Context:
The Flamingo Festival 2025 will be held from January 18 to 20 at Sullurpeta in Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh, near Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary, which attracts over 200 bird species, including grey pelicans and spoonbill storks.
Flamingo Distribution:
- Found in tropical and subtropical areas.
- In India, 2 species: Greater Flamingo and Lesser Flamingo.
Different Flamingo Species:
| Species | Distribution | IUCN Status | Distinctive Features |
| Greater Flamingo | Africa, Europe, and Asia (India) | Least Concern | Largest flamingo species, pale pink plumage |
| Chilean Flamingo | South America | Near Threatened | Similar to Greater Flamingo, darker pink hue |
| American or Caribbean Flamingo | Caribbean, South America, and Florida | Near Threatened | Bright pink plumage, long, slender neck |
| Lesser Flamingo | Africa and India | Near Threatened | Smallest flamingo species, bright pink plumage |
| Andean Flamingo | Andes Mountains in South America | Vulnerable | Yellow legs and feet, red spot between nostrils |
| James’s or Puna Flamingo | Andes Mountains in South America | Near Threatened | All-black flight feathers, unique bill shape |
Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary:
- Named after the village ‘Nelapattu’ in Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh.
- Wetland mainly for migratory water birds.
- Symbiotic relationship between Nelapattu farmers and birds.
- Bird ‘Guano’ acts as a natural fertilizer for crops, and villagers protect the birds.
- Uniqueness:
- Largest breeding ground for Grey pelicans in South East Asia.
- Approximately 1,500 pelicans breed annually.
- Locals of Nelapattu, Muchalagunta, Mylangam, etc., protect birds as “celestial birds.”
- Arrival of birds signifies good rains and good crops.
- Forest Type:
- Southern Dry Evergreen Scrub.
- Barringtonia swamp forests.
- Grassland and wetland.
Source: TH
Previous Year Question
What is/are unique about ‘Kharai camel’, a breed found in India?
1. It is capable of swimming up to three kilometres in seawater.
2. It survives by grazing on mangroves.
3. It lives in the wild and cannot be domesticated.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2016 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
Statement 3 is incorrect. It can be domesticated.