IUCN SSC Flamingo Specialist Group
IUCN COMMISSION GROUP

IUCN SSC Flamingo Specialist Group

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Overview and description

Description:
Four of the six species of flamingo are of conservation importance. Three species are listed as Near Threatened and one as Vulnerable. Three species show declining population trends currently. As all ...
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Four of the six species of flamingo are of conservation importance. Three species are listed as Near Threatened and one as Vulnerable. Three species show declining population trends currently. As all flamingos inhabit fragile wetland environments that are pressured by anthropogenic activities, The IUCN SSC Flamingo Specialist Group works as a global network of experts dedicated to the science and management required to keep them safe.

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Group leadership

Ms Catherine KING
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Cathy has served as Chair for the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA) Ciconiiformes and Phoenicopteriformes Taxon Advisory Group (TAG) since 1992. The TAG focuses on improved husbandry, cooperative management, research and conservation of species under its umbrella, including the Ardeidae. An important function of the group serves as a link between in situ and ex situ workers. Additionally Cathy is the European studbook keeper for Marabou Storks Leptoptilos crumeniferus and the wreathed hornbills Rhyticeros plicatus and R. undulatus, and the EEP Coordinator for the Oriental white stork Ciconia boyciana. She serves in some other TAGs and EEP committees and is in several IUCN-SSC specialist groups, but continues to have a particular fondness for all things waterbird.

Cathy has served as Chair for the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA) Ciconiiformes and Phoenicopteriformes Taxon Advisory Group (TAG) since 1992. The TAG focuses on improved husbandry ...

More about the Specialist Group

The FSG provides the scientific foundations to effectively inform effective flamingo (at the species level) and flamingo wetlands (at the habitat level) conservation action at a global level. The FSG also provide information, advice and support to those working with ex situ populations, to ensure that birds in human care have a strong conservation relevance and opportunities for engagement and public education. Ultimately, the FSG hopes to embrace a One Plan ...

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More about the Specialist Group

The FSG provides the scientific foundations to effectively inform effective flamingo (at the species level) and flamingo wetlands (at the habitat level) conservation action at a global level. The FSG also provide information, advice and support to those working with ex situ populations, to ensure that birds in human care have a strong conservation relevance and opportunities for engagement and public education. Ultimately, the FSG hopes to embrace a One Plan Approach to flamingo conservation planning and action for those flamingo species where this may be appropriate. 

The FSG stimulates, develops and conducts scientific research to inform the conservation of flamingos and their wetland habitats around the world. The FSG informs the general public of flamingo conservation-related issues and priorities for wetland protection via its website and social media presence. “Flamingo”, the journal of the FSG provides an open-access publication for new information on flamingo ecology, conservation and management, and is an important tool in disseminating news data on flamingo populations and conservation action to members and non-members of the Group.

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MISSION
Actively promote flamingo research and conservation worldwide by developing conservation Action Plans for the most threatened species, and by encouraging information exchange and cooperation amongst flamingo specialists, and with other relevant organisations, particularly the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC), Wetlands International, Ramsar Convention, WWF International and BirdLife International.

Specialist Group work

FSG is committed to the conservation, monitoring and management of one of the world’s most familiar birds. Our home is the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) in the UK but we work with stakeholders and expert parties around the world, in flamingo and non-flamingo range states. The FSG network works to share information and best practice, and foster collaboration between members with the ultimate aim of expanding our knowledge of flamingo populations worldwide. FSG members work on wild and captive birds, across all six flamingo species.

Promoting flamingos to the wider world

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Flamingos occur in amazing wetland environments and perform amazing behaviours- we aim to share this with the world, as well as share new information and ideas.

Flamingos on the IUCN Red List

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FSG contributes information and expertise to status assessments for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species to inform conservation efforts.

Annual Report

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Andean Flamingo, Phoenicoparrus andinus, VU. Photo by Paul Rose

Photo: Paul Rose

Chilean Flamingo, Phoenicopterus chilensis, NT. Photo by Paul Rose

Photo: Paul Rose

American Flamingo, Phoenicopterus ruber, LC. Photot by Paul Rose.

Photo: Paul Rose

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