Argentina extends the boundaries of the Wetland of International Importance Laguna de Llancanelo

Argentina has extended the boundaries of the Wetland of International Importance Laguna de Llancanelo, from 65,000 hectares to 91,365 ha. The Ramsar Site (no. 759 in the List of Wetlands of International Importance), which now includes the boundaries of the Llancanelo Wetland Protected Natural Area, is a wetland system formed by a great diversity of salt pans, spring freshwaters, rivers, streams and a saltwater lagoon.

The Site is remarkable for its diversity of bird species, with more than 100,000 individuals from 186 species recorded. Among these are species such as black-necked swan (Cygnus melancoryphus), the southern silvery grebe (Podiceps occipitalis) and the vulnerable Andean flamingo (Phoenicoparrus andinus). Llancanelo provides habitat for more than 20% of the global population of the Chilean flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis), one of the most emblematic species in the Site. Llancanelo is also home to significant aquatic species such as Trichomycterus areolatus and the smallmouth perch (Percichthys trucha).

The Site is important for small-scale fishing as well as recreation and tourism. Among the main threats are an increase in livestock activity and possible contamination from mining waste deposits.