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Broad Canvas Exhibition, Oxford (19th June - 2nd July 2006) This is the first selection of images I have chosen to display following my trip to South America to photograph the flamingos. They are selected purely to try and show some diversity. It is a small exhibition space and consequentially I have not been able to provide much information with the images however the information that was presented is given below. |
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Andean flamingo drinking |
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Flamingos Laguna Colorada | |||||
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Andean flamingo reflections | |||||
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Flamingo mirage | |||||
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Chilean flamingo flight | |||||
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Jame flamingo flock | |||||
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Sunrise Salar de Surire | |||||
Project Flamingo 2006
The aim of project flamingo was to document photographically the flamingos
of the Altiplano of South America.
Three endangered species of flamingo inhabit the salt lakes of the high
Andes. The Andean flamingo is most threatened and is considered vulnerable
by the IUCN (World Conservation Union). This is the largest flamingo with
a deep red neck and yellow legs. The smallest is the James flamingo with
red legs. These two flamingos only breed on a few lakes in the high Andes.
The Chilean flamingo is the most widely dispersed occurring the length
of South America and is identified by its grey legs with red knee joints.
Threats
The most obvious threat to flamingos that I recorded on my expedition
was the impact of humans in these delicate high altitude environments.
Tourism disturbs the flamingos, 4x4’s tear up the landscape and
rubbish litters the site frequented by tourists. The British represent
the second most common tourist in these areas (particularly Laguna Colorada
in SW Bolivia). If you have the privilege to visit this area (or anywhere
beautiful in the world) please respect nature, try not to disturb the
wildlife, ask local guides to minimise their impact and don’t leave
your rubbish in areas with no infrastructure to treat it.
Mining is also present in these areas however on the whole this is well
managed by governments and national legislation, however new developments
could destroy large, vital areas of habitat.
Conservation initiatives
Often areas in which flamingos live are protected by national legislation
and often, but not always, national parks.
The GCFA carry out a number of initiatives including population monitoring,
ringing of young chicks, satellite monitoring and advising governments
and national parks authorities.
International legislation exists to protect the flamingos (IUCN &
CITES protection, RAMSAR sites and National parks) and Wetlands international
has a Flamingo Specialist Group.
GCFA
The Gruppo Para la Conservacion de la Flamencos Altosandinos (Flamingo
protection group of the high Andes) is a multinational group composed
of Argentinean, Chilean, Bolivian and Peruvian specialists. They work
to conserve flamingos and the habitats in which they live.
Part of this work involves studying the flamingos and Niall aims to raise
funds (~£1000) through the sale of images and sponsored events in
order to allow the Bolivian arm of GCFA to continue their flamingo leg
ringing work. Chicks have a small plastic numbered ring placed on their
leg and their movements are monitored over a number of years
Sale of images
100% of profits made from the sale of images is being given to the Gruppo
Para la Conservacion de la Flamencos Altosandinos (Flamingo protection
group of the high Andes) in Bolivia
Images are printed onto archival quality Ilfachrome gloss paper. Prints
are mounted on acid free board with a backboard in Neilsen Cherry wood
frames. Cherry wood has been chosen because it is sustainably harvested
in the UK and Europe and does not impact on the rainforests of the world.
Niall Riddell (Niall@projectflamingo.co.uk)
Niall is a young photographer with a strong interest and background in
natural history photography. This is his first project attempting to demonstrate
the power of conservation photography. He aims to use his images to further
educate people on the beauty of flamingos and the conservation challenges
they face. More information can be found on the project website
Project Sponsorship
This project has been kindly sponsored by a number of organisations. These
are linked here.