It was an excellent firsthand example of the biodiversity that exists across the different climates in Peru. Now I am lucky enough to admire the beauty of the palm tree forest every day as I pass by on my way to teach at a high school in the area.
The palm tree, also known as the Andean wax palm, grows at in the forests of the Peruvian Andes in high altitudes, typically between 7,500 to 8.900 feet above sea level. The palm trees close to my town are right in the middle of that range, at about 8,000 feet above sea level.
The palm forest is part of a diverse ecosystem, including waterfalls, orchids, bromeliads and various bird and animal species, all of which co-exist and depend on each other to survive. In addition to the natural balance of flora and fauna, areas of the palm tree forest are protected as a nature reservation, and it is illegal to harvest the wood from the trees.
The palm tree forest is on land protected by conservation laws and regulations. This helps protect this natural wonder from extinction because the biggest threat to the palm tree is humans destroying the trees and the surrounding ecosystem in order to harvest lumber. At this point, the trees are healthy and thriving, and there is no cause for concern about their continued well-being.
