Lake Chakumiri

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Lake Chakumiri
Copacabana, Bolivia at sunset.jpg
View of the lake from the town of San Castellino
LocationPecario
TypeLake
Basin countriesPecario
Max. length115 mi (185 km)
Max. width40 mi (64 km)
Surface area3,000 sq mi (7,800 km2)
Average depth350 ft (110 m)
Max. depth381 ft (116 m)
Water volume205 cu mi (850 km3)
Residence time1,250 years
Islands27
SettlementsSan Castellino , Alzilejos

Lake Chakumiri, ( Iberic: Lago Chakumiri; Quepec: Chacumiri Gola) is a large freshwater lake in Pecario. Spanning approximately 185kms in length, and 64kms in width, it has a surface area of 7,800km2. It is the largest lake in Pecario and within Mesothalassa.

Name

The Lake Chakumiri derives its name from the Quepec language. In Quepec, "Chaku" refers to the traditional process of fishing, while "Miri" means "to watch" or "to observe". Thus, the name "Chakumiri" can be interpreted as "the place where one observes the fishing hunt".

Overview

The lake separates into two distinct geographical areas : In the North, the landscape is rather subtropical and arid. This is where the majority of the population around the lake lives. In the South, the landscape is more green with dominating mountain peaks. The Velluzo National Park is located in the southern part of the lake. Since 2015, a luxurious resort has been built on the northern shores of the lake, prompting complaints from environmental organizations, however, the Pecarian government has assured compliance with environmental standards.

Ecology

The lake is home to a large concentration of reeds. Forests of eucalyptus, willows, and pine trees can also be observed. The fauna of the lagoon is primarily composed of species such as rainbow trout and carp. The variety of birds includes grebes, cormorants, ducks, white herons, grebes, teal, coots, hummingbirds, sea swallows, and blackbirds. There are also amphibians that bring life to the lake and its surroundings, including the pecarian great toad but due to increasing pollution, its population has drastically declined and is now endangered.

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