Today we received the latest water quality analysis from Dr Jan Roos, an algae and water quality expert from Bloemfontein. From the report it is clear that the reason for the lower number of flamingos is almost certainly because of less food in the Dam. This is due to a change in algal species composition. There has been a complete switch in the algae during the past six or so months. Blue-green algae (Arthrospira sp.) were previously the dominant algae, but green algae (Mesotaenium sp., 95% of algae concentration) are now dominant. Blue-green algae are the Lesser Flamingo’s preferred food. The reason for the change in algal species composition is not known, but could be related to lower dissolved salts and possibly lower water temperature. It is uncertain whether the switch is permanent or temporary. 

The Homevale (Kimberley) Waste Water Treatment Works has been fixed, but does not seem to be managed properly (poor quality water continues to flow into Kamfers Dam). It does not appear as if there has been progress with the pipeline to the Vaal River for the pumping of excess, treated sewage water away from Kamfers Dam (which would allow for more effective control of the Kamfers Dam water level). 

The increased water levels flooded the flamingo island and the important manganese railway line on the southern/western side of Kamfers Dam. Millions of rand have been spent by Transnet to secure the main Gauteng-Western/Eastern Cape railway line which runs along the eastern end of Kamfers Dam (and between the N12 and the dam), but the manganese line has apparently been decommissioned.

The rebuilding of the flamingo island may be considered, but only if the landowner gives a commitment (perhaps through the Biodiversity Stewardship Programme) to the future conservation of Kamfers Dam.

We had such success, with an estimated 24,000 Lesser Flamingo and 100 Greater Flamingo chicks (and 100s of Grey-headed Gull chicks) hatching on the flamingo breeding island between 2007 and 2011. It is a great pity that the success could not be maintained, but unfortunately this is mainly due to political apathy by the various levels of government in the Northern Cape. If they had listened earlier (starting ten years ago), the problems could have been fixed. If there’s a will to fix the problems now, the work that needs to be done is not insurmountable!

Kamfers Dam is the only place in recorded history where Lesser Flamingos have bred in South Africa, and one of only four breeding places in Africa and six in the world. These birds breed infrequently and often unsuccessfully at the other sites, and there were indications that they would breed annually at Kamfers Dam. It is unfortunate for the future conservation of the Lesser Flamingo that the relatively simple infrastructure and water issues at Kamfers Dam could not be resolved.

Lesser Flamingo

The Lesser Flamingo - Phoenicopterus minor – is the smallest and most numerous flamingo, found in Africa and in southern Asia.

Description

They are shorter and a darker pink than the greater flamingo. Lesser flamingos also differ in the colouration of the beak, with a deep red bill, tipped with black, whereas the bill of greater flamingos is light pink, tipped with black. They have faint pink feathers with black primaries and secondaries and deep crimson legs. The eyes are yellow to orange and are surrounded by a maroon ring. Males are slightly taller than females, and juveniles have brown feathers and a dark grey beak.

Call

A ‘murr-err, murr-err’ call

Food

It has a highly specialised diet consisting almost entirely of microscopic blue-green algae - Spirulina spp., Oscillatoria spp. and Lyngbya spp. and benthic diatoms - Navicula spp., Bacillariophyceae - found only in alkaline lakes, salt pans and saline lagoons and estuaries. To a lesser extent, the species will also take small aquatic invertebrates.

Breeding

The species breeds on large undisturbed alkaline and saline lakes, salt pans or coastal lagoons, usually far out from the shore after seasonal rains have provided the flooding necessary to isolate remote breeding sites from terrestrial predators and the soft muddy material for nest building. A single chalk coloured egg is laid and then incubated by both parents in 24 hour shifts for about 28 days. The grey chick eats its own shell and is then fed a liquid soup by its parents for the next few months. Each chick learns to recognise the ‘murr-err, murr-err’ call of its parents.

Conservation Status – Near Threatened

Despite being the most numerous species of flamingo, it is classified as near- threatened due to its declining population and the low number of breeding sites, some of which are threatened by human activities.

Birdwatching

Ask Aves Birding Tours/Safaris/Adventures to create a tour for you to see these spectacular birds.