Laguna Colorada
Shallow salt lake in the southwest of the altiplano of Bolivia
Laguna Colorada, (translated to Red Lagoon), is a shallow, hypersaline lake in the remote southwestern region of the Altiplano, within the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve in Bolivia and located at an elevation of approximately 4,278 metres (14,000 ft) above sea level. In 1990, the lake was designated as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
The Laguna Colorada is characterized by its vivid crimson coloration caused by a combination of red sediments and the proliferation of pigmented algae adapted to saline environments, mainly the Dunaliella salina species. The intensity of its coloration, ranging from soft pink tones to deep red, varies depending on the accumulation of algae, sunlight and temperature conditions. Across its surface, the Laguna Colorada contrasts with white islands formed by borax deposits.
Ecologically, the lagoon is a crucial habitat and a primary breeding ground for the several species of flamingos, including the Andean, Chilean and James's flamingos. The abundance of plankton within the lake provides a primary food source for these species, contributing to their distinctive pink plumage. The arid ecosystem surrounding the Laguna Colorada sustains other fauna adapted to high-altitude environments such as the Andean mountain cat, the Andean fox, vicuñas and domesticated llamas.
01Water composition
The chemical composition of water entering the Laguna Colorada via its main tributary, the Sulor River, varies broadly depending on climatic conditions and the presence of microorganisms. The lagoon's water is rich in salts, particularly sodium chloride, exhibiting high conductivity and maintaining a pH range of 5.3 to 9.0. It contains high levels of borates, sulfates and diatomite.
The distinctive coloration of its red water is primarily caused by a combination of these sediments and the proliferation of pigmented algae adapted to saline environments, mainly the Dunaliella salina species. The lagoon also contains islands formed by the accumulation of borax, whose white color contrasts with the reddish color of its waters.
02Geography
Laguna Colorada is part of the Los Lípez (formerly Laguna Colorada) Ramsar wetland. It was listed as a "Ramsar Wetland of International Importance" in 1990. On, July 13, 2009, the site was expanded from 513.18 to 14,277.17 km2 (5,512.45 mi2) to include the surrounding high Andean endorheic, hypersaline and brackish lakes and associated wetlands (known as bofedales).
03Fauna
James's flamingos abound in the area. It is also possible to find Andean and Chilean flamingos, but in lesser quantities.
Sources and credits
This article is adapted from the Wikipedia article “Laguna Colorada”, written by its contributors and licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Fathomly has changed the layout, removed citation markers, navigation and maintenance notices, and adjusted punctuation. This adapted version is shared under the same license. For references, see the original article.
Images, from Wikimedia Commons:
- Lama glama Laguna Colorada 2.jpg by kallerna, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Laguna Colorada (15764090609).jpg by madras91, CC BY 2.0
- James's Flamingoes in Laguna Colorada, Bolivia.jpg by Havardtl, CC BY-SA 4.0
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