The surrounding area is an important nesting site for several species of waterbirds and is used for grazing livestock. Other fauna include the endemic frog Atelognathus patagonicus and the mammal Lagidium viscacia . Ramsar site no. Laguna de Llancanelo. A high altitude, saline lake situated on a large salt crust, in a semi-desert environment.
Water originating from mountain snow melt determines seasonal lake levels.
Most vegetation is drought or salt tolerant. A limited mountain scrub flora and Patagonian steppe reach the area around the lake. A population of 8,000 Coscoroba coscoroba take refuge while flightless during post-breeding molt. Human activities include ranching, grazing, illegal fishing, and hunting. Water provides for domestic and irrigation needs.