Associated protocols

The High Plains and the Huaytará Cordillera are located in the semi-arid western Andes of the Department of Huancavelica, between the Pampas-Palmitos River Basins and the Pisco-Ica Basin Divide of the Basins. To the west of the mountainous formations of Pampas-Palmitos and Sierras Altas de Apacheta, steeper and steeper, this landscape unit is characterized by being relatively flat, having ridges with low sloping ridges, plains and a rolling topography that ranges from 4,000 at 4,650 meters above sea level (meters above sea level). The western part of this ELU is towards the Pacific Basin but it is still within the puna or high Andean region, from an ecological point of view.

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The plains and ridges are dominated by smaller and more dry puna grasslands (62%) and puna grassland in formation (30%), with sparsely vegetated areas (7%) and bofedales (2%). The Perezia coerulescens plant (cataloged by Peruvian legislation as "vulnerable") is a relatively common element of the puna grassland in formation. Vicuñas are common in the pastures of this ELU, which are administered by the communities of the Ayaví District. Birds of interest include Agriornis andicola and Asthenes dorbignyi.

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The Environmental and Social Impact Study (EIAS) identified the Chaupi area, in the progressive kilometer (kp) 202-205 of the gas pipeline as an ecologically sensitive area due to the presence of numerous vizcachas (Lagidium peruanum); rodents of rocky habitat that are of value to local communities as a source of food. The EIAS highlighted that fish of the genus Orestias were abundant in Lake Tagracocha and in the Milk Milk River in the area corresponding to this ELU.