The choice of the land-surface model has the largest positive impact on near-surface variables with the five-layer thermal diffusion scheme showing the smallest errors. Precipitation is more sensitive to the choice of cumulus parameterizations, with the simplified Arakawa–Schubert scheme generally providing the best performance for absolute errors. When examining the performance of the model simulating rain/no-rain events for different thresholds, also the cumulus parameterizations better represented the false alarm ratio (FAR) and the bias score (BS). However, the Morrison microphysics scheme resulted in the best critical success index (CSI), while the probability of detection (POD) was better in the simulation without analysis nudging. Overall, these results provide guidance to other researchers and help to identify the best WRF configuration for a specific research or operational goal.

Hypoxia is a phenomenon where dissolved oxygen (DO) is reduced to levels that are low enough to strongly affect ecological and biogeochemical processes. This occurs within the continental shelf off central Chile (36°S), influenced by seasonal coastal upwelling (Spring-Summer). Monthly measurements of DO and other oceanographic variables in the water column (1997−2021) over the 92 m isobath along with high-resolution and near-surface observations (POSAR buoy), are analyzed to examine incidences of hypoxia and understand the physical and biogeochemical processes modulating DO vertical distribution and its temporal variability. On average, the percentage of the water column with DO levels below 89 (hypoxia) and 22 (severe hypoxia) μmol L−1 reaches 68% (i.e., hypoxic waters are found below 30 m) and 44% (below 50 m depth), respectively, but during the upwelling season, as much as 87% (below 12 m depth) and 81% (below 17 m depth) of the water column exhibits these levels. On the sub-seasonal scale during upwelling season six hypoxic events lasting at least 2 days occur at 10 m depth. There is a strong seasonal correlation between the volume of the seawater presenting hypoxia and upwelling favorable winds. Furthermore, there is a high DO interannual variability partially related to the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Over 2 decades, it is estimated that DO concentration in surface and subsurface layers decreases (up to 21 μmol L−1 decade−1) as waters get colder (up to 0.29°C decade−1). Remarkably, the volume of hypoxic and severe hypoxic waters over the shelf has increased more than 2 times since 1997 and shows a significant positive correlation with the upwelling index. These preliminary findings indicate that the increase in local DO consumption is partially associated with upwelling intensification. Given the clear evidence of wind intensification in coastal upwelling ecosystems and thus the increase in hypoxic events, the coastal zone may be highly vulnerable to hypoxia, impacting biological resources and biogeochemical cycles.

Despite decades of broad interest in global patterns of biodiversity, little attention has been given to understanding the remarkable levels of plant diversity present in the world's five Mediterranean-type climate (MTC) regions, all of which are considered to be biodiversity hotspots. Comprising the Mediterranean Basin, California, central Chile, the Cape Region of South Africa, and southwestern Australia, these regions share the unusual climatic regime of mild wet winters and warm dry summers. Despite their small extent, covering only about 2.2% of world land area, these regions are home to approximately one-sixth of the world vascular plant flora. The onset of MTCs in the middle Miocene brought summer drought, a novel climatic condition, but also a regime of recurrent fire. Fire has been a significant agent of selection in assembling the modern floras of four of the five MTC regions, with central Chile an exception following the uplift of the Andes in the middle Miocene. Selection for persistence in a fire-prone environment as a key causal factor for species diversification in MTC regions has been under-appreciated or ignored. Mechanisms for fire-driven speciation are diverse and may include both directional (novel traits) and stabilizing selection (retained traits) for appropriate morphological and life-history traits. Both museum and nursery hypotheses have important relevance in explaining the extant species richness of the MTC floras, with fire as a strong stimulant for diversification in a manner distinct from other temperate floras. Spatial and temporal niche separation across topographic, climatic and edaphic gradients has occurred in all five regions. The Mediterranean Basin, California, and central Chile are seen as nurseries for strong but not spectacular rates of Neogene diversification, while the older landscapes of southwestern Australia and the Cape Region show significant components of both Paleogene and younger Neogene speciation in their diversity. Low rates of extinction suggesting a long association with fire more than high rates of speciation have been key to the extant levels of species richness.

