Flamingos wintering in Cypriot wetlands declined in December 2013 compared with the same period of 2012, while during the same period the number of ducks increased substantially.
According to statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment, December counting showed 24,000 birds in their majority flamingos which amounted to 15,134, of which 13,600 in Akrotiri Salt Lake, on the southern coast.
The total number of ducks has increased substantially compared with the corresponding period of 2012 and amounted to 5,716.
The number of flamingos recorded in December 2013 is the second largest after that recorded in December 2012.
The flamingos gracing Cyprus every year are the Greater Flamingos or Phoenicopterus roseus, which are the most widespread species of the flamingo family.
They are the largest species of flamingos, averaging 110 to 150cm tall and weighing two to four kilos.
The flamingos are a beautiful sight on the local wetlands and attract Cypriots and tourists to see them.
