American flamingos banded in Yucatán for conservation monitoring

The National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (Conanp) has completed the banding of 425 American flamingos in the Angostura area of Las Coloradas, located within the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve in Yucatán.

Involving 142 participants including technicians, government representatives, and local community members, the operation began in the early morning hours. The process involved herding the birds into enclosures to collect vital data such as weight, measurements, and medical samples before the birds were banded and released. These bands serve as an identity tool for scientists to track migratory routes, life expectancy, and population health.

Recent monitoring indicates approximately 24,000 flamingos in the nesting area. Drone counts identified 12,500 nests this season, with a hatching rate of 63.84 percent, resulting in approximately 7,980 chicks. Due to environmental conditions, nesting has also been observed in the Ría Celestún Biosphere Reserve and the San Crisanto area.