Puerto Lobos Natural Protected Area

General description and biodiversity

 

Is a coastal sector in the southern extreme of the province of Río Negro (limited in the south by the province of Chubut, 42º S parallel). Is the typical patagonian shore, with boulder beaches, sandbanks in the low tide area and rocks.

There are various species of sea and shore birds: Kelp Gulls (Larus dominicanus), American Oystercacher (Haematopus palliatus), Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus ater), Two-banded Plover (Charadrius falklandicus), White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis), Brown-hooded Gull (Chroicocephallus maculipennis) and the South-american Tern (Sterna hirundenacea).There are records of South-american Sea-lions (Otaria flavescens) and the Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena australis) appear between July and October. Octopus (Octopus tehuelchus) also make their presence felt as do several bivalves (Scallop, Ribbed Mussel, Southern Geoduck and White Clam).

 

Government and non-government organisations who work in the area:

· Provincial Environmental Council (CODEMA).

· Rio Negro Fauna Direction

· “Almirante Storni” Marine and Fishing Biology Intitute

· Patagonia Natural Foundation

Biological Value:

· Endemic, rare or threatened species: Southern Right Whale

· Economically important species: Octopus and shellfish

· Charismatic species: Southern Right Whale and Sea-lion

Benefits:

· Resources: Birds and mammals

· Functions: Wildlife refuge and recreation

· Attributes: Biological diversity, an area of concentration of endangered species

· Impacts and threats: Tourism and recreation