Is the Flamingo Endangered?
The flamingo is such a common sight at zoos around the country that it seems that these birds could not possibly be threatened with extinction. However, wild flamingo numbers are dropping around the world and some consider them endangered.
Types
There are six different species of flamingos. The Andean, Caribbean (or American), Chilean, James, greater and lesser flamingos comprise all of the flamingo species.
Status
As of 2009, all flamingos but the lesser are listed as either threatened or endangered on at least one conservation list, including the lists published by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN)/World Conservation Union.
Range
Flamingos live throughout South America, including the Andes Mountains, the Caribbean and Africa, with some also living in India, southern Europe and southern and southwest Asia.
Threats
The primary threat that flamingos encounter is toxins and pollution in the water supply, generally run-off from manufacturing facilities, which can quickly kill off large numbers of the birds. Beyond that, encroachment on their habitat is the major threat.
Solution
To ensure that all flamingo species remain in existence, the most effective solution is to ensure that flamingo habitats are preserved and strict anti-pollution guidelines are enforced in these areas.
Related posts
Flamingos are one of the most ancient species of birds alive today.There are six different species of flamingos, all of which are immediately identifiable by their body shape and pink feathers, wh...
The greater flamingo is one of the larger species.Six species of flamingo inhabit some of the planet's most severe environments. They are very social creatures, living in large groups known as col...
Beautiful but hardy flamingosFlamingos look like delicate tropical birds but are in fact adapted to survive in some of the harshest habitats on Earth. The five species of flamingo are grouped in t...
Beautiful plumage makes a flock of flamingos an impressive sight.Flamingos are among the most beautiful birds in the world with their graceful lines and striking colors. Plumage ranges in color by...
The flamingo has a pink color to its feathers.Flamingos are colorful wading birds with a global distribution, existing in the New World as well as Asia, Africa and parts of Europe. Most species ha...
