There are about 1,500 species of plants, 95% of which are endemic to the Matorral region of Chile. The Chilean Matorral has fertile and mineral rich soil that can support many different species of plant life due to the Andean streams and rivers flowing into the region. The Matorral is home to multiple species of cacti, hardwood trees, grasses and shrubs. Many of the plants that are found in the Matorral region, such as the Chilean palm, are threatened.
There are many animals endemic to the Chilean Matorral. There are several lizard species, 5 rodent species and a mouse opossum species that call the Matorral home. Three species of tapaculo birds, the Chilean Mockingbird, the Chilean Tinamou and the giant hummingbird are some of the birds that make up the 15 species of birds indigenous to the Chilean Matorral region.
The Chilean Matorral region is becoming more populated, and with the influx of population there is much development to the region, including the creation of new roads and homes, and the clearing of land for crops and for animal grazing land. This new development is threatening the ecosystem. Fires, used to clear land, are also threatening the Chilean Matorral region. Non-indigenous species of plants and animals being introduced to the region pose threats to the endemic plants and animals.
