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Protection of lesser flamingos
Why is it in News?
- On World Migratory Bird Day on 10 October, experts from Mumbai came together to discuss ways to protect lesser flamingos.
Details:
- After the loss of 2,000 hectares of wetlands for the Navi Mumbai International Airport and JNPT expansions, the habitat for flamingos and wetland birds has shrunk to 20% of original area.
- Presently, Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary is the last refuge for 1.5 lakh birds.
- Lesser Flamingo:
(1) It is a species of flamingo occurring in sub-Saharan Africa and northwestern India.
(2) It is the smallest species of flamingo.
(3) Most of the plumage is pinkish white.
(4) The clearest difference between this species and the greater flamingo, the only greater flamingo, is the much more extensive black on the bill.
(5) Presence of flamingo groups near water bodies is indication of sodic alkaline water which is not suitable for irrigation use.
(6) In IUCN list, it is classified as near threatened due to its declining population and the low number of breeding sites.