THE plight of the flamingo at Kamfers Dam will be explained at a talk and slide show at the uMhlathuze Municipal Office, Auditorium on 27 August at 7pm, entrance is free.
Zululanders interested in hearing about the flamingo saga: the first Lesser Flamingo breeding event in South Africa, the sixth breeding site in the world, the suspension of three scientists, the Save the Flamingo Association’s campaign, and more, are in for a treat.
Birdlife Zululand is providing an opportunity for you to hear the story directly from the CEO of BirdLife South Africa, Mark Anderson, who will present a talk and slide show on Kamfers Dam and its flamingos.
The lesser flamingo is the smallest species of flamingo, though it is a tall and largish bird by most standards. Most of the plumage is pinkish white. The clearest difference between this species and the greater flamingo, the only other Old World species of flamingo, is the more extensive black on the bill.
The lesser flamingo may be the most numerous species of flamingo with a population that, at its peak, probably numbered up to two million. The birds are prey to a variety of species, including marabou storks, baboons, African fish eagles, and wildcats.
A nomadic bird, the lesser flamingo is found throughout Africa as well as in Spain, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Oman and Yemen.
The only breeding site in South Africa, situated at Kamfers Dam, is threatened by pollution and encroaching development.
Kamfers Dam is the only place in South Africa where Lesser Flamingos have ever bred, and one of only four regular breeding sites in the world.
