Monkey puzzle (Araucaria araucana)
Threats
The tall trunks of the monkey puzzle have been used in construction over the centuries; the wood is very resistant and has been used in buildings, shipping, and furniture (7). In the building industry it is often sold as ‘Parana pine’ (5). In addition, populations have declined as a result of habitat destruction and unsustainable levels of fire. During 2000 and 2001 thousands of hectares were destroyed by fire in southern Chile (7).
Conservation
The monkey puzzle was declared a National Monument in Chile in 1976, a status that prohibits logging (4). The species is also protected in Argentina although logging pressure continues outside of National Parks (4). Conservation recommendations include the development of new protected areas in the coastal mountain range and the mapping of existing populations (7). The Global Trees Campaign is planning restoration activities for the monkey puzzle in areas of its former range (7).
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