Lago Cochrane Nature Reserve, National reserve in Capitán Prat Province, Chile.

Lago Cochrane Nature Reserve is a protected area spanning more than 6,900 hectares in southern Patagonia. The landscape combines mountains, wetlands, and riparian forests that together form a diverse habitat.

The area was placed under protection in 1967 to preserve natural resources in the Aysén Region. This action aimed to protect endangered animal species from extinction.

Local communities participate in environmental education programs at the reserve, learning about conservation methods and the importance of protecting native wildlife.

The best way to reach the reserve is via the Carretera Austral highway, with the town of Cochrane serving as the main starting point. From there, different parts of the area are easily accessible.

The huemul population here has not exceeded 60 individuals. From the 1980s, a small group began appearing in ever-larger herds, an unexpected development at the time. The deer is stocky and brown, with ears up to 25 cm long; males bear a dark Y-shaped facial mark and antlers renewed each year under velvet.