A flamingo census was conducted in the high Andean regions of Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina, determining that there are approximately 2500 individuals.
Within these animals, the species with the highest presence in the territory is the Andean flamingo or Chilean flamingo. It is essential to care for them and keep track of the specimens.
Flamingo census: how many and which ones are there
The VII International Simultaneous Census of High Andean Flamingos is a key initiative for the conservation of these species. It takes place every 5 years in a coordinated manner in the high Andean regions of Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.
The Andean flamingo or Chilean flamingo (Phoenicoparrus andinus) is the most prevalent species in the territory, with 1303 individuals found, followed by the James’s flamingo (Phoenicoparrus jamesi) with 917, and the Chilean flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis) with 204.
The importance of flamingos.
Why it is important to monitor them
“Flamingos are bioindicator species, meaning they are very sensitive organisms to changes in their habitat and environmental conditions, reflecting the state of the surrounding environment,” said Natalia Piñones, head of the Protected Wild Areas Department of CONAF Tarapacá.
“Moreover, they are of great ecological importance because, of the six flamingo species in the world, three inhabit the southern cone: the Chilean or Andean flamingo, the Andean flamingo, and the James’s flamingo. All three are represented in the national parks administered by CONAF in this region, making their monitoring and census essential,” she emphasized.
Additionally, they reported sighting 16 other bird species: 406 individuals, including the Andean goose (156), giant coot (25), lesser rhea (44), and speckled teal (42) among the most numerous.
According to the national parks
Where flamingos live.
Salar del Huasco National Park and flamingo nesting
To enhance the census in the Salar del Huasco National Park, adjacent areas to the unit were covered, including the Collacagua River, Lagunillas, and Coposa Salt Flat with a predominance of flamingos (1783), followed by lesser rhea (44), Andean goose (31), giant coot (24), and horned coot (11) among the most numerous.
Isluga Volcano National Park increased sightings
By having data from January 2024 for some sectors of the Parincota Lagoon and Arabilla Lagoon of Isluga Volcano National Park, a 40% higher presence of birds was confirmed in Parincota Lagoon.
Additionally, a 32% increase in individuals was observed in Arabilla Lagoon. In these lagoons, the most significant sightings were of flamingos (648), followed by Andean avocet (16) and Baird’s sandpiper (9) in the case of the former, and Andean goose (125) and speckled teal (37) for the latter.
Where flamingos are found in Argentina
In Argentina, flamingos can be found in the provinces of Jujuy, Salta, Catamarca, Córdoba, Santa Fe, Buenos Aires, and also in Patagonia.
The identified species are:
- Andean flamingo: lives in the provinces of Jujuy, Salta, and Catamarca. In autumn-winter, it descends to the plains of Córdoba and Santa Fe.
- Chilean flamingo: inhabits wetlands.
- James’s flamingo: also known as the lesser flamingo, is a winter visitor to Mar Chiquita Lagoon.
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