Pink flamingos at the mercy of human ‘civilization’
CORFU. Instead of being protected and promoted, the wetland at Alykes, Lefkimmi is threatened by pollution and apathy.
The wetland at Alykes, Lefkimmi, one of the Natura locations in Corfu and a stopping spot for the beloved pink flamingo when migrating, is in a totally forlorn condition. These beautiful exotic birds, admired and photographed every year, come to this wetland in winter and spring to feed in the salty water, which they prefer, especially on the tiny ‘artemia salina’ shrimp that are found in the waters of the small ponds. This flat wetland area has been a salt pan since the 13th and 14th centuries, although the last time salt was produced was in 1988. Remains from that era can still be seen - abandoned trolleys that have now turned into piles of rusted scrap metal.
Blocked canal
The salty water which enters from the sea helps a large number of microorganisms to evolve, thus providing food for migratory birds. However, this flora and fauna has been threatened in recent years because the canal which allows the salt water to enter has been blocked by sand. In the past, with the aid of the local authorities, the canal and the ditches were unblocked at least once a year, so that the balance of nature would not be disturbed. The Director of the Environmental Education Centre, Alekos Vlassis, told Enimerosi that this year the canal is completely blocked and the ponds have filled with distilled rainwater. As a result, flamingos came in the winter but as they couldn’t find any food, they immediately left. He went on to say that over the last few years nobody has been taking care of the wetland or unblocking the canal - which costs very little - and plastic waste brought by people and the weather has not been removed. The Enimerosi camera captured several spots full of waste.
An unprotected protection zone
Lefkimmi salt pans, which cover an area of about 600 acres, are part of the Natura 2000 network as a Special Protection Zone for birds and a Special Preservation Zone for habitats and species. Moreover, as ‘Corfu Lagoons’ it is considered an Important Bird Zone and is subject to biodiversity legislation. Although Alykes Lefkimmi wetland is a Natura area – an area with complete natural protection - hunting is not entirely forbidden in Greece, and is permitted between autumn and February, though not for all wild species. As a result, flamingos are often injured as ‘collateral damage’ from duck hunting. Since the Environmental Education Centre first started operating in 2009 and with all the efforts to raise awareness, many hunters have understood the situation, but the problem still remains with poachers.
According to Alekos Vlassis, an equally serious problem is created by the emissions to which the entire birdlife is subjected to from vehicles that sometimes enter the protected area or even from curious people that are attracted to the birds’ beauty and come closer to take pictures.
See more photos here.
