Filenews 19 February 2025
The latest data from midwinter waterbird records are of serious concern, as the population of flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus) wintering in Cyprus has decreased dramatically, with historically low records in Akrotiri Salt Lake.
According to data recorded in a joint press release by BirdLife Cyprus and the Game and Fauna Service, the number of flamingos in Akrotiri Salt Lake in January 2025 amounted to just 30 birds – the lowest recorded since systematic measurements began in 1992. This figure is lower even than during the severe drought of 2008. In recent years, Aliki hosted 100-250 flamingos, in contrast to previous decades, where numbers ranged between 2,000 and 5,000, reaching up to 13,000 in exceptional years.
The Senior Officer of the Game and Fauna Service, Nikos Kasinis, stressed that "the dramatic decline in the population of flamingos is a serious indicator for the degradation of our wetlands. Traditionally, the presence of water in salt marshes was accompanied by the presence of flamingos. This relationship is no longer valid, especially in Akrotiri Salt Lake."
Possible causes and concerns about pollution
In addition to the alarming decrease in the number of flamingos, there are also abnormal water inflows on the north side of the Salt Lake, with signs of pollution and eutrophication. Their origin is being investigated, as they may have adversely affected the ecosystem, causing knock-on effects on the wildlife of the area.
The possible causes of flamingo decline are attributed to:
- Development within the catchment, affecting the quantity and quality of water.
- Changes in the biological composition of water, such as reduction of zooplankton.
- Environmental pressures in the Eastern Mediterranean.
- Impacts of climate change.
Immediate action is needed
According to the announcement, the issue requires an urgent response, with coordinated actions by the Republic of Cyprus and the British Bases, to investigate the causes of the reduction, identify the origin of the pollution and ensure the restoration of the wetland.
Akrotiri Salt Lake is an area of international importance and is characterized as Ramsar, due to the large concentrations of flamingos and other waterfowl in winter. The general decline of waterbirds in the area over the last decade intensifies concerns about the state of the ecosystem.