Two new species of the Chilean endemic genus Miersia (Gilliesieae, Allioideae, Amaryllidaceae) are described, M. stellata and M. raucoana, alongside morphological descriptions, a distribution map, illustrations, conservation status assessments, and an updated key to all species of Miersia. Additionally, phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequences were performed to inquire into the evolutionary affinities of both new species and the recently described, M. putaendensis, within the tribe Gilliesieae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Wildfires have shaped plant traits and ecosystems worldwide. Most research on the relevance of fire on plant evolution comes from Mediterranean-type ecosystems (MTEs), where a great proportion of the studied species have fire-stimulated germination. However, seed fire ecology is widely unknown for the woody flora of the Chilean matorral , the only MTE where natural fires are infrequent owing to the scarcity of non-anthropogenic ignition sources. Aim: The study aimed to evaluate whether seed sensitivity to heat is generalised among the woody species of the matorral. Methods: We performed heat shock experiments on the seeds of 21 woody plant species not previously assessed. These species and those from previous studies were classified according to their response as stimulated, tolerant and inhibited. The preponderance of any of these categories was statistically evaluated. Key results: Exposure to 100°C for 5 min significantly decreased seed survival in all studied species. Conclusions: Seed persistence to fire is less common than previously reported among woody plants from the Chilean MTE. Implications: Increased wildfire events in the future may erode the genetic diversity of the Chilean flora. Germplasm banks may become crucial in post-fire restoration programs in this ecoregion, where the landscape has become increasingly flammable. We provide evidence of the negative impact of wildfires on the seeds of most of the woody species of the Chilean matorral , the only Mediterranean flora that has not been shaped by a natural wildfires regime. Our results emphasise the necessity of germplasm banks for post-fire restoration planning in this ecoregion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In alpine plants, the temporal variation in the concentrations of non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) is closely related to the growth phenology, which is largely controlled by annual variations in temperature. However, in alpine areas of Mediterranean-type climate regions, plants growing at low elevations are also exposed to seasonal drought. Given the influence of drought on growth phenology and gas exchange, we hypothesize that the seasonal dynamics of growth and NSC concentrations in alpine plants of Mediterranean biomes is co-controlled by elevational gradients of temperature and soil moisture. If so, the end of the growing season and the maximum NSC concentrations at lower elevations should coincide with the occurrence of drought. We characterized the seasonal dynamics of photosynthesis capacity, growth and NSC concentrations, in an alpine plant species of the Andes of central Chile (Phacelia secunda Gmel.) at 1600 and 3600 m. We found that the length of the growing season was similar between elevations, but the timings differed. Whilst at 3600 m, the number of leaves and the mean leaf length progressively increased from December to February, at 1600 m, in contrast, they increased from the October to December. Likewise, maximum NSC concentrations at 3600 were observed at autumn along with growth cessation. Conversely, at 1600 m, the highest NSC concentration and the growth cessation were found towards mid-summer, and coincided with a drastic drop in both stomatal conductance and photosynthesis which were not observed at 3600 m. These results demonstrate that temperature alone does not control the growth phenology and the seasonal dynamics of NSC concentrations in alpine plants of Mediterranean biomes. Rather, summer drought also exerts a significant influence in the timing of the growing season and the NSC dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Housing is a pressing problem worldwide and a key determinant of health and wellbeing. The right to adequate housing, as a pillar of the right to an adequate standard of living, means more than a roof to live under. Adequate means the dwelling must fulfill material functions and psychosocial functions, thus contributing to dwellers health and wellbeing. Social housing policies aim to fulfill the right to housing, but frequently fail in fulfilling the right to it being adequate. This study capitalizes on the implementation of a national urban regeneration program in two social housing villas in central Chile (one in Santiago, in the central valley, the other in Viña del Mar, a coastal city) to run a natural