Phoenicopterus ruber

Papers Ecology Conference on Flamingos, Oil Pollution and Reefs, Bonaire, 1975

Contents

Introduction - by the Editors.
Address - by M. A. POURIER, Minister of Economic Development.
Address- by Mr. A. R. W. SINT JAGO, Lieutenant Governor of Bonaire.
Illuminated Address to Mr. L. D. GERHARTS- by Mr. J. A. CONNELL, President Caribbean Conservation Association.

I.            FLAMINGOES

J. Rooth: Ecological aspects of the flamingos on Bonaire. Resumen: Aspectos ecológicos de los flamencos en Bonaire.
A. Sprunt: A new Colombian site for the American flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber).
B. de Boer & J. Rooth: Notes on a visit to Chichiriviche (Venezuela).
I. Kristensen: Discussion on flamingo problems.
 

II.           0IL POLLUTION

J. H. B. W. Elgershuizen & H. A. M. de Kruijf: abstract: Toxic effects of crude oils and dispersant to the stony coral Madracis mirabilis,
J. H. B. W. Elgershuizen, R. P. M. Bak & I. Kristensen: abstract: Oil sediment removal in corals.
H. S. George: Position-determination of oil pollution by aerial photographs and its interpretation.
L. T. Giulini: La contaminación del ambiente marino por los hidrocarburos. Abstract: Marine pollution by oil.
G. P. Canevari: Some remarks regarding the utility and mechanisms of chemical dispersants.
 

III.          REEFS

J. L. Hunt & J. Araud: Coral distribution in the Bahia de Patanemo, Venezuela.
H. G. Gamiochipi: Parques submarinos en el Caribe Mexicano.
C. Noome & I. Kristensen: abstract: Necessity of conservation of slow growing organisms like Black Coral. Resumen: Necesidad de medidas conservacionistas con respecto a organismos de lento crecimiento tales como el Coral Negro.
A. Corsten, I. Corsten-Hulsmans & H. A. M. de Kruijf: abstract: Recolonization experiments of the coral reef fish Gramma Ioreto, the Royal Gramma.
C. den Hartog: The role of seagrasses in shallow waters in the Caribbean.
E. Towle: abstract: Reef communities and human interference: a positive view.
D. Stewart: abstract: Human participation in reef communities.
 

Addresses of the authors.
List of participants.
Netherlands Antilles National Parks Foundation- information.
 

Date
1976
Data type
Other resources
Theme
Research and monitoring
Geographic location
Aruba
Bonaire
Curacao

Flamingos on Bonaire and in Venezuela

Results of a three year study (1975-1978) of Flamingos on Bonaire and in Venezuela, including population size, food availability, migration and nesting patterns.

On Bonaire the numbers of flamingos now do not differ significantly from those found before the Salt Works started. Nevertheless the food situation for the flamingos has deteriorated. The area available to them has been diminished and it seems they prefer the food in Venezuela. They do feed readily in the Salt pans though and there is abundant food available to them once they accept the snails as food item. There are signs however that the predation on Gemma purpurea is too heavy. It is unlikely that the gypsum crust in the higher pans will be removed. The management of the AISCO is however convinced that a biological management is absolutely necessary for the salt production too. It is to be expected that the dumping of fertilizers will enhance the organic production in the salt pans and hence the food supply for the flamingos. As explained there are certain dangers to this fertilizer program too. In changing the flow system the AISCO should take into account the effect of this on the flamingo-population. Also plans for harvesting brine shrimps must be weighed against the needs of the flamingos. Therefore it would be useful if e.g. 4 times a year there would be a control on the biological processes in the salt works. Biologists from the Caribbean Marine Biological Institute (Carmabi) on Curaçao could help out with this, possibly under auspices from the Stinapa, the foundation for nature conservancy in the Netherlands Antilles. It is clear that too much disturbance takes place, especially in the Sanctuary. A stricter guard should be kept to keep possible intruders out. The best solution would be if the government of Bonaire would appoint a special guard for the flamingos, at least for the breeding season. The airport officials should be more aware of their task to keep planes from entering the forbidden area and if a plane would tresspass stern measures should be taken against the pilot. It is highly recommendable to build some kind of observation post from which tourists can have a look at the breeding colony. A telescope (the type in which you have to throw a coin to look) seems to be in the possession of the Bonaire government already. An ideal place to put it would be the house next to the red slavehuts . It would prevent a lot of disappointment for bird-watching tourists, and justify the name of Flamingo island for Bonaire. An operator at the place could serve at the same time as guard for the flamingo-colony.

