Flamingo population in Cyprus plummets to record low

Flamingo populations at Cyprus' Akrotiri Salt Lake have plummeted to an all-time low, with only 30 greater flamingos recorded in January 2025. This is a drastic decline compared to previous decades, when wintering numbers ranged from 2,000 to 5,000, occasionally peaking at 13,000. Even in recent years, despite environmental challenges, the population typically ranged between 100 and 250, making this year’s count particularly alarming.

Experts warn that this sharp drop is an indication of severe wetland degradation. Nikos Kasinis, Senior Officer at the Game and Fauna Service, noted that the traditional relationship between water presence in the lake and flamingo numbers appears to be breaking down, particularly at Akrotiri Salt Lake. In addition to the declining bird population, unusual water inflows have been detected in the northern part of the lake, with signs of pollution and eutrophication. Investigations are currently underway to determine the source of these inflows and assess their impact on the broader ecosystem.

Several potential causes have been cited for the flamingo decline, including habitat changes due to development, a decrease in zooplankton levels affecting the birds’ food supply, broader environmental pressures in the Eastern Mediterranean, and the ongoing effects of climate change. Conservation groups, including BirdLife Cyprus and the Game and Fauna Service, have urged Cypriot authorities and the British Bases to take immediate action to investigate pollution sources, mitigate damage, and work toward restoring the wetland.

Akrotiri Salt Lake is a Ramsar-designated site of international ecological importance, serving as a crucial wintering ground for flamingos and other waterbirds. Its degradation not only threatens local wildlife but also raises concerns about the long-term viability of one of the region’s most significant wetland ecosystems.