IUCN COMMISSION GROUP

IUCN SSC Flamingo Specialist Group

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 ...

Ms Catherine KING

Cathy became co--chair of the IUCN SSC Flamigo Specialist Group (FSG) in 2017 and chair in 2022. Because of their beauty and popularity flamingos serve as a particularly effective ambassador for wetlands, the most rapidly lost type of ecosystem, and wetland protection is a primary objective of the FSG. Cathy has alo served as Chair for the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA) Pelecaniformes, Ciconiiformes and Phoenicopteriformes Taxon Advisory Group (TAG) since 1992. The TAG focuses on networking to achieve improved husbandry, cooperative management, research and conservation of species under its umbrella. An important function of the group is to serve as a link between in situ and ex situ activities . Additionally Cathy is the Coordinator for several bird EAZA EEP programs including the Marabou Stork Leptoptilos crumeniferus, Oriental white stork Ciconia boyciana, Papuan hornbills Rhyticeros plicatus and wreathed hornbills R. undulatus.

Cathy became co--chair of the IUCN SSC Flamigo Specialist Group (FSG) in 2017 and chair in 2022. Because of their beauty and popularity flamingos serve as a particularly effective ambassador for ...

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 ...

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.