Abstract

OCHOA, Julio G.  and  ANDRADE, Germán I.. The introduced flora to Machu Picchu Sanctuary: an inventory and management priorities for biodiversity conservation. Ecología en Bolivia [online]. 2003, vol.38, n.2, pp.141-160. ISSN 1605-2528.

As a contribution for the implementation of the Master Plan of Machu Picchu Sanctuary (MPS), and supported by the Machu Picchu Program (a debt-for-nature swap between Finland and Peru), an inventory of the introduced plant species to this protected area was carried out. 208 no-native species were present in the area, 168 (80.8%) are useful species related with agro-ecosystems, gardens, and urban areas, while the remnant is either weed of Andean crops or naturalized species. 194 (92.3%) are non-invasive species, and apparently do not represent an actual threat to local biodiversity; 14 (7.7 %) of the species show some invasive tendencies, and four of them (1.9%) are spread to certain extent. Expansion of these species has occurred following corridors on the bottom of the Vilcanota’s zone, from the valleys of Cusco and La Convención, throughout disturbed areas (fire, agriculture, deforestation and/or cattle). Even though actual invasions have occurred for a handful of species, the process already requires a special management effort. The persistence of human-made disturbance regimes on natural ecosystems, and the high mobility of humans and products, increase the risk of new invasions. In order to prevent biodiversity loss, we propose an agenda or interrelated actions that includes: 1) prevention of new invasions, 2) research and monitoring of the dynamics of invasions both in natural areas and agro-ecosystems, 3) control of species that are affecting or arresting natural regeneration and growth of forests 4) control of species on archeological sites and 5) education and public awareness campaigns.

Keywords : Peru; Machu Picchu Sanctuary; invasive exotic species; yungas; biodiversity conservation.

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