Subtropical rainforests: The Yungas and the Alto Paraná rainforest

Abstract

Argentina has two disjunct rainforests, with similarities and differences, which share genera and species. The exploitation of their forest resources accompanied the historical development of the regions related. The Yungas has functioned as a provider of hardwood for the domestic market, even representing the illegal logging a great portion of the business, with severe environmental impacts. The overexploitation of the species of most valuable wood in the past has led to their present scarcity and a current trend to exploit those that are more abundant but of lower quality. The replacement of natural forests by industrial plantations of fast-growing exotic species has become a particular threat in the Alto Paraná Rainforest. Natural protected areas of both rainforests are presented. The main forest tree species with breeding potential are described. Some general considerations for a sustainable management of the Argentinean rainforests from a breeding point of view are discussed, including interspecific hybridization.