The Orestias ascotanensis, a small fish native to the Ascotan salt flat in Chile, faces threats from a proposed lithium mining project that could deplete its habitat. This fish has unique adaptations enabling it to survive extreme environmental conditions, but ongoing water extraction from copper mining has already impacted its population. Experts and locals are advocating for stringent protections to ensure the survival of this unique ecosystem.
At an elevation exceeding 3,700 meters (12,000 feet), the unique “karachi” fish inhabits the extreme waters of the Ascotan salt flat. While this species, known scientifically as Orestias ascotanensis, thrives in these inhospitable conditions, local concerns have arisen regarding a prospective lithium mining venture that could jeopardize its habitat. This ray-finned fish, measuring only 7.5 centimeters (3 inches), has developed remarkable adaptations to survive in waters laden with heavy metals and fluctuating salinity levels. The Ascotan salt flat experiences harsh environmental challenges, including intense solar radiation and temperature swings that can culminate in daytime highs of 26 degrees Celsius (79 degrees Fahrenheit) and drop below freezing at night. Marco Mendez, a professor from the University of Chile who focuses on evolutionary biology, emphasizes the resilience of this fish species. In-depth research conducted at the Millennium Institute’s genome center has unveiled the genetic modifications that enable the fish to endure severe conditions, including solar exposure and low oxygen levels. Researchers have noted that these fish have adapted rapidly, as observed by Miguel Allende, director of the institute: “We have seen how they have achieved this in a short evolutionary time because there are other variants of this fish in less hostile environments. They have taken these genes and exacerbated them.” Despite their adaptations, the Karachi fish is still vulnerable; it requires a suitable habitat to thrive. Local resident Mauricio Anza pointed out that copper mining has already depleted their numbers by extracting vital water resources. “That is what is hurting them; when they take the water, the fish die,” he lamented, indicating community efforts to conserve local flora and fauna. Amid these concerns, the Ascotan salt flat is also designated for a new lithium mining project. Experts and locals alike are calling for stringent environmental protections to preserve this fragile ecosystem. Miguel Allende remarked, “Mining activity, while important from an economic point of view, must be carried out with the aim of ensuring that this very particular environment is not lost forever.”
The Ascotan salt flat, located in Chile, is known for its extreme environmental conditions that challenge the survival of its native species, particularly the small fish Orestias ascotanensis. This fish has developed unique genetic adaptations to thrive in high concentrations of heavy metals and variable salinity. As lithium gains popularity as a significant resource for batteries, the planned mining activities threaten to disrupt both the habitat and the existing delicate ecological balance in the salt flat, raising alarms among environmentalists and local communities about the prospective negative impacts on endemic fish populations and overall biodiversity.
In summary, the threatened habitat of the Karachi fish due to lithium mining raises serious ecological concerns. While this species has remarkable evolutionary adaptations to survive harsh conditions, its future is uncertain if environmental protections are not implemented. Community voices highlight the critical importance of preserving the unique environment of the Ascotan salt flat, ensuring that economic interests do not override ecological sustainability. Stakeholders must prioritize the safeguarding of this fragile ecosystem to prevent irreversible damage.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
