Southern Chile
The temperate forests of southern Chile contain the endemic monkey puzzle tree, a tree existing since the time of dinosaurs.
Ancient forests
The Valdivian forests on the west coast of southern Chile, and stretching into parts of Argentina, are the only temperate rainforests in South America and the second largest in the world.
They are home to the alerce tree (Fitzroya cupressoides) - the southern hemisphere’s equivalent of the ancient redwood of the Pacific Northwest - which can reach heights of 115m and live for more than 3,000 years, and the endemic monkey puzzle tree (Araucaria araucana).
These native forests harbour an incredible wealth of wildlife, including the magellanic woodpecker (Campephilus magellanicus), South America's largest woodpecker, and the pudu (Pudu pudu), one of the world's smallest deer.
But the Valdivian forests - and the species that live there - are threatened by intensive logging and expansion of timber plantations.
WWF is working to confront these threats by developing conservation projects with local and indigenous communities, collaborating with the private sector to promote sustainable business practices, and ensuring that government regulations are aimed at protecting people and nature.
With 40% of the native forest remaining, there is still an opportunity to ensure the long-term health of this ancient land.
They are home to the alerce tree (Fitzroya cupressoides) - the southern hemisphere’s equivalent of the ancient redwood of the Pacific Northwest - which can reach heights of 115m and live for more than 3,000 years, and the endemic monkey puzzle tree (Araucaria araucana).
These native forests harbour an incredible wealth of wildlife, including the magellanic woodpecker (Campephilus magellanicus), South America's largest woodpecker, and the pudu (Pudu pudu), one of the world's smallest deer.
But the Valdivian forests - and the species that live there - are threatened by intensive logging and expansion of timber plantations.
WWF is working to confront these threats by developing conservation projects with local and indigenous communities, collaborating with the private sector to promote sustainable business practices, and ensuring that government regulations are aimed at protecting people and nature.
With 40% of the native forest remaining, there is still an opportunity to ensure the long-term health of this ancient land.
Ranging from 60-85cm in length, the pudu may be the tiniest deer in the world.
Life at sea
The largest animal on the planet, the blue whale is listed as a threatened species.
Off the southern coast of Chile in the Gulf of Corcovado one finds one of the most exceptional feeding and nursing grounds in the Southern Hemisphere of blue whale - the world's largest mammal.
The waters are also home to numerous other marine species, including humpback, sei and sperm whales, and sea lions, seals and several dolphin species.
Threatened by fishing, aquaculture and shipping traffic, WWF and its partners are working towards the creation of a marine protected area to secure the survival of the whale population.
The waters are also home to numerous other marine species, including humpback, sei and sperm whales, and sea lions, seals and several dolphin species.
Threatened by fishing, aquaculture and shipping traffic, WWF and its partners are working towards the creation of a marine protected area to secure the survival of the whale population.
Alerce tree, the largest tree species in South America. Alerce Andino National Park, Chile.
Where is the Southern Chile ecoregion?
The Southern Chile ecoregion is highlighted in purple
View WWF Critical Regions of the World in a larger map
View WWF Critical Regions of the World in a larger map
