UNESCO/Toson-Khulstai Biosphere Reserve
Archipiélago de Juan Fernández
General information
The Juan Fernandez Biosphere Reserve is situated 650 km from the Chilean coast in the Pacific Ocean. It includes the whole Archipelago with the islands of Robinson Crusoe, Alexander Selkirk and Santa Clara and all the islets in the area. The Juan Fernandez Archipelago is volcanic in origin, with steep, rugged mountain ranges with deep ravines.
Detailed information
Key data
Year of nomination
1977
Country
Chile
Total population
926
Area
Surface
1,219,558.00 ha
Total terresterial area
10,376.00 ha
Total Marine area
1,209,182.00 ha
Location
Latitiude: -33.71 - Longitude: -79.74
Ecological Characteristics
This Reserve corresponds to an insular ecosystem, characterized by the presence of 131 endemic plant species (62% of the native vascular flora). Remnants of the past are worth mentioning, such asLactoris fernandezianaandThursopteris elegans; and ten endemic species:Cuminia, Dendroseris, Juania, Lactoris, Megalachne, Podophorus, Robinsonia, Selkirkia, Thyrsopterisand Yunquea.An outstanding characteristic of the Juan Fernández forests is the fact that 100% of its tree species only exist in the Archipelago, which means they are 100% endemic. Fauna includes the Juan Fernandez Firecrown (Sephanoides fernandensis), the Juan Fernandez Tit-Tyrant (Anairetes fernandezianus) and the Juan Fernandez Fur Seal (Arctocephalusphilippi).
Socio-Economics Characteristics
Socio-economic activities are carried out outside the Reserve but very close to it. They mainly consist of ecotourism over land and sea, heritage tourism and hotel services, artisanal fishing, trade and municipal public services.
