Alto Loa National Reserve
| Alto Loa National Reserve | |
|---|---|
| Reserva nacional Alto Loa | |
|
|
| Location |
 Chile
|
| Nearest city | Ollagüe, Chile |
| Coordinates | 21°28'37.3"S 68°31'08.3"W |
| Area | 300000 ha |
| Created | August 2005 |
| Governing body | CONAF, National Forest Corporation (Chile) |
Coordinates: 21°28′37.3″S 68°31′08.3″W / 21.477028°S 68.518972°W
Alto Loa National Reserve is a Protected Area located in the province of El Loa, Antofagasta region, Chile. Announced in 2002 and created in 2005, it is Chile's largest natural reserve.
Alto Loa is located at 3000 metres altitude between the communes of Ollagüe and Calama, 215 kilometres northeast of Antofagasta. The total surface area of the reserve is approximately 300,000 hectares, making it the largest natural reserve in Chile. The climate is desertic, with only 3mm precipitation a year and temperatures of 25.5C maximum and 17.1C minimum. The main aim of the reserve is to protect the source of the Loa River (4,277 m altitude), and the vegetal and animal species that depend on the river ecosystem in an area of desert climate. Among the animal species can be found the, Guanaco, Condor, Viscacha and Cougar. the vegetal species include the Tabaquillo or Queñoa (Polylepis australis) and the Yareta or Llareta. Along with its native flora and fauna, Alto Loa is the home of three salt flats: San Martín or Carcote; Ascotán: and Ollagüe.
...
Wikipedia