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Alert in Mocho Choshuenco Reserve: Attack on 600-Year-Old "Grandfather Coihue" Tree

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The National Forestry Corporation (Conaf) of the Los Ríos Region issued an alert after discovering significant damage to the "Grandfather Coihue," a tree approximately 600 years old, located in the Mocho Choshuenco National Reserve. This specimen, a symbol of natural heritage and a prominent tourist attraction, has suffered the illegal extraction of its bark, jeopardizing its survival and the integrity of the ecosystem.

During a routine inspection, Conaf park rangers came across the regrettable scene: a section of bark had been removed from the tree's trunk. "We were patrolling the reserve when we discovered the damage on the back of the Grandfather Coihue, a wound 50 centimeters high by 20 wide that wasn't there a month ago," stated Cristián Álvarez, the unit's administrator.

The regional director of Conaf, Arnoldo Shibar, described the incident as serious and urged citizens to protect natural resources, especially in protected areas. "This act not only affects a millennial living being but also opens the door to potential infections from pathogens," added Shibar.

The Grandfather Coihue is monitored by specialists from the Austral University of Chile due to its ecological importance and longevity. An assessment of its condition will be carried out to determine the necessary protective measures.

Conaf reminded that damaging or extracting native species in protected wilderness areas constitutes a serious offense, punishable under Law 20,283 on Native Forest Recovery. Fines can range from 5 to 50 Monthly Tax Units per affected tree, and in cases of intentional and significant damage to the ecosystem, criminal actions could be initiated, and reforestation of the damaged area could be demanded.

The institution called on visitors to the reserve to respect the rules and report any suspicious activity, emphasizing that the conservation of natural heritage is a shared responsibility.