To date, a total of 8 individuals with rings have been reported in this region. Of these, 7 have plastic identifying rings with alphabetical codes, and 1 has only a metal ring.
The Flamingo Tracking Laboratory (“FlamencoLab”) of the FPEH has conducted verification of the ring codes in collaboration with wildlife technicians from the United States. The results of this investigation confirm with certainty that three of these individuals have estimated ages of 7, 18, and 23 years and were born in the wetlands of Ría Lagartos, located in Yucatán, Mexico.
Biologists from the FPEH point out that this is not the first record of Flamingos born in the wetlands of Yucatán being sighted in Florida and Cuba. On this occasion, the presence of this flock of Flamingos in Florida during September has drawn attention due to the increase in the number of birds. It is speculated that the movement of some Flamingos born in Yucatán to other countries may be related to currents generated by storms. It is worth noting that the sightings in the USA occurred after the passage of Storm Idalia on August 31 in this region.
Officials from Audubon Florida have contributed to understanding this phenomenon by explaining that when Storm Idalia passed between Yucatán and western Cuba, strong winds likely carried the Flamingos from that region to the coast of Florida. Sightings have been reported on beaches and other natural areas in Florida, including the Keys, Tigertail Beach, Sanibel Causeway, Bunche Beach, Punta Gorda, Charlotte Harbor, Clearwater, Treasure Island, Siesta Key, Tarpon Springs, Port St. Joe, St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, and Lake Pithlacoco. Additionally, sightings have been recorded in places as far away as Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Kentucky, Texas, Tennessee, Alabama, Wisconsin, and more.
The records of Flamingos in Florida born in Yucatán indicate that conservation efforts for Flamingos transcend borders and require regional initiatives.
One of the pillars of these monitoring efforts is the “FlamencoLab” program, an initiative of the Pedro and Elena Hernández Foundation, A.C., aimed at collecting, curating, and disseminating information generated through tracking devices such as rings and satellite transmitters. The goal is to develop knowledge, management, and conservation of Flamingos throughout their distribution range by learning about regional interconnections, distribution changes, and the longevity of Flamingos.
Since 1999, the FPEH has been indirectly involved in the conservation of the Caribbean Flamingo, providing support to government organizations and NGOs in conservation efforts for the species. However, starting in 2015, it has taken a more direct role in collaboration with CONABIO and CONANP in actions to conserve Flamingos, with ring marking and the placement of satellite transmitters being one of the most significant contributions.
The FPEH remains committed to protecting and studying the Caribbean Flamingo throughout its distribution area, working in collaboration with various institutions and experts to ensure a safer future for these majestic birds.
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