experiment assessing the impact of dwelling renovation on several dimensions of perceived habitability and housing satisfaction among the -mostly female-household homemakers. We use 5 waves of survey data collected with a step-wedge design to estimate the association between a time-varying exposure status (the intervention) and 7 binary outcomes for habitability and 5 for housing dissatisfaction, including overall housing satisfaction. We use Poisson regression models with robust variance and a random intercept at the respondent level. At baseline, reports of poor habitability and dissatisfaction across all features were markedly high, the highest levels of dissatisfaction being with acoustic insulation and dwelling size in both villas, and with indoor temperature in Santiago. The intervention resulted in statistically significant and markedly large improvements in reported habitability and dissatisfaction relative to those housing components targeted by the intervention, as well as with overall dwelling satisfaction in both study cases. Implications are, first, that the policy response to quantitative housing deficits must not overlook housing quality; second, that housing renovation appears as a promising intervention for qualitative housing crises; third, that while improvements in habitability and satisfaction are specific to the interventions in place, overall housing satisfaction can improve in more limited, tailored, dwelling renovation interventions. Social housing renovation in Latin America appears as a promising intervention to improve quality of life among the urban poor dwellers and reduce inequalities in health related to housing conditions. • Study of reported habitability and housing satisfaction among urban poor homemakers. • First longitudinal assessment of formal social housing renovation in Latin America. • Housing renovation can positively impact quality of life and wellbeing. • Results stress the need to addressing the qualitative housing crisis. • General satisfaction improved in all cases, despite different interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tsunami inundation estimates are of crucial importance to hazard and risk assessments. In the context of tsunami forecast, numerical simulations are becoming more feasible with the growth of computational power. Uncertainties regarding source determination within the first minutes after a tsunami generation might be a major concern in the issuing of an appropriate warning on the coast. However, it is also crucial to investigate differences emerging from the chosen algorithms for the tsunami simulations due to a dependency of the outcomes on the suitable model settings. In this study, we compare the tsunami inundation in three cities in central Chile (Coquimbo, Viña del Mar, and Valparaíso) using three different models (TsunAWI, Tsunami-HySEA, COMCOT) while varying the parameters such as bottom friction. TsunAWI operates on triangular meshes with variable resolution, whereas the other two codes use nested grids for the coastal area. As initial conditions of the experiments, three seismic sources (2010 M w 8.8 Maule, 2015 M w 8.3 Coquimbo, and 1730 M w 9.1 Valparaíso) are considered for the experiments. Inundation areas are determined with high-resolution topo-bathymetric datasets based on specific wetting and drying implementations of the numerical models. We compare each model's results and sensitivities with respect to parameters such as bottom friction and bathymetry representation in the varying mesh geometries. The outcomes show consistent estimates for the nearshore wave amplitude of the leading wave crest based on identical seismic source models within the codes. However, with respect to inundation, we show high sensitivity to Manning values where a non-linear behaviour is difficult to predict. Differences between the relative decrease in inundation areas and the Manning n-range (0.015–0.060) are high (11–65%), with a strong dependency on the characterization of the local topo-bathymery in the Coquimbo and Valparaíso areas. Since simulations carried out with such models are used to generate hazard estimates and warning products in an early tsunami warning context, it is crucial to investigate differences that emerge from the chosen algorithms for the tsunami simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to Escobar (2012), there are two kinds of floral appendages around the staminal tube or urn in Miersia: 1) the upper pair of appendages are of staminal origin and 2) the four lateral appendages, one pair on each side of the staminal tube, are of tepaliferous origin. Consequently, mentions to “tepaliferous appendages” in diagnoses, descriptions, identification key and figure captions of our recent article (García et al. 2022) should be changed to “floral appendages”, to denote the mixed nature of those structures in most species of Miersia.

