The Popular Flamingo Sponsored a Flamingo Conservation Report in Peru

The first Chilean Flamingo conservation report for Talara Province sponsored by The Popular Flamingo has been released.

Jeremy Flanagan, a volunteer for the Northern Peruvian Flamingos Working Group (NPFWG), presented the report to several major figures in the Peruvian province of Talara in August.

Talara Province has six wetlands visited annually by Chilean flamingos, spread across three areas: Máncora, Quebrada Pariñas and Punta Malacas, and Punta Balcones. Parts of the Máncora wetlands and the Punta Malacas wetland receive wastewater from treatment plants. Punta Balcones was declared an Environmental Conservation Area, but the site is not actively managed.

Talara Province is a major petroleum-producing area, with all of the area along the coast under oil concessions held by various companies. There is an oil refinery in Talara city. This province is part of the Sechura Desert.

The report led by Jeremy, who has been involved in flamingo monitoring with his wife, Luz Cristina, since 2010, also concluded that the biggest threat facing the wetlands in Talara Province is invasive Alien Species (IAS), particularly the Athel Tamarisk (Tamarix aphylla). This highly invasive species, native to North Africa and the Middle East, is rapidly expanding in normally dry gullies, creeks, and watersheds throughout coastal northwest Peru. 

Luz Cristina and Jeremy conducting fieldwork in the Máncora wetlands

Another highly invasive alien species recorded was the Castor Bean (Ricinus communis), which is gaining ground in all areas visited and spreading rapidly into wild areas and impacting the wetlands Chilean Flamingos rely on. If nothing is done to control these invasive species, even more damage is likely, Jeremy warned.

Flanagan and Luz Cristina Gálvez conducted the fieldwork for the report in Talara Province. They also captured a video of two juvenile Chilean flamingos born in the Sechura Desert in the colonies the NPFWG tracks.

In the Sechura Desert, these flamingos are only a few months old and can’t yet fly. Until they are able to fly, the chicks stand a greater risk of being poached and sold as duck meat in local markets, said the NPFWG’s David G. Ricalde.

“Once they start flying, they will depend on the health of other wetlands far from the Sechura Desert, such as the wetlands of Talara Province to the north,” Ricalde explained.

Thank You, Flamingo Fans!

Flanagan’s presentation was momentous for flamingo conservation in Northern Peru. For many who attended, it was their first time hearing about the details of the region’s flamingo history and the state of its coastal wetlands.

Ricalde said that resources from The Popular Flamingo helped make it possible.

“Your donation is being used to create baseline observations on key wetlands in the province,” he explained. “The report aims to bring attention to the conservation challenges facing Talara’s wetlands and encourage local authorities, the public, and the private sector to help protect them.”

Last year, The Popular Flamingo pledged to donate 10% of every sale to flamingo conservation. So far, more than $4,000 has been donated, and we are partnered with more than five trusted organizations dedicated to the conservation of flamingos somewhere in the world. Giving back to the fabulous fowl is core to our mission.

“We first got involved in Peru to support the flamingo colonies in Sechura. This report shows how closely the birds’ future is tied to wetlands farther along the coast. We’re grateful to David, Jeremy, and the whole team for documenting these important sites, and to our customers, whose support helps make our contribution possible,” said Jonathan Jennings, co-founder and owner of The Popular Flamingo.

It is only made possible with your incredible backing of our brand. The Popular Flamingo is proud to lead the outstanding community of flamingo fans who can’t get enough of this pink bird!