Its northern limit can be assimilated to an oblique
line which goes from the pre-cordillera to the center of Mendoza
until the mouth of Chubut river in the Atlantic. In the south it
spreads up to the north-east of Tierra del Fuego, in the east it
is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean and in the west by the High-Andean
Province (up to the center of Neuquén) and Sub-Antarctic Province
(up to Tierra del Fuego).
Climate
Dry and cold; in winter there are frequent snowfalls.
Landscape
This is a landscape of plains, plateaus and low
mountains.
The soils are generally poor, with rocky and arenous
areas.
Vegetation
The prevailing vegetation is shrubby and gramineous.
There are also halophilous steppes and meadows.
Comunidades
Six districts have been identified, with various climax communities.
Payunia District:
In the south-west of Mendoza and north-west of Neuquén. Low-lying
bushes developing in the volcanic substratum prevail.
Western District:
In the west, it spreads in a discontinuous way from Neuquén to the
north of Santa Cruz. The main species are from the grass family and
low-lying bushes.
Central District:
Center of Río Negro and Chubut, and almost all the province of Santa
Cruz. It is a very much arid region where the prevailing species
are low- lying bushes.
San Jorge Gulf District:
Gramineous and shrubby steppe surrounding the gulf after which
it is named.
Sub-Andean District:
A narrow band, located between the Sub-Antarctic province and the Western
and Central Patagonian Districts. It is a gramineous steppe with
some isolated bushes.
Fuego District:
It includes the meadows and gramineous steppes of the north
of Tierra del Fuego.
Fauna
Muchas especies corredoras o cavícolas en la región
continental, y diversas formas acuáticas en la costa atlántica.
Mammals:
Murine opposum, golden weasel, grey fox, red fox,
big ferret, small ferret, puma, Patagonian skunk,
small grey fox, wildcat, mará, vizcacha,
vizcacha de la sierra, tuco-tuco, small cuis, various
types of mice, peludo, Patagonian pichi, guanaco,
fur seal, hair seal, elephant seal.
Birds:
Choique, Patagonian quiula, various types of ducks,
cauquenes, black neck swan, macaes, gallinetas,
gallaretas, gulls, small ñandú, partridge,
martinetas, penguins, hawks, chimangos, caranchos,
canasteros, finch, diucas, yales, purple
calander, caminera, bandurrita, dormilona, etc.
Reptiles:
Yarará ñata, cross snake, coral, various
types of culebras, numerous lizards, matuastos, etc.
Amphibians:
Various species of aquatic frogs, toads.
Fish:
Catfish, otunos, peladillas, Criollo, puyen,
bare mojarra, etc. The ichtyofauna of the Atlantic littoral must
also be included.
Human Activities
Extensive livestock raising activities. |
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