Recolonization of wind-dispersed tree species in degraded areas may decline with distance from remnant forest fragments because seed rain frequently decreases with distance from the seed source. However, regeneration of these species may be even more limited to sites close to the seed source if dispersal distance is negatively affected by seed mass, and germination probability is positively affected by seed mass. We evaluated these hypotheses in a Mediterranean-type ecosystem of central Chile, using the wind-dispersed tree species Quillaja saponaria. We assessed the seed rain curve in a degraded open area adjacent to a remnant forest fragment of this species, and related seed mass with dispersal distance from the seed source. Then, we evaluated the relationship between seed mass, germination, and seedling growth, and if seeds that fall nearer the seed source have greater germination probability. We found a decreasing seed rain with the distance from the seed source. Seed mass was not related to dispersal distance, although seeds with higher wing area dispersed further. Germination probability was significantly and positively related to the seed mass. We observed no significant relationship between distance and germination probability. We conclude that germination probability of this species does not vary along the seed rain curve, and that the recruitment density would be greater near the seed source only due to decreasing seed rain with distance. Our results suggest that this species has the potential to be passively restored in degraded areas, especially within the first 70 m from the remnant forest fragments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of the sowing method (broadcasting or burying) for seedling establishment, and the extent to which environmental conditions modulate differences between these sowing methods, are understudied. When seeds are buried, they may be exposed to soil conditions with higher moisture content than broadcast. This advantage may occur especially under drier soil conditions within a semiarid climate, such as with less precipitation, open sites, and in presence of herbaceous layer. In this study we conducted an experiment to compare the seedling establishment of 13 woody species between a buried sowing and broadcast, under different conditions of precipitation, shade, and herbaceous layer in a degraded semiarid grassland of central Chile. For each species, some seeds were sown by burying them to a depth of 1 cm and others were broadcast. Orthogonally, we applied two irrigation treatments to simulate a dry and a rainier year, two shade treatments simulating the canopy of woody plants and open sites (with vs. without), and two treatments of herbaceous layer (without vs. with). Establishment was monitored for 10 months between July 2016 and March 2017. Species richness of established seedlings was greater when seeds were buried than broadcast under all environmental conditions. The seedling density per species was greater when seeds were buried than broadcast in nine species, although in some cases this depended on environmental conditions. We conclude that, burying seeds of woody species is more effective and can be a widely applicable restoration method for different environmental conditions and species in semiarid ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Vertebrate predation by invertebrates has been classically underexplored and thus underestimated, despite the fact that many arthropods consume vertebrates. To shed some light on the relevance that spider predation may have upon lizards in the Neotropical and Andean regions, we compiled the available information in the literature on this trophic interaction. We found 50 reports of spiders consuming lizards in these regions, and the 88% of these were from the Neotropical region. Spiders belong to eight families, but Ctenidae and Theraphosidae were the most frequently reported predators. Lizards belong to 12 families, and the most commonly consumed species corresponded to the families Dactyloidae (all Anolis lizards), Gymnophthalmidae, and Sphaerodactylidae. Data suggest trophic spider–lizard associations between Ctenidae and Dactyloidae, followed by Theraphosidae and Liolaemidae. The body sizes of the spiders and lizards showed a positive relationship, and spiders were smaller than their prey. We conclude that various spider taxa can be considered lizard predators and they may be ecologically important in the Neotropical and Andean regions. However, spiders of prime predation relevance seem to be those of the Ctenidae and Theraphosidae families.

Characterizing insect communities in pollinator-dependent crops helps determine the potential pollinator effectiveness and their effects on crop yield. Few studies have examined pollinator communities and their services to crops in South America. Furthermore, optimal sampling methods for these communities in the crop habitat have received little attention. Pan traps are one of the simplest and most widely used sampling methods to assess insect diversity. We compared different pan trap arrangements to describe potential pollinator communities in two commercial crops (blueberry and canola) in Southern Chile. We compared communities in the crops and assessed how sampling position (border or center) and pan trap color (blue, white, or yellow) affected sample composition. Species composition was significantly different between crops. Furthermore, trap color affected sample composition in blueberry, but trap position did not, whereas color had no significant effect on canola, but trap position did. In all cases, yellow pans captured the largest number of species. Hymenoptera explained most of the differences in sampling efficiency because of the differential responses across species. We suggest that pan trap assessments of the diversity in potential pollinator insects depend on crop characteristics, including planting configuration and floral morphology. Therefore, comparative studies should include pans of different colors positioned at various locations within the crop.

