Laguna del Laja National Park

Infobox_protected_area | name = Laguna del Laja National Park
iucn_category = II

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caption = Antuco volcano
locator_x =
locator_y =
location = Bío-Bío Region, Chile
nearest_city = Los Ángeles
lat_degrees = 37
lat_minutes = 25
lat_seconds = 00
lat_direction = S
long_degrees = 71
long_minutes = 21
long_seconds = 00
long_direction = W
area = 119 km²
established = 1958
visitation_num = 19,467
visitation_year = 2004
governing_body = Corporación Nacional Forestal

Laguna del Laja National Park is a national park of Chile located in the Andes, between 37°22’ and 37°28’ south latitude and 71°16’ and 71°26’ west longitude.cite web | url = http://www.conaf.cl/modules/contents/files/unit2/file/b9623f98e6701cf2bede144537c09dbe.pdf | title= Plan de Manejo Parque Nacional Laguna del Laja | work = Documento de Trabajo | publisher = CONAF | accessdate = 2007-02-05]

Geography

The park features spectacular mountain landscapes, whose main attractions are the Antuco Volcano, Sierra Velluda and Laguna del Laja (Laja Lake). The latter gives the name to this protected area, but it only borders the park. The park ranges in elevation from 976 m to 3585 m at Sierra Velluda. Although a little snow caps Antuco volcano, much more snow adorns the two major summits of its southern neighbor, even during Chile’s summer. Sharp ridges and deep valleys carve this rugged region, which alternates between bare rock and lush vegetation.cite web | url = http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Newsroom/NewImages/images.php3?img_id=17536 | title = Cerro Antuco and Laguna de Laja, Chile | work = EO Newsroom: New Images | publisher = NASA | accessdate = 2007-02-05] Another summit in the park, although least prominent, is "Cerro Cóndor" at 1,668 m.

The park forms part of the Bío-Bío River basin. Some small tributaries of Laja River originate in the park.

Biology

It is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the Cougar and foxes (particularly the Chilla and the Culpeo). In the park have been identified 47 bird species.cite web | url = http://www.sernatur.cl/Areas_Silvestres/Biobio/Biobio.html | title = Áreas Silvestres | work = Región del Bío-Bío | publisher= Sernatur | accessdate=2006-11-24]

Endangered and rare vegetation species are found in the park. Among them are: Ciprés de la Cordillera, Araucaria, "Maitén del Chubut" and "Radal Enano".

Tourism

Several activities can be performed within the boundaries of the park and in the surrounding area including climbing, trekking, skiing and fishing.

References