This species has a relatively large geographic range size (extent of occurrence >1,300,000 km²), and so does not approach the thresholds for consideration as threatened under range size criteria. Based on large-scale surveys of high Andean wetland, a high-quality estimate of its maximum population size is 7,750 individuals (Lesterhuis et al. in prep), equating to approximately 5,150 mature individuals. Despite its small population size, there is no evidence of declines or threats to this species, and its population trend is probably stable. Suitable habitat remains fairly extensive, and it is not known to suffer serious hunting pressure (Pierce and Kirwan 2020). For these reasons, the species continues to be assessed as Least Concern.

The avocet ranges from Central Peru (Junín) southward through Western Bolivia to Northern Chile (Atacama) and Northwest Argentina (Catamarca) (Pierce and Kirwan 2020).

Boyle and Estrada (2005) estimated the global population to be less than 10,000 birds. In a more recent and detailed appraisal combining published estimates, eBird data and national census data, Lesterhuis et al. (in prep.) estimated a maximum of 7,750 individuals, not all of which would have been mature, breeding birds. To account for uncertainty, the global population is placed in the band 2,500-9,999 mature individuals, with a best estimate of c.5,000 assuming approximately 2/3 of the population estimated by Lesterhuis et al. (in prep.) are mature.

Wetlands in the Andes Mountains of Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, and Chile are vital ecosystems facing threats from human activities such as agriculture, mining, and urban development (Aris 2017, Marconi et al. 2022). These pressures lead to habitat loss, reduced biodiversity, and disrupted water cycles, affecting both local wildlife and communities. The degradation of wetlands results in decreased water quality, altered hydrological cycles, and loss of critical habitat. The potential loss of habitat due to the desiccation of Lake Poopó in western central Bolivia is a concern, however the species' persists in small pools along dried-up margins (Pierce and Kirwan 2020). Climate change poses a potential threat to the species, with models projecting a decrease in mean annual rainfall in the Central Andes region (Otto and Gibbons 2017). Overall, suitable habitat remains fairly extensive and the species is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats. It is not known to suffer serious hunting pressure (Pierce and Kirwan 2020).