It encompasses
the provinces of Jujuy, Salta, Tucumán, Catamarca
and La Rioja.
It includes quebradas and dry mountain sides, between 2000 and 3400
m (6562 and 11154 feet) above sea level, although
in some regions the heights can be remarkably lower.
Its eastern limit varies in connection with the latitude. In a north-south
direction, it is bounded by the Yunga province, the Chaco province and the
Woodland province in the east.
Climate
Warm and dry, with exclusively summer rainfalls which do not exceed
the 200 mm (7.87 inches) per year.
Landscape
Mountain sides and quebradas, with rocky or sandy
soils which are very much loose and immature.
Vegetation
It is generally shrubby, low and scattered, but cardón
covered areas and bromeliad cushions can also be found.
Communities
Four climax communities have also been identified:
Shrubby steppe:
It seems to be the most outstanding community, with prevailing gramineous
and cactaceous legumes and it is found on soft slopes.
Cardón covered areas
The predominant species are the arborous cactuses such as the cardón,
reaching several feet high. Associated with these are bromeliads
and shrubs.
Dwarf forests:
It includes churqui and arca forests, frequently in quebradas,
and molle and chilca forests, situated also in quebradas or
following the river courses.
Bromeliad cushions:
These are typical of steep rocky sides.
Fauna
It consists of very complex mosaic of elements from the High Andean,
Puna and Woodland provinces. The amphibians and fish are scarce in comparison.
In general, there are very few endemic species in the region, the most oustanding
one being a bird, the brown calander.
Human Activities
Subsistence agriculture. Livestock raising is restricted to
goats and sheep. |
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