Are Flamingos going extinct and how can Mumbaikars help conserve this wonderful bird?

Mumbai has long been the natural habitat of migrating Flamingos.

Flamingos are not currently going extinct, but some species face threats that could potentially impact their populations. There are six species of flamingos, and their conservation status varies:

1. Lesser Flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor): Near Threatened. This species faces threats from habitat loss, changes in water quality, and human disturbances, particularly in their breeding sites.

2. Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus): Least Concern. They are widespread and have a large population, but they still face habitat destruction and pollution.

3. American Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber): Least Concern. This species is found in the Caribbean, the Galápagos Islands, and parts of South America. They are relatively stable but still affected by habitat changes.

4. Chilean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis): Near Threatened. Found in South America, they are affected by habitat loss and water pollution.

5. Andean Flamingo (Phoenicoparrus andinus): Vulnerable. This species is one of the rarest flamingos and faces significant threats from mining activities, water extraction, and climate change.

6. James's Flamingo (Phoenicoparrus jamesi): Near Threatened. Also found in South America, they face similar threats as the Andean Flamingo.

Conservation efforts are crucial for the protection of flamingos, especially for those species that are more vulnerable. Protecting their habitats, managing water resources, and mitigating human disturbances are key strategies in ensuring their survival.

Mumbai is home to the Lesser and Greater Flamingo Specie who come to Winter on the East Coast of the city. These birds generally portend the onset of the monsoon and migrate from as far as Rajasthan, Gujarat and even Iran, Pakistan and Central Asia.

Flamingo sightings are especially delightful with hundreds of these gentle birds visible in their flock from vantage points at Thane Creek Sanctuary, Bhandup and Sewri Wadala. Their natural habitat – the brackish Eastern mangroves has been designated as a special conservation zone.

Still efforts to preserve and regenerate the Flamingo populations have been lacklustre, and the sad reality is that not even 20 years ago there used to be exponentially more Flamingos.