The first flamingos have arrived at Larnaca Salt Lake, marking the start of the winter period for Cyprus wetlands, which serve as an important refuge for the striking migratory birds in the Eastern Mediterranean.
However, experts are warning of a worrying population decline estimated at 14%–31% from 2013 to the present.
Several hundred flamingos have reached Cyprus so far. Senior Officer of the Game and Fauna Service Nikos Kasinis identified the five natural wetlands that host them in Cyprus: Akrotiri in Limassol, Larnaca Salt Lakes, Paralimni Lake, Oroklini Lake and some lakes in occupied Famagusta.
“Flamingos visit five natural wetlands on the island, with the largest populations wintering in Larnaca and Akrotiri Salt Lakes,” he said, noting that on average, 5,000-10,000 birds winter in these wetlands, “a percentage corresponding to more than 1% of the Eastern Mediterranean population.”
Kasinis said that “monthly counts of waterbirds conducted systematically by the Game and Fauna Service and BirdLife Cyprus for over two decades show a population decline of the species in Cyprus. Specifically, from 2013 to the present, a decline of 14–31% is observed.”
“A summary of the species’ status in Cyprus was recently presented at the 4th International Flamingo Symposium that took place in Italy, on 10-15 November,” he added.
He referred to the likely factors behind the significant decline of the species on the island, saying they are “frequent droughts, inflows of poor quality water with consequent reduction in available food, pressures from developments and incompatible activities around the wetlands.”
He noted that “within the framework of Project Pandoteira, a ten-year project co-financed by the EU LIFE Programme, knowledge gaps will be covered regarding the specific requirements of certain species for feeding, nesting and rest, as well as quantifying the threats they face.” The flamingo is one of the species the project addresses, he added.
He said that covering these knowledge gaps will allow the adoption of targeted conservation actions to improve the status of these species in specific Special Protection Zones.
“As a result, conservation objectives can be achieved, both for the species and for the Natura 2000 network areas where we find these species,” Kasinis concluded.
(information from CNA)
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