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The impact of trampling upon herbaceous vegetation was tested on the west slope of the Andes Range in central Chile at two sites near the ski resorts of Farellones and La Parva, located at 2,300 and 2,800 m above sea level. During the snow-free season, walking upon areas with herbaceous vegetation, caused displacement of stones and compaction of soils, along with a significant decrease in the number and density of species. This damage was slightly greater when the disturbance occurred during the period of maximum vegetative activity. Some effects, mainly reduction in the number of individuals, were still visible a year later. Conservation measures are discussed.
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Hoffmann et al. (1982) studied this question.
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