Dry forests (Part 3): Carrizalillo

"Algarrobo Milenario"









This forest is located in the northeast of Tambo Grande, Piura, near the ecuatorian border. It shows a high variety of arborean species. Here it hasn't rained for four years. My friend, the botanist was shocked when we arrived at the "Algarrobo Milenario". Last time he was here -more than ten years ago, in company with several auhorities, amongst them the maire of Tambo Grande, the tree was surrounded by the thick, original forest. Now the site has been cleared, paths have been laid and a plaque installed, with the name of the maire. The thought, that he might have inspired the maire with his distinguished presence from abroad to turn the unique tree in a tourist-attraction, depressed him. Well, it's Peru -"Es el Perú...", like we say here, shrugging shoulders. Far worse are the many wood-extracting companies that are operating in this zone, despite that the INRENA (National Institute for Natural Resources) has declared these activities in dry forests illegal.