Chala facts for kids
The Chala, also known as the "Coast," is one of Peru's eight main natural areas. It includes all the western lands from sea level up to 500 meters high. Most of Peru's coastal desert has little plant life. However, special places called Lomas exist on hills near the Pacific Ocean. These areas get their water from fog and mist, and they can be found up to about 1,000 meters high.
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The Chala region has different kinds of plants. Near rivers, you can find trees like the carob tree and the palo verde. There are also plants like salty grama grass, mangrove trees, and tall reeds such as the giant reed and Caña brava. On the hills, special plants grow, including the beautiful Peruvian daffodil (Amancay), the wild tomato, and the mito (Peruvian papaya).
In the northern parts of the Chala, common trees include the faique, the zapote, and the barrigon. These are often thorny trees found in dry tropical savanna forests. This northern coast, in the Piura and Tumbes areas, is not affected by the cold Humboldt Current.
The coastal animals of the Chala include sea lions, the anchovy fish, and many different kinds of seabirds.
Loma Vegetation: Foggy Ecosystems
Loma vegetation is a unique type of plant life found on hills near the coast in Peru. These areas are usually between 150 meters and 600 meters high. This part of the coast has a subtropical desert climate, meaning it gets very little rain. The weather gets drier as you go further south.
The average temperature throughout the year is about 21°C (70°F). It can get as warm as 33°C (91°F) and as cool as 8°C (46°F).
- Lomas are special ecosystems that get their water from fog and mist. They are found on hills close to the ocean, scattered across the very dry coastal desert.
- Lomas de Lachay is a famous example of a mist-fed ecosystem. It is a protected area in the Huaral Province of Lima.
See also
In Spanish: Desierto costero del Perú para niños
- Climate zones by altitude
- Altitudinal zonation
