The vibrant pink feathers of flamingos are a sight to behold, but their presence in Chile's Los Flamencos National Reserve is diminishing. Scientists are now taking to the skies, not literally on flamingos' backs, but by using satellite technology to track these majestic birds and understand the reasons behind their population decline.
A Dwindling Flock
"The number of flamingos we're seeing is much lower than two years ago," says Guillermo Cubillos, head of the conservation and investigations unit for Chile's National Zoo. This dramatic drop, from 100-150 flamingos spotted in 2023 to just 15-20 this year, paints a worrying picture.
Threats to Paradise
Cubillos points to potential culprits for this decline: climate change and mining, particularly lithium extraction. Flamingos are highly sensitive to environmental disruptions, including noise pollution from mining activities. Even subtle changes in their ecosystem can have a significant impact on their well-being. As Cubillos aptly states, "So any change in the ecosystem, flamingos are the first to feel it."
Taking Flight with Science
To unravel the mystery behind the dwindling numbers, scientists are employing a high-tech solution – satellite transmitters. These tiny devices, attached to captured flamingos, will track their movements, revealing their feeding and breeding grounds, as well as how they utilize their habitat. This crucial data will be instrumental in proposing conservation zones and directing efforts to protect the three flamingo species found in the area.
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Balancing Needs
The Los Flamencos National Reserve presents a unique challenge. While it's an important area for biodiversity, it also holds significant potential for mining resources. Cubillos emphasizes that the flamingo conservation project aims to provide "science-based evidence to take decisions regarding land use." Finding a sustainable balance between economic development and environmental protection is paramount.
By taking flight with satellite technology, Chilean scientists are soaring in their pursuit to understand and protect these iconic pink birds. Their efforts will hopefully ensure that future generations can continue to witness the beauty and grace of flamingos in the Los Flamencos National Reserve.
Source: Reuters
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