Parc naturel provincial Valle Fértil, Multiple-use reserve in San Juan Province, Argentina.
The Reserva de uso múltiple Valle Fértil is a protected area in San Juan Province spanning vast expanses of mountainous terrain. It encompasses the Ampacama plateau, the Sierra de Pie de Palo, and the Sierra de Valle Fértil, creating a landscape with diverse elevations and ecological zones.
The reserve was established in 1971 through Provincial Law 3666 to support scientific research and preserve the region's natural conditions. This marked an early effort in Argentina to protect the landscapes and ecosystems of this remote mountain area.
The communities of San Agustín de Valle Fértil, Astica, and Usno practice goat herding and grow local crops that have sustained their families for generations. These activities shape how people live with and depend on the land around them.
Access to the reserve is possible via Provincial Route 510 along the eastern boundary, while the western edge is defined by the 68 degrees West meridian. Visitors should be prepared for high altitude and mountain terrain, as the area is remote with limited services and facilities.
The reserve is home to diverse wildlife including guanacos, pumas, iguanas, and Andean condors that live across habitats ranging from grasslands to carob tree forests. This variety of species reflects the range of ecological conditions found throughout the protected area.
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