Flamingo migration increases across Cyprus salt lakes

Recent rainfall across Cyprus has significantly increased water levels in local salt lakes, triggering an earlier-than-usual arrival of flamingo flocks. In Larnaca, the population of these nomadic birds has grown since their initial appearance a month ago, with sightings reported across multiple smaller lakes. Similar migratory patterns have been observed at the Akrotiri Salt Lake, where more than 1,000 birds have settled with numbers rising daily.

Among the arrivals at Akrotiri is a rare black female flamingo known as "Melani," which has been documented returning to the area annually since 2015. Dr. Thomas Hadjikyriakou, director of the Akrotiri Environmental and Education Centre, confirmed that the bird exhibits melanism, a rare genetic mutation. Experts suggest she may be the only known melanistic flamingo in the world.

Due to the increased bird activity, authorities have issued a strict appeal for visitors to maintain distance and avoid entering the restricted lake zones. To observe the wildlife safely, the public is encouraged to use the designated observation facilities at the Akrotiri center, which are equipped with telescopes, rather than approaching the flocks directly. The flamingos are expected to remain in their Cypriot habitats until the spring before continuing their migration.