The Chilean matorral constitutes a 100 km-wide strip extending
along the central part of the Chilean coast. The region has
various endemic plant species with affinities to the tropics,
the Antarctic and the Andes. About 95% of the plant species are
Chilean endemic, including Gomortega keule, Pitavia punctata,
Nothofagus alessandrii and Jubaea chilensis. The Chilean
matorral has several threatened plant species; some endangered
species are Adiantum gertrudis, Avellanita bustillosii and
Beilschmiedia berteroana. There are seven endemic birds found at
altitudes ranging from rocky slopes to arid scrub. The ecoregion
has been severely affected by fire, mining, logging, garbage
dumps, urbanization, and pollution of air, water and soil.
Unfortunately this is the least protected region in Chile.
Location and General Description Types and Severity of Threats
Justification of Ecoregion Delineation This long and narrow
ecoregion is bound on the weste by the Pacific Ocean and on the
east by the southern Andes. This ecore