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Thousands Of Flamingos Have Turned Mumbai Pink During Lockdown

Thousands Of Flamingos Have Turned Mumbai Pink During Lockdown

There has been a 25 percent increase in the population of migrating flamingos since last year

Amelia Ward

Amelia Ward

With most humans stuck indoors due to lockdown restrictions, wildlife is taking the opportunity to make the most of open spaces.

Flamingos have been taking over the Indian city of Mumbai, with the stunning pink birds flocking to the area's waters. Some have speculated that the reduction in the fishing and construction work that usually takes place in the city gives the birds more favourable conditions for roosting and hunting for food.

As reported by Science Times, although flamingos have been spotted in Mumbai since the 1980s, migrating there between October and March for feeding and breeding, the population is reported to have increased, with huge numbers of the birds photographed chilling on the mudflats of Thane Creek.

Thousands of flamingos have migrated to the Talawe wetland, Mumbai.
Pratik Chorge/Hindustan Times via Getty Images

Locals have reported huge increases in the animals, sharing photos online of the pink and white creatures lighting up the lakes.

Resident of the city Sunil Agarwal told the Hindustan Times: "Residents are cooped up at home spending their mornings and evenings at their balconies taking photographs and videos of these relaxed birds.

"The lockdown will at least prompt people to focus on what is around them, which they had been taking for granted, and hopefully this site will be declared a flamingo sanctuary soon."

According to the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), there is an estimated 25 percent increase of flamingos this year, in comparison to last year. About 150,000 of them have made the journey to Mumbai in 2020.

The Bombay Natural History Society has reported a 25 percent increase in the flamingo population in comparison with last year.
Pratik Chorge/Hindustan Times via Getty Images

Various areas across the Thane Creek flamingo sanctuary have also seen larger congregations in a region that is usually bustling with human activity. However, an additional reason for the increase in flamingos may be the successful breeding season two years ago.

Deepak Apte, director for BNHS, told the news outlet: "A major reason for the large numbers is also the large flocks of juveniles moving to these sites, following the successful breeding documented two years ago. Additionally, the lockdown is giving these birds peace for roosting, no disturbance in their attempt to obtain food, and overall encouraging habitat.

"Wetland destruction and developmental activities across several areas of the eastern seafront is another reason why larger bird numbers are getting squeezed into smaller pockets like in Navi Mumbai."

Featured Image Credit: Pratik Chorge/Hindustan Times via Getty Images

Topics: World News, Coronavirus, Animals