JUNIN NATIONAL RESERVE
Departments (States) of Junín and Pasco – Created by Supreme Decree Number 0750-74-AG on August 7, 1974.
The Junín National Reserve’s main goal is to preserve the wild flora and fauna along with the beautiful scenery of Lake Junín, as well as contributing to the social and economic development of the region by the sustainable use of renewable natural resources.
The biological diversity of Junín National Reserve corresponds to the high Andean landscape or Puna of the Central Andes. The main plant communities are the high dense Pajonal with high Andean wetlands, and the Puna grass. Influenced by the lake, the area hosts a diverse and special population of birds, native and migratory. Of great relevance is the presence of the Junin grebe (Podiceps taczanowskii), an important conservation object of the protected area. It is a Ramsar area, designated for its wetlands of international significance.
The main threats to the Junín National Reserve include: agricultural activities, livestock activities, nearby mining activities, hunting and fishing of threatened species, removal and burning of totora (Typha sp.) and other species of plants, and the use and administration of the lake’s water for hydro-electric purposes.
Dense presence of bovine and sheep livestock in the reserve (left); agricultural activity bordering the lake
Studies done in Lake Junín have detected a presence of agricultural pesticides, which come from the drainage of surrounding fields as a result of the mismanagement of these products in the region. The surrounding communities have an overpopulation of livestock. During the dry season the animals are taken to the wetlands around the lake, producing overgrazing, soil compression and loss of these highly productive environments.
Sedimentation of mining residues on the lake’s northern sector
The main problem affecting the lake is the contamination produced by mining residues. Dissolved in high concentrations, chemical waste has damaged almost a third of the lake, severely affecting the wild fauna and flora. The residue also contaminates the pasture used for the livestock.
Mineral sedimentation reaching the interior of the reserve (left); drainage cannal emptying directly into the lake
Currently, there are three mine companies contributing to the emission of waste chemicals, the Volcan Minning Company, the Aurex Minning Company, and the Brocal Minning Society, which mainly extract lead, silver, gold, and zinc. The city’s drainpipes and surrounded neighborhoods increase the content of organic material in the lake, elevating the degree of eutrophication and causing the death of numerous organisms.
Text and photos by Diego Shoobridge
ParksWatch-Perú