An extreme nursery
High in the Andes mountains, at an altitude between 2,500 and 4,500 meters, Laguna Brava is a shallow, saline lake that is a habitat for some of the world's hardiest wildlife. The reserve, covering 405,000 hectares, is a seemingly inhospitable area of intense solar radiation, fierce winds, and dramatic temperature swings. Despite the harsh conditions, this high-altitude wetland is a breeding and feeding ground for three species of flamingos: the Andean Flamingo (Phoenicoparrus andinus), the James's Flamingo (Phoenicoparrus jamesi), and the more widespread Chilean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis).
A 2020 census recorded 1,400 Andean flamingos and 940 James's flamingos at the site. These birds are specially adapted to thrive where few other large animals can. Their survival depends on the lake's unique ecosystem, which is rich in the algae and small crustaceans that make up their diet. The reserve supports flamingos and supports significant populations of vicuñas (Vicugna vicugna) and guanacos (Lama guanicoe), wild relatives of the llama, as well as Andean foxes and majestic Andean condors. Designated as a Ramsar Site of international importance in 2003, Laguna Brava is recognized for its unique biodiversity and its role as a stopover for migratory birds.