Although its presence in the Epecuén Lake has been documented for over a century, and it is considered one of the most important Southern Flamingo colonies on the continent, it was only in recent years that concrete actions for its preservation began to be implemented.
The species Phoenicopterus chilensis — known for its pink plumage and ecological role in brackish lagoons of southwestern Buenos Aires — is currently categorized as nationally vulnerable and near threatened according to the IUCN.
In this context, the Buenos Aires representative Natalia Dziakowski presented a bill to declare the conservation of the Southern Flamingo of Provincial Interest and create a comprehensive protection plan at the provincial level.
Epecuén and the Western Chain of Lakes: key habitats for the species
It is estimated that the water mirror of Epecuén, located in the Adolfo Alsina district, houses more than 22 thousand specimens. Its high concentration of saline artemia, rich in beta-carotenes, is key for the development of the characteristic pink plumage, whose intensity directly influences the species’ reproductive capacity.
These birds build their nests on temporary islets, safe from predators such as foxes or seagulls, and use materials such as mud, saliva, and feathers to build small conical towers. Their calm behavior makes them highly vulnerable to hunting and egg extraction.
A step towards a broader environmental policy
Until now, municipal ordinance No. 3,697, approved in 2012, had declared the species of local legislative interest in Adolfo Alsina. But the new project aims to scale up that protection to the Buenos Aires level, with a comprehensive package of measures that includes:
- Prohibition of hunting, persecution, feather, and egg extraction
- Implementation of population censuses and territorial monitoring
- Promotion of environmental education in local communities
- Scientific cooperation with universities and research centers
- Promotion of the creation of new protected areas and agreements with municipalities
Furthermore, the Biodiversity Directorate, as the enforcement authority, will be able to coordinate training, technical advice, and joint planning with local governments.
A regional symbol at risk
The Southern Flamingo inhabits various regions of the country, from the northeast to Patagonia, and uses ecosystems such as brackish lagoons, estuaries, and salt flats. In the province of Córdoba, for example, the Laguna de Mar Chiquita is one of its main breeding sites.
In southwestern Buenos Aires, the system of Western Chain of Lakes — Epecuén, Alsina, Cochicó, Del Monte, among others — represents a vital habitat for this and other aquatic and migratory species.
The legislative initiative recognizes its ecological, cultural, and touristic value, and proposes to integrate its protection into the provincial natural heritage.
Cover photo: Natura Internacional
