Laguna Blanca National Park

Laguna Blanca National Park
Parque Nacional Laguna Blanca
IUCN category II (national park)

Map of Laguna Blanca National Park

Location Neuquén Province, Argentina
Coordinates 39°02′S 70°24′W / 39.033°S 70.400°WCoordinates: 39°02′S 70°24′W / 39.033°S 70.400°W
Area 112.5 km²
Established 1940
Designated May 4, 1992 [1]

Laguna Blanca is a National Park in the west of the province of Neuquén, Argentina, close to the town of Zapala.

The park around the lagoon was created in 1940 to protect the lagoon and particularly the population of black-necked swans (Cygnus melancoryphus). It has an area of 112.5 km². The lagoon is situated in the Patagonian steppe, surrounded by hills and gorges.

It has important aquatic bird fauna, of several species and in great number. Near the lagoon is the Salamanca cave, historically inhabited by humans, where rock paintings, typical of northern Patagonia, can be seen. Other mapuche and prehistoric human artifacts have been found in the park.

References

  1. "Ramsar List". Ramsar.org. Retrieved 13 April 2013.