Biologist Margarita Suárez said the deaths of 250 animals had been recorded and assured that the water was not contaminated. “Food was scarce, winter was over, and by the time the flamingos arrived, the lagoons were frozen over,” he said.
13:18 | 13:18 Friday, November 10, 2023 | La Rioja, Argentina | Fenix Multi-Platform
Phoenix spoke with biologist Margarita Suarez, who held a press conference with SENASA about the discovery of dead flamingos in the Laguna Brava region.
First, he emphasized that the avian flu hypothesis was ruled out, but they continued to raise the hypothesis of severe food shortages.
“The organisms they live on have not been found in water analyses,” he said. He said the animals were very weak and had almost non-existent muscle mass.
“The reason for the lack of food is long-term weather conditions. Winter comes and when the flamingos arrive, the lagoons freeze over,” he said.
Likewise, he explained that such a high mortality rate was not recorded as around 250 animals were found dead, although he clarified that only one animal died.
“We think the situation will improve and there won’t be any more deaths,” he said, as it was observed that the lagoon was starting to melt.
She was also consulted on the position of MPs who blamed lithium exploration for the deaths.
“Studies have been conducted but there is nothing to indicate this. There is no water contamination,” Suarez said.
He said the exploration work was being done in the El Leoncito salt marsh, which has “no physical connection” to Lake Brava, although he said mining companies working there had reported the deaths of three flamingos.