Lesser flamingos, already under pressure due to limited breeding grounds, have lost one of their only four breeding sites in Africa. Kamfers Dam, situated 6km north of Kimberly in South Africa, once a haven for tens of thousands of these striking birds, has been severely affected by years of sewage pollution. What was once a thriving breeding colony, is now overwhelmed by untreated wastewater. The result is that Lesser Flamingos no longer breed there, and the dam has become a toxic wetland.
The collapse of this crucial site is part of a broader crisis facing South Africa’s wetlands. Experts warn that without urgent investment and maintenance, more ecosystems, and the species they support, will collapse. Conservation Biologist, Tania Anderson says, “It’s really very upsetting.Flamingos play a pivotal role in maintaining the water ecosystems of our wetlands.”
This isn’t just about birds. The flamingo’s disappearance is a stark warning of the consequences of mismanaged water systems, urban neglect, and environmental indifference. The story is a wake-up call to protect not only a remarkable species but also the health of communities and ecosystems that depend on clean, functioning water systems.
To understand the full depth of this crisis and why it matters, read the original article from Reuters.
