The Andes

The hat identifies the girl as a peasant of the Bolivian Altiplano. Her high plateau homeland, surrounding the fabled Lake Titicaca (3,812 m), has received much attention in recent years as archaeological and agro-ecological research has revealed that, during Inca and pre-Inca times, population densities were much higher than today, and living standards were also much higher. A progressive move to re-introduce and adapt traditional life-styles promises to yield positive results. The plain in the foreground lies mainly above 4,000 metres. Despite its gentle relief it is traditionally included in most definitions of mountain territory on account of its absolute altitude and restricted growing season. Beyond lies the Cordillera Réal which today boasts some of the world's highest ski resorts. From the summits the land drops steeply into the Amazon Basin, and the drive down is still a test of nerves for the passengers and of stamina for the driver. Just north of the Equator in the High Andes the remarkable paramo vegetation persists despite the progressive upward push of cattle grazing. The smoke in the distance indicates burning of this usually moist vegetation during a dry period. This is an indication of high-altitude ranching that endangers the water balance at lower levels. The spectacular Espeletia rosettes of the Andes and their conformable counterparts, the giant Lobelia of Mount Kenya in Africa, provide a classic example of "convergent evolution", an important component of high mountain biodiversity.

31  Quechua girl with hat, Bolivia (July, 1975)

 32  The Altiplano and the Cordillera Réal (July, 1975) 33  Paramo vegetation of the Ecuadorean High Andes (August, 1985)
     

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