Ensuring the future of Kamfers’ flamingos

Abstract

Kamfers Dam is one of only six known breeding sites for Lesser Flamingos in the world, and is the only one in South Africa. The pan extends across about 500 hectares, and is located 5 km north of Kimberley, in the Northern Cape. The pan also supports Greater Flamingos and other water birds. Over the past 40 years Kamfers Dam has been changed from an ephemeral to a permanent pan due to the constant influx of effluent and stormwater. The Homevale Wastewater Treatment Plant pumps both treated and untreated sewage water into Kamfers Dam. Together with other effluent and stormwater released into Kamfers Dam by Sol Plaatje Municipality, a total of about 30 - 40 Ml flows into the pan daily. The permanently inundated pan provides a suitable saline environment that promotes the growth of spirulina, a major food source of flamingos. This endorheic pan accordingly provides (geographically and ecologically) a suitable habitat for flamingos and other water birds, while also playing a role in nutrient cycling.

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