At the entrance to Lake Goto an oil-terminal has been built, far with little disturbance for the flamingos. Care should be so taken however that by a further expansion of this terminal lake Goto and its shores remain completely untouched. Especially the seapage from sea through the coral debris wall at the entrance of the lake should not be disturbed as this together with the high evaporation maintains the highly salinity environment.

The plantation Slagbaai has recently come into the possession of Stinapa. Plans are ready to open this area to the public and some facilities for visitors will be made. As the flamingos reside in the landlocked bay, and especially near some buildings which will be restored and put into use, care should be taken that the flamingos will not be chased by too eager bird watchers or photographers.

Date
1979
Data type
Research report
Theme
Research and monitoring
Report number
STINAPA Documentation Series, No. 3
Geographic location
Bonaire
Author

The Flamingos on Bonaire

Monograph on the flamingos of Bonaire. 

Habitat, Diet and Reproduction of Phoenlcopterus ruber ruber. Results of a one-year cycle of observations on the Flamingos on Bonaire, their food and environment, from August 1959 to August 1960.

Date
1965
Data type
Scientific article
Theme
Research and monitoring
Geographic location
Bonaire
Author

Saliña Goto and reduced flamingo abundance since 2010 - Ecological and ecotoxicological research

Abstract:

In 2010 a petrochemical fire took place at the BOPEC oil terminals on Bonaire. These facilities are located on the shores of the Goto lake, a legally protected RAMSAR wetland and important flamingo foraging area. Before the fire, daily flamingo counts averaged approximately 400 birds that used the area to feed on Artemia (brine shrimp) and Ephydra (brine fly larvae). Immediately after the fire, flamingo densities plummeted to nearly none and have not recovered. A large amount of fire retardants were used to combat the fire, and were hypothesised to be a potential cause for the flamingo declines. Our analyses of 15 years of baseline flamingo monitoring data show that rainfall does influence flamingo densities but only on the short-term and steering seasonal dynamics of flamingos. Therefore the rainfall event/change in the rainfall regime cannot account for lasting absence of flamingos. Nearby control lakes that were not affected by the fire showed no lasting reduction in flamingo densities, but instead an increase due to the birds no longer feeding in Goto.

In 2012, we measured the concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and perfluorinated compounds (PFCs, which includes PFOS) in Goto and control-lake waters and conducted additional chemical screening (fingerprinting) of sediments and biota. These measurements showed both lasting elevated levels of PFCs, in water, sediments and biota (fish) and lowered food-species concentrations in Goto as compared to control areas. Based on calculated Risk Quotients combined with the chronic exposure, for the documented PFOS levels, toxicological effects on benthic organisms such as Artemia and Ephydra are likely. Nevertheless additional impact by other associated retardant toxicant is also probable. Goto was found to be chemically different based on GC*GC chemical fingerprinting indicative of elevated Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) concentrations, a compound used in petrochemical industries as a solvent.

In conclusion, our results demonstrate a close link between the 2010 Bopec fires and the subsequent abandonment of the adjacent Goto lake by foraging flamingos. Compared to nearby control lakes, Goto was found to have elevated (and toxic) concentrations of PFCs and associated low food species concentrations. Therefore, our results suggest that the lasting abandonment of the lake by flamingos after the fire have been due to the drastically low food-species densities as likely caused by toxic ecosystem effects resulting from retardants released into the environment while combatting the fires. 

Date
2013
Data type
Research report
Theme
Research and monitoring
Report number
C211/13
Geographic location
Bonaire