Caleta de Los Loros Protected Area

General description and bio-diversity:

A cove that is located approximately 5 km. northwards, surrounded by two by sand-banks, “espartillar” zones, tide channels, and “restingas” at the foot of dunes and cliffs. Flat beaches that grow extensively in low tide. Kelp gull (Larus dominicanus), Brown-hooded gull (Chroicocephalus maculipennis), Olrog´s gull (L. atlanticus), South-American tern (Sterna hirundinacea), Common tern (S.hirundo), Cayenne tern (S. eurygnatha), Snowy sheathbill (Chionis alba), Red knot (Calindris canutus), Sanderling (C. alba), White-rumped sandpiper (C. fuscicollis), two-banded plover (Charadrius falklandicus), American oyster-catcher (Haematopus palliates), Magellanic oyster-catcher (H. leucopodus), Neotropic cormorant (Phalacrocorax olivaceus), Chilean flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis), Cocoi heron (Ardea cocoi) make their presence here. Also, the no-reproductive colony of South american sea-lion (Otaria flavescens).

Odentesthey smitti, Eleginops maclovinus and Diplodus argenteus are to be caught fishing. Banks of mytilus edulis platensis mussels and Tellina sp. clams abound. “Caleta de los loros” is a provincial reserve of approximately 3.000 ha where various recreational activities are carried out.

Government and Non-government organisations that work in the area: “Rio Negro” Fauna Management.

Biological Value:

1) Significant populations that depend on the area: without information.

2) Endemic, rare or threatened species: Larus atlanticus [E-A]

3) Economically important species: Mytilus edulis platensis

4) Charismatic species: Otaria flavescens

Benefits:

Resources: Fish and bivalves

Functions: Wildlife refuge and recreation

Attributes: biological diversity

Dangers and threats: recreational tourism.