Have you explored where nature's abundance flourishes like nowhere else on earth and biodiversity reaches its maximum expression? Have you seen the wild heart of the planet? Have you gazed on naked grandeur where there's nothing else to gaze on? Well, now is your chance! In thisPacific Biodiversity Institute expedition we will visit three biodiversity hotspots in central western Argentina, meet with scientists studying these areas, investigate the animals and plants that live there and explore deeper into one of the areas - a little known wild jewel of South America - the Sierra de Famatina. The Sierra de Famatina is a mountain range that rises to over 6000 meters (20500 feet) and is part of an immense roadless area of over 2.6 million hectares (6.4 million acres) in size. Here, the Chaco forests find one of their southern-most expressions. The mountains have snow year-round and provide water to the lush desert valleys at their base. A vibrant human culture, sustained by ancient agricultural traditions, flourishes in these valleys. Although this is generally an arid area, there is great ecological diversity in this area. The conservation value of this area is tremendous, however this area is without any official protection. Pacific Biodiversity Institute is working in collaboration with the Universidad Nacional de Chilecito on a series of scientific studies and the development of a long-term strategy to achieve permanent protection of this priceless wild jewel. The first opportunity to join this expedition is Dec. 6 - 18, 2014, and the second will be in March, 2015. Watch a video of our February 2012 expedition to this area here, and read a more detailed expedition plan here.
expeditions@pacificbio.org