San Vicente Bay, in central Chile, is a particularly polluted body of water. In this work the construction of a canal that connects it with Concepción Bay is proposed, to help decontaminate it. Using a modified version of the Vennell channel model, the water flow between the two bays is calculated, without and with a gate between them. It is shown that in the second case the combination of the tidal difference and the winds achieved in about a month the renovation of the most critical part of San Vicente Bay. INSET: 6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compiled a novel microseismicity catalog for the Central Chile megathrust (29°–35°S), comprising 8,750 earthquakes between April 2014 and December 2018. These events describe a pattern of three trenchward open half‐ellipses, consisting of a continuous, coast‐parallel seismicity band at 30–45 km depth, and narrow elongated seismicity clusters that protrude to the shallow megathrust and separate largely aseismic regions along strike. To test whether these shapes could outline highly coupled regions ("asperities") on the megathrust, we invert GPS displacement data for interplate locking. The best‐fit locking model does not show good correspondence to seismicity, possibly due to lacking resolution. When we prescribe high locking inside the half‐ellipses, however, we obtain models with similar data fits that are preferred according to the Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC). We thus propose that seismicity on the Central Chile megathrust may outline three adjacent highly coupled regions, two of them located between the rupture areas of the 2010 Maule and the 2015 Illapel earthquakes, a segment of the Chilean margin that may be in a late interseismic stage of the seismic cycle. Plain Language Summary: The largest earthquakes commonly occur along plate boundary faults, where one tectonic plate slides under another. How big such earthquakes can get depends on the properties of the fault, which often vary along its length. By identifying and locating thousands of small earthquakes on the plate boundary fault in Central Chile, we have found a curious pattern: these earthquakes describe three half‐ellipses, inside which only few earthquakes occur. We believe that this pattern can show us regions of the plate boundary fault where stress is accumulated to be one day released in a large earthquake. Aseismic patches are the ones that accumulate stress and are thus being "loaded" for a larger earthquake, whereas those that constantly produce small earthquakes are only storing part of the energy that is provided by the convergence of plates. We think that our results provide additional information on the state of the plate boundary fault in Central Chile. Key Points: Plate interface seismicity in Central Chile outlines three half‐ellipsesThese seismicity patterns may define the outline of highly coupled regionsGPS data is shown to be compatible with the existence of such features [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the main drivers of heat wave (HW) events in central Chile using state-of-the-art reanalysis data (ERA5) and observations during the extended austral summer season (November to March) for the period 1979–2018. Frequency and intensity aspects of the HW events are considered using the total number of the HW events per season and the amplitude. We first contrast ERA5 with several surface meteorological stations in central Chile to evaluate its ability to capture daily maximum temperature variability and the HW events. We then use synoptic- and large-scale fields and teleconnection patterns to address the most favorable conditions of the HW events from a climatological perspective as well as from the extreme January 2017 HW event that swept central Chile with temperature records and wildfires. ERA5 tends to capture temperature extremes and the HW events at the inland stations; on the contrary, it has difficulties in capturing the maximum temperature variability at the coastal stations, which is plausible given the complex terrain features and confined coastal climate zone (only ∼ 7% of all grid boxes within central Chile). The composite HW days based on ERA5 reveals a mid-level trough-ridge dipole pattern exhibiting a blocking anticyclone on the surface over a large part of southwest South America. Relatively dry and warm easterly flow appears to accompany the anomalous warming in