Turks and Caicos Flamingos at Risk
A frail flamingo was captured last year with signs of a deadly avian disease. Avian botulism – which causes paralysis and often death in birds – could potentially wipe out the islands’ much loved water-based wildlife.
Herons, pelicans, flamingos and terns are among the species at risk from the fatal illness. The public is asked to look out for sick birds and notify the DECR of any sightings of seemingly sick birds or abnormal behaviour from water birds.
Scientists have confirmed that the TCI’s wetlands could easily support the growth of the avian botulism, but apart from the solitary flamingo they have not yet found any clear signs of sickness among local birds.
Despite the apparent absence of the disease the DECR continues to be cautious, and members are currently undertaking a number of precautions to decrease the likelihood of outbreaks.
Among these safety measures are the prompt removal of dead animals from wetlands, reduction of decaying matter in the areas and the prevention of sharp water draw downs that could kill fish and aquatic invertebrates.
All these actions could help to decrease the build-up of toxin-laden maggots and rapid growth of botulism spores.
In the Turks and Caicos Islands, there are many water birds that are at risk from the disease including the Greater Flamingo, Brown Pelican, Tricolored Heron, Reddish Egret, West Indian Whistling-Duck, Clapper Rail, Sora, Least Grebes and the Moorhen.
To contact the DECR call 941-5122 (Providenciales), 946-2801 (Grand Turk) or 946-3709 (South Caicos).