Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve
| Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve | |
|---|---|
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IUCN category II (national park) | |
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Rock formations at Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve | |
 Location of Salinas y Aguada Blanca in Peru | |
| Location | Part of the regions of Arequipa and Moquegua, Peru |
| Area | 25 km² |
| Established | 09 August 1979 |
| Governing body | SERNANP |
Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve is a protected area located in the regions of Arequipa and Moquegua; Peru. The main purpose of this area is to protect the local flora, fauna and landscape formations.[1]
History
The area was declared a national reserve on 09 August 1979 by decree N° 070-79-AA.[1] Salinas y Aguada Blanca was designated as a Ramsar site in 2003.[1]
Geography
Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve is located in the provinces of Caylloma and Arequipa in the region of Arequipa; and in the province of Sanchez Cerro in the region of Moquegua.[1] It spans an area of 366,936 hectares (3,669.36 km2)[1] which covers the headwaters of important local rivers like Yura and Chili.[2]
The landscape features high Andean plateaus dotted by lakes and meadows; and surrounded by volcanoes like Ubinas, Misti, Pichu Pichu and Chachani in the southwest and by mounts Chuccura and Huarancante in the north.[1] Although initially declared an area with the aim to protect local camelids, it has since become a protected water source for the city of Arequipa.[1] Precipitation carried by the eastern winds is captured by the local vegetation and stored in the lakes, meadows and soil; thus giving a valuable environmental service to the region.[1]
The reserve is populated to some extent; most of its territory belongs to thirteen peasant communities and more than 100 private smallholders recognized by law.[1]
Ecology
The area is representative of the puna ecosystem.[2]
References
Further reading
- Ugarte-Nunez, Joaquin A.; Lourdes Mosaurieta-Echegaray (2000). "Assessment of Threats to Flamingos at the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Nature Reserve (Arequipa, Peru)". Waterbirds. 23 (Special Publication 1: Conservation Biology of Flamingos): 134–140. doi:10.2307/1522158. JSTOR 1522158.
External links
- Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve. Official site (in Spanish).
- Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve. Map.
- Photos of Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve
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Coordinates: 16°06′08″S 71°13′08″W / 16.1021°S 71.219°W