Selection of "Flag Species" in our plants
Within the framework of the "Nature in Our Plants" Program, the Santiago Environment and Permits Area of HSEQ coordinated the selection process of the "Flag Species" that correspond to species of flora and fauna present inside our plants, which will be the representatives of our biodiversity during the HSEQ Environment activities that take place during 2021.
This selection had the participation of those responsible for HSEQ in the field, who had the mission of proposing the species candidates and exposing the reasons why they should be selected as representatives of the flora and fauna present in our plants.
In this way, eight species of fauna and five of flora were identified, representatives of the various ecosystems in which ENEL is present, from the coast to the mountain range and from the absolute desert to the southern forests.
Once the candidates were defined, the voting process was developed, where the candidates from the Maule Region (Culpeo Fox and Cypress of the Mountain Range) achieved a wide triumph, reaching (984 and 985 votes respectively).
The high participation in the selection process of Flag Species (1,148 responses) reflects the interest that exists regarding these issues and the relevance of having identity elements that help transmit messages related to the environment.
Culpeo fox (Lycalopex culpaeus): It is the largest native canid in Chile, it has a wide distribution: from Colombia to Tierra del Fuego and from 0 to 4,800 meters above sea level. Its diet is mainly made up of rabbits, hares and rodents, but it is adapted to the availability of food, being able to consume birds, reptiles, insects or even vegetables. This great plasticity (ability to adapt to changes) explains why we can observe this species in practically all our plants. Its conservation status is "Least Concern".
Cypress of the mountain range (Austrocedrus chilensis): Simple green tree, with a compact pyramidal crown, reaches 25 m high and has a straight trunk that reaches 2 m in diameter. It is a native species of Chile, and it is also found in Argentina. In Chile it takes place in the regions of Valparaíso, Metropolitana de Santiago, O'Higgins, Maule, Biobío, Araucanía, Los Rios and Los Lagos. It is one of the 9 conifers in Chile, there are individuals up to 1,800 years old. This species gave the name to the first Power Plant built in the Maule.
Its conservation status is "Vulnerable" between the Metropolitan and O'Higgins regions and "Close to Threat" from El Maule to the south.