FLORA
In Tunuyán there are plant species representative of the Andean, the Cardonal, and the Patagonian phytogeographic provinces. In the Andean sphere, the development of specimens is tied to the altitude considering that at higher altitudes, oxygen begins to dwindle and the temperature goes down drastically. The characteristic plants of this region are the yellow wood, the solupe and various species of yareta, coiron, cortadera and cockade.
In the area of the Cardonal, there are cardón, molle and jarilla, among others. In the area of the plains, there are jarilla and sweet carob.
FAUNA
Among the animals that can be found in Tunuyán there are different species of armadillos, foxes, rodents, wild birds (caranchos, jotes, owls, chimangos), lizards, snakes and a great number of insects. In urbanized areas, there are easy to adapt birds such as sparrows, horneros, and hummingbirds, among others.
HYDROGRAPHY
The Department of Tunuyán has developed in population and economy thanks to the homonymous river, whose waters also run through San Carlos, San Martín, Rivadavia and Junín. This river is fed by water from the melting ice from the Andes Mountain and its importance has been recognised since the pre-Hispanic times.
On the other hand, the most important water engineering construction of the Department is the Uco Valley Dam, through which the waters of the Tunuyán are explored.
It is worth noting that the melting waters that can be obtained at the Department are characterized by their special properties, which favour the agriculture. Moreover, they are considered suitable for human consumption and are available to be commercialized as bottled “mineral water”.