a large part of central Chile. The temporal evolution of the HW events yields a wave-like propagation pattern and enhancement of trough-ridge pattern along the South Pacific. This meridional dipole pattern is found to be largely associated with the Pacific South American pattern. In addition, the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) appears to be a key component of the HW events in central Chile. In particular, while active MJO phases 2 and 7 promote sub-seasonal patterns that favor the South Pacific dipole mode, synoptic anomalies can superimpose on them and favor the formation of a migrating anticyclone over central-southern Chile and coastal lows over central Chile. Agreeing with the climatological findings, the extreme January 2017 HW analysis suggests that an eastward migratory mid-latitude trough-ridge pattern associated with MJO phase 2 was at work. We highlight that in addition to large- and synoptic-scale features, sub-synoptic processes such as coastal lows can have an important role in shaping the HW events and can lead to amplification of temperature extremes during the HW events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constitución County in Chile shows one of the highest landscape transformations in the world due to the expansion of forest plantations. This work describes the land use/cover dynamics over a long period extending over 60 years in Constitución County. The results showed that 60% of the county extent was covered by natural vegetationt in 1955. However, forest plantation increased to 36% by 1975 and reached 72% by 2014. This expansion was mainly achieved by replacing native vegetation revealing evidence of the impact of forest plantations on native vegetation even before decree-law 701 (1974). Forest plantation expansion produced fragmentation and loss of natural habitat, and 50% of the remaining habitats showed low habitat quality by 2014. Finally, in 2017 a wildfire burned 77% and 42% of the remaining native forest and shrubland. These results showed the long-lasting impact of forest plantations, underpinning the need to move towards a new sustainable forest model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed dispersal is a critical process for plant reproduction and regeneration. Successful recruitment depends on pre- and post-dispersal processes that complete a seed’s journey until becoming a new plant. However, anthropogenic stressors may disrupt the seed dispersal process at some stages, collapsing plant regeneration and hampering its long-term persistence. The Chilean palm tree Jubaea chilensis is the southernmost and the only non-tropical palm species, which currently relies on the scatter-hoarding rodent Octodon degus for seed dispersal. We assessed seed fate by measuring predation and dispersal rates through experimental fieldwork in the Palmar de Ocoa site (located within La Campana National Park) and the Palmar El Salto. We also used previous reports on seed harvest and seedling herbivory to depict the whole J. chilensis seed dispersal process and assess the relative importance of different anthropogenic pressures. We asked the following questions: (1) What is the effect of human harvesting on J. chilensis recruitment? (2) Do native and exotic rodents predate J. chilensis seeds in the same way? and (3) Does post-dispersal herbivory matter? We found that J. chilensis fruits are harvested for human consumption, reducing pre-dispersal available seeds by removing about 23 tons per season. Then, post-dispersal seeds at the Ocoa palm grove are heavily predated by exotic (Rattus rattus) and native (Octodon spp.) rodents; only 8.7% of the seeds are effectively dispersed by Octodon degus. At Palmar El Salto, 100% of the seeds were predated by Rattus rattus, precluding further analysis. Finally, 70% of the seedlings were consumed by exotic herbivores (mainly rabbits), resulting in a success rate of 1.81%. Only 7.9% of the surviving seedlings become infantile plants (4 year-old). Our assessment suggests that J. chilensis has aging populations with very few young individuals in disturbed sites to replace the old ones. For those reasons, we suggest increasing its conservation category to critically endangered as land-use change is rapidly fragmenting and shrinking the extant J. chilensis populations. We urge to take urgent actions to protect this relict palm, which otherwise may go extinct in the next decades.

