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Chile

Copihue in bloom
Copihue in bloom
©Rachelle Gould
Event: Flowering of Copihue
Where: Chilean Temperate Rainforests
When: February through May
The copihue (Lapageria rosea), a large (3-5 inch) bell-shaped flower, is recognized throughout Chile as the national flower, a symbol of the country. The endemic copihue vine and its bright red flower sprinkle forests with color from the northernmost reach of the temperate rainforests from the Chillan area (36 deg. S) to the Osorno area (41 deg. S). Cutting or selling the flowers is prohibited by a decree by the Agriculture and Cattle Service (SAG).

Found on private and public land. Varied levels of trail infrastructure.
Murta berries
Murta berries
©Rachelle Gould
Event: Ripening of Murta Berries
Where: Valdivian Rain Forest, Curinanco and Reserva Costera Valdiviana Protected Areas
When: March and April
In the first months of fall, the murta (Ugni molinae), a native berry that flourishes in the humid forests of the Reserva Costera Valdiviana, ripens. The murta is similar to the North American blueberry, but with a taste more spicy and tangy than sweet. Its burgundy fruits are widely harvested by local people and are most commonly either eaten raw or made into jam or other sweets.

Open to the Public. Ample trail system in Curinanco, facilities under construction in the Reserva Costera Valdiviana.
Huemul deer
Huemul deer
©Miroslav Rodriguez Bakulic
Event: Huemel Deer Antler Shedding
Where: Santuario y Reserva Nacional Los Huemules de Niblinto, South-central Chile
When: November and December
The huemul deer is a national symbol for Chileans and is highly endangered. Populations of this cervid in south-central Chile are highly isolated and fragmented due to historical habitat loss and intensive hunting. As do all cervids, males of the huemul deer species shed their antlers each year, and a new set forms each spring. During their formation, the antlers are covered with a soft 'velvet.' When the antlers are fully developed, the males can be found scraping them against 'renovales' or on the ground to detach the coating.

Open to the public. Facilities available: camping, ranger on duty.
Andean condor
Andean condor
©Alberto Trostel
Event: Condor Nesting Period
Where: Nevados de Chillan conservation area, South-central Chile
When: September
The Andean condor lives at medium to high altitudes in the South American Andes. Because of encroaching urbanization, agricultural activities, and hunting, its range is being continually reduced. The condor lives in pairs, and in the Southern Hemisphere springtime will build its nest in caves or rock fields on steep cliff faces far from the presence of humans. Every two years, the female lays one or two eggs and raises just one chick.

Open to the public. Facilities: camping, ranger on duty.

For additional information on a particular location, click on the name of the preserve associated with the event or visit the Chile site.