Ten Endangered Flamingos Rescued from Smugglers in Tunisia

The successful rescue of ten endangered flamingos in Tunisia highlights ongoing efforts to combat wildlife smuggling and protect vulnerable species.

Ten endangered flamingos have been rescued in Tunisia after customs authorities apprehended smugglers attempting to traffick them. The birds were found packed into crates inside a lorry close to the Algerian border on Sunday, with their wings, legs, and bodies bound, as indicated by the customs body in a social media post. Fortunately, the flamingos have now been returned to their natural habitat, underscoring a commitment to conserving the species.

While Tunisian laws prohibit the hunting and smuggling of flamingos, it remains unclear what legal measures are being taken against the alleged traffickers. The greater flamingo, scientifically known as Phoenicopterus roseus, is recognized as a threatened species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Conservationists warn that aside from poaching, flamingos face additional threats from pollution and climate change, particularly as human actions continue to diminish their wetland habitats. Despite these challenges, recent data indicates a positive trend, revealing a population increase over the last decade, with estimates suggesting there are now at least half a million flamingos remaining in the wild.

North Africa serves as one of many migratory stops for these birds, which can also be found across Europe, West Africa, and Asia. Notable bird-watching sites for flamingo enthusiasts include Djerba Island off Tunisia's southeastern coast and the Korba Lagoon in the north.