Drying Bakhtegan Lake a hazard to flamingos
07/29/13Sources: Radio Zamaneh & Iran Environment Watch
Many flamingos have fallen victim to the drying up of Bakhtegan Lake in Fars Province, Iran Environment Watch reports.
Photos: Bakhtegan Lake last year
The IEW website adds that environment and wildlife experts spent three days working with local residents to rescue 400 flamingos and their chicks, which had sunk into the residual salt surface of the lakebed, and transfer them to Maharloo and Tashk lakes; however, they were not able to save every one.
Environment officials have not issued a report regarding the number of lost flamingos.
Officials reports that Bakhtegan Lake has dried out due to severe summer heat this year and the continued low precipitation that's been felt in recent years.
Bakhtegan Lake used to be a common stop for migrating flamingos.
