Los Flamencos National Reserve

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Los Flamencos National Reserve is a nature reserve located in the commune of San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta Region of Chile. The reserve covers a total area of 740 km² and consists of seven separate sectors.

1 Sectors
2 See also
3 References

[edit] Sectors

[edit] Salar de Tara-Salar de Aguas Calientes

This area is made up of two Salt flats: Tara at 23°05′S, 67°15′W and Aguas Calientes at 23°07′S, 67°25′W.^[1]

In 1996, Salar de Tara was designated a Wetland of International Importance by the Ramsar Convention. It features permanent and seasonal lakes. Among them the main one is Tara Lake, which is fed by the Zapaleri River.^[2]

Salar de Tara provides habitat for various rare and endangered species of wildlife. Mountain viscacha, Vicuña, and Pterocnemia pennata tarapacensis are endangered species. Others, such as Andean Goose, Horned Coot, Andean Gull, Puna Tinamou and the three flamingo species inhabiting in Chile, are considered vulnerable. Conservation status of Tawny Tuco-tuco and Culpeo fox is unknown.^[2]

[edit] Salar de Pujsa

Salar de Pujsa is a salt flat located at 23°12′S, 67°32′W^[1] and northeast of Acamarachi volcano.

[edit] Lagunas Miscanti y Miñiques

Laguna Miscanti and Cerro Miscanti

This area comprises the lagoons Miscanti and Miñiques situated at the foothills of Cerro Miscanti and the volcano Miñiques.

This portion of the reserve is home to a variety of birds, including Andean Flamingo, Chilean Flamingo, Horned Coot, Silvery Grebe, Andean Gull and Greenish Yellow Finch.^[3]

[edit] Salar de Atacama (sector Soncor)

Andean Flamingos at Laguna Chaxa in Salar de Atacama

In this area is located Chaxa Lagoon at 23°19′S, 68°10′W^[1], within the Salar de Atacama.

Chaxa Lagoon provides habitat for bird species. Among those are Chilean and Andean Flamingos, Andean Avocet, Speckled Teal, Crested Duck, Puna Plover, and Baird's Sandpiper.^[3]