the high-altitude "polylepis" forests and woodlands are found in the andes of colombia, ecuador, peru, bolivia and chile. these trees are called queñua, yagual and other names. they grow at altitudes of above sea level. it is still unclear if the patchy distribution of these forests and woodlands is natural, or the result of clearing which began during the incan time. regardless, in modern times the clearance has had a faster pace, and the trees are now endangered. some think as little as 10% of the original woodland is still here.