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A Patagonian cypress, known as Lañilawal or Alerce Milenario, could be the oldest living organism on Earth. Estimated to have sprouted over 5,000 years ago, predating the construction of the Egyptian pyramids.The estimated age remains unverified, with skepticism from other scientists. Regardless of its age, the fate of this tree in Alerce Costero National Park, Chile, hangs in the balance without better protection. Discovered by Chilean locals in the 1970s, the park is a protected area, yet the tree lacks sufficient safeguarding. Enduring pressure from tourism and escalating dry, warming climates, Lañilawal, named for its Mapudungun description by indigenous peoples, serves as a resilient champion of the natural world. Standing 28 meters tall with a trunk width of 4.2 meters, these colossal entities are nature's endurance athletes, outlasting their peers and adapting to countless threats. Protecting these trees is paramount to understanding their remarkable longevity.
Drought poses the primary threat to Lañilawal. Generally, the climate in southern Chile is becoming warmer and drier. A monitoring station located just two meters away largely covers its active root system. This station intercepts about 50% of the rain intended for Lañilawal's roots. In the near future, the tree will require irrigation to maintain sufficient water levels. Some scientists have urged the Chilean government to designate UNESCO World Heritage status for Lañilawal. The park has imposed restrictions on close visits to the tree to safeguard its root system, but the monitoring station should be relocated further away, and a protective network should be established to prevent intruders.According to Scientific American.
