Laguna Ganso, or goose lagoon (also written Ganzo, which is said to have been a misspelling by immigrants to the area of the Spanish word goose, or ganso) is an important salt lake and wetland located in the Paraguayan Chaco region and is a key part of project Chaco Vivo . This wetland is of great ecological importance, providing critical habitat for a wide range of species, supporting biodiversity, and providing important ecosystem services.
The salt lakes of the Paraguayan Chaco are a series of shallow, saline lakes and wetlands that are scattered throughout the region. These lakes are formed by the accumulation of salt deposits and are characterized by their unique and fragile ecosystems, which support a wide range of species, including several species of migratory birds.
The salt lakes of the Paraguayan Chaco are important for several reasons. First, they provide critical habitat for a variety of aquatic and semi-aquatic species, including fish, crustaceans, and waterfowl. Many of these species are adapted to survive in the harsh, saline conditions of the lakes and wetlands and are found nowhere else.
Second, the salt lakes of the Paraguayan Chaco are an important resource for local communities who depend on the lakes for fishing and salt extraction. The lakes are a source of income for many families in the region and provide a vital source of salt for livestock and for human consumption.
These salt lakes of the Paraguayan Chaco are an important part of the region’s cultural and natural heritage. They have been used by Indigenous peoples for centuries and are an important site for cultural and spiritual practices. The lakes are also an important tourist attraction, attracting visitors from around the world who come to experience the unique beauty and biodiversity of the region.
The following image shows the location of Laguna Ganso on the Chaco Vivo properties.
Figure 1 – Location of Laguna Ganso within Project Chaco Vivo
Figure 2 – Laguna Ganso
Laguna Ganso is part of the larger Lago Ypoa wetland system and is home to a variety of aquatic plants and animals, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds. Many of these species are dependent on the wetland for their survival, and some are threatened or endangered. In addition, the wetland serves as a stopover and breeding ground for migratory birds that travel thousands of kilometers every year.
Laguna Ganso has been designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International, a global partnership of conservation organizations that works to conserve birds and their habitats. The IBA program is a global initiative that aims to identify and protect critical sites for bird conservation. An IBA is a site that meets a set of internationally agreed criteria, based on the presence of species of conservation concern, significant concentrations of birds, and/or rare or unique habitats.
As an IBA, Laguna Ganso is recognized as an important site for bird conservation, supporting a wide range of bird species, including the threatened or endangered ones, such as the Black-collared Hawk, Greater Rhea, and Chaco Eagle. The designation of Laguna Ganso as an IBA highlights the importance of the wetland for the conservation of bird species and emphasizes the need for its protection and management.
The protection of Laguna Ganso is critical for the conservation of biodiversity in the Paraguayan Chaco and for the provision of important ecosystem services, such as water purification, flood control, and carbon sequestration. The wetland is also of great cultural importance to local communities who rely on it for fishing, hunting, and traditional medicine.
Laguna Ganso is an important part of the Paraguayan Chaco ecosystem, supporting biodiversity, providing critical ecosystem services, and serving as an Important Bird Area. Its conservation and management are vital for the protection of its unique flora and fauna and for the benefit of local communities and the planet. Project Chaco Vivo will make sure it flourishes for future generations to enjoy.
Watch the video to learn more about Laguna Ganso:
