Laguna Torca National Reserve is a national reserve of
Chile
Chile, officially the Republic of Chile, is a country in the western part of South America. It is the southernmost country in the world, and the closest to Antarctica, occupying a long and narrow strip of land between the Andes to the east a ...
's
Maule Region.
World Database on Protected Areas
Laguna Torca is South-West of Santiago, in the Maule Region 7. Situated a bare from the Pacific Ocean and adjoins Lago Vichuquen, in the coastal mountains. The fresh water in the laguna comes from these local mountains, rather than the inland Andes.
Geography
The Reserve is divided into three very different areas.
Main Lagoon
Where 120 species of birds, have been spotted, according to Head Ranger Don Luis. Black-necked swan
The black-necked swan (''Cygnus melancoryphus'') is a species of waterfowl in tribe Cygnini of subfamily Anserinae.HBW and BirdLife International (2021) Handbook of the Birds of the World and BirdLife International digital checklist of the bir ...
s (1600 at the last count including some ringed birds from Valdivia), fill the Laguna. The feeding swans add to the tranquility of the scene, and the main road runs through the side of the laguna giving a close up view of the Wildlife. Coscoroba swan
The coscoroba swan (''Coscoroba coscoroba'') is a species of waterfowl in subfamily Anserinae of the family Anatidae.HBW and BirdLife International (2021) Handbook of the Birds of the World and BirdLife International digital checklist of the bi ...
s, pimpollo (white-tufted grebe
The white-tufted grebe (''Rollandia rolland''), also known as Rolland's grebe, is a species of grebe in the family Podicipedidae. Found in the southern half of South America, its natural habitat is freshwater lakes, ponds and sluggish streams.
...
), tagua (coots),and many more, all can be seen in the lagoon.
Fish in the laguna such as the liza, tench, and carp. However you won't see any as there is a no fishing, swimming, boating policy in the park!
The reserve is a true sanctuary staffed by dedicated, knowledgeable, and very friendly Rangers. Viewing stations and a small reception centre is located at the Laguna. The main road cuts through one of the side arms of the lagoon and gives a great vantage point to see the many swans feeding.
Llico Forest
The second section of the National Reserve is Llico forest,(Bosque de Llico) an area which was forested with exotic species. This area is accessed through a long wooden bridge in the middle of Llico, and is a couple of kilometers from the Laguna. The sheer size of these old trees is something that is seen very rarely in this area with the modern forestry industry geared up for quick growth and replanting. Walking through the park under the shade of these giants gives a glimpse of the older times. The trees were planted originally to stop the inland march of the sand dunes from the beach at Llico playa. It worked.
Cerrillos Island
The third area of the National Reserve is Cerrillos Island, and is to be found south of the main reserve, in the southern section of Vichuquén Lake (es). The island is uninhabited, with a forested area of .
References
{{National Reserves of Chile
National reserves of Chile
Protected areas of Maule Region
Coasts of Maule Region