Breeding colony in Great Rann of Kutch of greater flamingos

Context

• Chicks of greater flamingos separated from their flock and stuck in mud at a breeding colony in Great Rann of Kutch (GRK) were rescued and reunited with their flock.

What are the characteristics of greater flamingos?

• The greater flamingo is the most widespread and largest species of the flamingo family.
• These famous pink birds can be found in warm, watery regions on many continents.
• It is found in Africa, on the Indian subcontinent, in the Middle East, and in southern Europe.
• They favor environments like estuaries and saline or alkaline lakes.
• Shrimplike crustaceans are responsible for the flamingo's pink color.
• It IUCN status is least concern.
  

What are the threats?

• The primary threats to flamingo populations are bacteria, toxins, and pollution in water supplies, which is usually run-off from manufacturing companies, and encroachment on their habitat.

What is about the Great Rann of Kutch?

• It is a salt marsh in the Thar Desert in the Kutch District of Gujarat.
• It is reputed to be one of the largest salt deserts in the world.
• This area has been inhabited by the Kutchi people^.
• In India the northern boundary of the Greater Rann of Kutch forms the International Border between India and Pakistan.