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Different interactions occur simultaneously, affecting the ecological and evolutionary outcome of the species within a community. Mutualisms are particularly relevant for maintaining and generating biodiversity, and among them, pollination and seed dispersal play a central role in plant regeneration. Due to its parasitic life-form and ecological specialization, mistletoes provide a good study system to assess the effects of simultaneous interactions in the wild. We used the highly specialized mistletoe Tristerix aphyllus, its pollinator (the hummingbird Sephanoides sephaniodes), and its seed disperser (the mockingbird Mimus thenca) to assess their daily activity patterns during a flowering-fruiting overlap period. Given that both bird species are diurnal, we expect them to have different visitation times despite using different resources. Using camera traps, we found that both species have different daily activity patterns (overlap index Δ ^ 4 = 0.83, p < 0.001). While M. thenca had a narrow activity period early in the morning, S. sephaniodes had a wider activity range. We also found that the temporal variation of those activity patterns might be related to resource availability, as the number of flowers has decreased (F2,52 = 13.85, p < 0.001) over time, while the number of ripe fruits has increased (F2,52 = 5.16, p = 0.009) over time. Our results show that having different activity patterns could be a coexistence mechanism among bird species interacting with the same plant but exploiting different resources. Thus, taking activity patterns into account can provide a better understanding of ecological processes involving multiple interactions taking place simultaneously in the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The selection of inappropriate marking methods for bats has been a common issue, and the use of non-permanent tags has been scarce. We measure the permanence of two temporary marks (patagium piercing and hair dyeing) in two species of small bats in the Mediterranean-climate area of central Chile. Both methods exhibited similar maximum duration (40-42 days), however, the patagium perforation lasted longer in a greater proportion of individuals than the hair dyeing for both bat species. Our results contribute to the identification of appropriate techniques for the monitoring and tracking of bat populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central Chile is an important biodiversity hotspot in Latin America. Biodiversity hotspots are characterised by a high number of endemic species cooccurring with a high level of anthropogenic pressure. In central Chile, the pressure is caused by land-use change, in which near-natural primary and secondary forests are replaced and fragmented by commercial pine and eucalyptus plantations. Large forest fires are another factor that can potentially endanger biodiversity. Usually, environmental hazards, such as wildfires, are part of the regular environmental dynamic and not considered a threat to biodiversity. Nonetheless, this situation may change if land-use change and altered wildfire regimes coerce. Land-use change pressure may destroy landscape integrity in terms of habitat loss and fragmentation, while wildfires may destroy the last remnants of native forests. This study aims to understand the joint effects of land-use change and a catastrophic wildfire on habitat loss and habitat fragmentation of local plant species richness hotspots in central Chile. To achieve this, we apply a combination of ecological fieldwork, remote sensing, and geoprocessing to estimate the spread and spatial patterns of biodiverse habitats under current and past land-use conditions and how these habitats were altered by land-use change and by a single large wildfire event. We show that land-use change has exceeded the wildfire's impacts on diverse habitats. Despite the fact that the impact of the wildfire was comparably small here, wildfire may coerce with land-use change regarding pressure on biodiversity hotspots. Our findings can be used to develop restoration concepts, targeting on an increase of habitat diversity within currently fire-cleared areas and evaluate their benefits for plant species richness conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fundamental pillar of community‐driven restoration projects is motivation, without which initiatives are doomed to fail. However, technical knowledge and funding are also important factors for success. In this work, we present three case studies of post‐fire restoration projects driven by local communities in Central Chile to assess whether motivation and proactive actions were sufficient to carry out successful restoration projects. We found that while in the three cases motivation was essential for starting restoration actions, the level of technical knowledge, the ability to connect with academic institutions, and the capability to secure funding played key roles in the projects' results. We identified three key factors that should be present to increase community‐driven restoration success: (1) appropriate technical knowledge and expertise to set suitable restoration objectives and activities; (2) adequate capabilities and networks for procuring financial and technical resources; and (3) capacity to apply for available funding to ensure resources for later phases. Ensuring the concurrence of these three factors cannot be the sole responsibility of local communities. Instead, it should be a shared responsibility between government agencies and academic institutions to develop strategies that help develop links between experts and local communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estuaries and saltmarshes play a fundamental role in the life cycle of many crab species. Diverse studies show that temperature and salinity modulate abundance, size frequency distribution (SFD), sex ratio and growth in crustaceans. These population parameters are usually challenging to estimate due to the high environmental variability of estuaries. Monthly samples of the estuarine crab Hemigrapsus crenulatus were taken from October 2003 to October 2004 (except July 2004) in the Tubul estuary, central