The high Andean flamenco are not only part of the iconic landscape of San Pedro de Atacama, they are also fundamental species for the balance of the ecosystem and a cultural symbol for the Lickanantay people. Therefore, its conservation has become a scientific, environmental and community priority.
With that objective, four satellite transmitters were installed, two in flamenco of James and two in Andean flamenco in the Chaxa Lagoon, within the Flemish National Reserve. The objective is to collect accurate information about your flight routes, nesting, food and possible threats areas.
This was part of a new edition of the “Flamenco Altoandinos 2025” campaign, promoted by the National Zoo of Parquemet and Filantropía Cortés Solari, which took place between April 21 and 25. The initiative included the installation of satellite equipment, veterinary exams and educational workshops in local schools.
Monitoring with transmitters
The equipment, with just 30 grams, records location, height and flight speed. They have a useful life of up to 7 years. Since 2017, 24 of these devices have already been installed, which has allowed to identify more than 100 priority sites for conservation, not only in Chile, but also in Bolivia, Peru and Argentina.
In addition to the transmitters, the specialists performed complete physical exams, including tests to detect avian influenza and Newcastle disease, in addition to analysis to determine their sex. As reported, the intervened specimens presented a good general body state.
Guillermo Cubillos, in charge of the Education, Conservation and Research Unit of the National Zoo of ParquemetHe explained that “thanks to the team’s experience, the satellite transmitters were almost installed synchronously in a rapid, effective and uncomplication procedure for birds.” He added that with this “we can contribute more accurately to the conservation of these species.”
Credit: Ceded
Environmental Education
In parallel to scientific actions, an educational program was implemented in schools in San Pedro de Atacama and Toconao, with the participation of more than 150 basic room students. The goal? Create awareness from an early age about the importance of protecting the high Andean flamenco.
This training component has reached more than 800 people in recent years, thanks to joint work with Safe Flamencos Alto Andinos de la Aza, Zoo Conservation Outreach Group and the support of the indigenous community Lickanantay de Toconao, ancestral guardian of this ecosystem.
A binational effort for conservation
The information collected by the transmitters has revealed the interconnection between high Andean wetlands from different countries, which reinforces the need to protect key migratory routes and preserve the genetic connectivity of these species.
Francisca Cortés Solari, Executive President of Filantropía Cortés Solari, He pointed out that “It is very important to work for the conservation of species that are in danger of extinction or in a vulnerable state, especially in the territories where our elementary reserves are as is the case of Puribeter, in San Pedro de Atacama, an area where three flamenco types that are emblematic birds for the Atacamen peoples and tremendous importance for the ecosystem inhabit.”
For his part, the Minister of Housing and Urbanism, Carlos Montes, valued the campaign. “This action is a sample of the commitment that the National Zoo has with the conservation and protection, carrying out a scientific and educational work in territories where there is fauna in a state of threat, as is the case of the High Andean flamenco. This involves generating a link with communities, whether school, tourism and indigenous communities, ”Montes added.
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