Algerian Volunteers Save Nearly 300 Flamingo Chicks

✏️ By: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | July 23rd, 2024 — In a significant act of environmental stewardship, Algerian volunteers have successfully rescued around 300 flamingo chicks from the parched Tinsilt Lake in Oum El Bouaghi, eastern Algeria. The rescue, reported by AFP, underscores the critical importance of wetland conservation as climate change increasingly impacts natural habitats.

Tinsilt Lake, a vital wetland area spanning over 20 square kilometers and located 450 kilometers east of Algiers, annually attracts thousands of flamingos. However, recent extreme temperatures have led to the lake’s severe desiccation, leaving the young flamingos stranded without adequate resources. The lake’s transformation from a vibrant, life-supporting habitat to a barren expanse of cracked earth has exacerbated the crisis.

Volunteer Mourad Ajroud detailed the drastic changes observed over the past month. What was once a thriving wetland is now marked by the remnants of deceased birds and a starkly diminished habitat. The lake’s near-total drying forced adult flamingos to abandon their nests, leaving behind unhatched eggs and vulnerable chicks. Many of these young birds succumbed to starvation, dehydration, and predation.

As one of Algeria’s designated Ramsar sites, Tinsilt Lake is recognized for its international ecological importance. This situation mirrors a previous tragedy at Télamine Lake in Oran, another Ramsar site, where wastewater pollution led to the death of around a hundred flamingos last year.

In response to the emergency, volunteers, led by amateur photographer Tarek Kawajlia, coordinated the relocation of the surviving chicks to a more stable wetland near Aïn M’lila, approximately 50 kilometers away. Local community support was pivotal, with villagers providing transport to move 283 flamingos to Mahidiya Lake, which remains nourished by tributary rivers.

The operation involved meticulous efforts, including regular patrols by volunteers to monitor the chicks’ health until they were capable of flight. Despite these efforts, not all birds could be rescued or relocated. Mourad Ajroud expressed regret over the losses, while Ezzedine Laour focused on providing veterinary care to injured flamingos.

The successful relocation of the chicks was followed by the hopeful sight of some adult flamingos joining their young at Mahidiya Lake. Tarek Kawajlia shared images of the touching reunion on social media, celebrating the positive outcome of the operation.

This rescue mission highlights the pressing need for ongoing conservation efforts and the protection of Algeria’s wetland ecosystems in the face of mounting climate challenges. The commitment of these volunteers serves as a powerful reminder of the vital role individuals and communities play in safeguarding our natural heritage.

About Dzair Tube Media Group

Dzair Tube has firmly positioned itself as a leading force in Algerian digital journalism, delivering a rich and diverse array of content. Available in Arabic, French, and English, Dzair Tube captivates a broad audience, drawing over half a million daily clicks.

The platform’s excellence was notably recognized with the prestigious President of the Republic’s Award for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on October 22, 2022. This accolade underscores Dzair Tube’s steadfast commitment to the highest journalistic standards.

Dzair Tube’s substantial online footprint includes 350,000 YouTube subscribers, over six million followers across various Facebook pages, and 450,000 Instagram followers. The digital channel serves as a nexus for a wide range of programming, spanning news, sports, entertainment, culture, and religion, catering to a diverse audience.

Boasting cutting-edge studios and advanced technology, Dzair Tube’s digital channel has attracted a significant viewership with its varied programs. It facilitates interactive discussions with key figures from various sectors, promoting public discourse and engagement. Beyond news, Dzair Tube excels in producing marketing documentaries, short TV commercials, and high-viewership shows.

The print edition of Dzair Tube’s sports newspaper, “Dzair Sport,” further attests to the platform’s influence, with over 50,000 daily downloads from the official Dzair Tube website.

Awarded the Media Leadership Award by the Minister of Communication, Mohamed Laâgab, Dzair Tube continues to shape the Algerian digital media landscape, maintaining its position of influence and impact. Additionally, Dzair Tube’s prominence in Algeria’s media scene was celebrated at the ninth edition of the “Hilals of the Television” competition, solidifying its status as a media leader.

Stay Connected with Dzair Tube