Chile. We quantified temporal changes in abundance, size distribution, sex ratio and monthly growth through the annual cycle. A total of 1025 individuals were collected. Sizes ranged from 7.72–33.51 mm carapace length (CL) with a growth rate ranging between 2.13–30.5% mm CL mo−1. Size and growth rates were greater in spring-summer, suggesting a faster growth of younger crabs correlated with increasing sea temperatures in the austral summer. Overall, sex ratio was 1.75:1 in favour of males. Modal analysis identified at least seven cohorts cohabiting throughout the annual cycle. Growth parameters for males and females were the following, respectively: L∞ = 33.6 and 29.6, k = 0.69 and 0.91, t0 = –0.39 and −0.28. Changes in size distribution suggested a recruitment period during autumn and winter seasons when there are lower salinities and temperature fluctuations stresses. Generalized linear models indicated that sea temperature, salinity and chlorophyll were the environmental variables that better predicted the annual patterns in the population structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A geochemical analysis of 382 obsidian samples from different archeological sites in Central Chile (32°–35° Lat. South) has identified the preferential use of three known sources in the Andean mountain range, Arroyo Paramillos and Laguna del Diamante located in the Maipo Volcano area, and Las Cargas located ca 120 km further south. The analysis of the circulation and use of this raw material from the beginning of the Archaic period until the arrival of the Inka to this territory reveals differences in how obsidian from these three main sources was used, both spatially and temporally. The hunter-gatherers occupying the Andean mountain range preferred the obsidian source from the Maipo Volcano area, while the hunter gatherer and horticulturalist groups from the central valley used more frequently the obsidian from Las Cargas source. These differences are linked to the quality of the obsidian, its suitability for the intended use and the distance of the users from the source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vinecology, the integration of ecological and viticultural practices, focuses on the working landscapes of the Mediterranean‐climate biomes to make wine‐grape production compatible with species conservation. We examined how maintaining remnant native vegetation and surrounding natural areas in and around vineyards, two primary practices of vinecology, may influence bird community richness and composition across a vineyard landscape. We conducted bird surveys over spring and summer (October–January) at 120 sites across a wine‐grape growing region in central Chile. The sites were equally divided across vineyards with and without remnant native vegetation, and sites had varying amounts of adjacent natural land cover. We used generalized linear mixed models to examine individual species responses to remnant vegetation in the vineyard at plot scale (within a 50‐m radius) in the surrounding natural area (within a 500–1000 m radius). We used the Horn similarity index to explore overall community differences to quantify variations in endemic species, guild detection levels, and species richness between site types. At the plot scale, 9 out of 30 species were positively associated with the proportion of remnant vegetation and 3 species were negatively associated. Six were positively influenced by the proportion of native vegetation in the surrounding landscape and 3 species were negatively associated with proportion of native vegetation. Although overall total detections and richness were significantly greater in continuous mixed Mediterranean forest, 84.9% of these species were also detected in forest remnants within vineyards. Endemics, insectivores, granivores, and omnivores were all more abundant in vineyards with remnant native vegetation than in vineyards without remnant native vegetation. Our results show the value of maintaining and restoring natural vegetation remnants in vineyards as a tool for bird conservation that can be applied in working landscapes of the New World Mediterranean climate regions. Article Impact Statement: Bird conservation in vineyards is enhanced by small native vegetation patches inside vineyards and by continuous adjacent wildlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecological restoration is a global priority. Incorporating stakeholders' perceptions has been established as a critical factor to improve the success of restoration and conservation initiatives and decrease future social conflicts; however, it has barely been incorporated. Our objective was to analyze and compare the differences in the perceptions of Chilean dryland forest restoration of three groups: local community, experts, and government managers. We asked about: (1) what is the knowledge, importance, and uses that they have and give to the native forest and its restoration? (2) What is the willingness to restore the native forest? (3) What are the most valuable goods and services provided by the forest? (4) Where to begin to restore? (5) What criteria must be considered to prioritize areas to restore? To determine if the criteria selected were related to the stakeholder group, a semi‐parametric multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was performed. Semi‐structured interviews were carried out with 61 stakeholders. The community gave greater importance to restoring the ravines and creeks, the experts to restoring areas that increase landscape connectivity, and both experts and government managers to restoring areas of greater biodiversity and ecological value. The experts gave a lower value to both social and economic criteria compared to the local community and government managers. The differences among stakeholder perceptions must necessarily be considered in the restoration programs. Research on perceptions can contribute to decision‐making and will favor the social approval and long‐term success of restoration programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Boletín del Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino is the property of Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)