A historic year for flamingos in Fuente de Piedra, Málaga

This significant event underscores the crucial role water management and environmental restoration play in supporting biodiversity in Andalucía.

The role of rainfall and water management

Fuente de Piedra, the largest natural saltwater lagoon in Andalucía, is not only a haven for flamingos but also a vital habitat for a diverse array of wildlife. The lagoon’s ecological health relies on a delicate balance of water levels, with flamingos requiring at least 30 cm of water to create safe nests. Prolonged droughts in recent years had left the area dry, resulting in the absence of flamingo breeding in 2021 and 2024, and minimal hatchling success in 2022.

However, the abundant rainfall of 2025, particularly in March, has provided the necessary conditions for the lagoon to flourish once again. The water level in the lagoon reached a healthy 54 cm, creating the ideal environment for over 33,900 breeding pairs of flamingos. This natural rejuvenation marks the highest breeding figures since monitoring began in 1984, with over 22,700 chicks born this year alone.

Chick ringing day

The annual chick ringing event held in August has been a highlight for both the local community and conservationists. In a tradition that spans nearly four decades, around 400 volunteers gathered to ring 600 of the 22,700 flamingo chicks born this season. The ringing process involves attaching metal and plastic bands to the birds, providing essential data on their migration patterns, breeding habits, and use of wetlands across Europe and North Africa. This scientific activity is key to long-term flamingo conservation efforts.

For the small village of Fuente de Piedra, with a population of just under 3,000, the event is not only a celebration of nature but also a significant economic boon. Local businesses, from hotels to restaurants, benefit from the influx of visitors who come to witness the ringing and partake in the festivities. Councillor Catalina García described it as a “celebration of nature,” where people of all ages come together to celebrate this natural wonder.

Environmental and economic impact

The Fuente de Piedra lagoon is recognised as an internationally important wetland under the Ramsar Convention, highlighting its vital role in global biodiversity. It is also part of Natura 2000, a network of protected areas across Europe. As one of the most significant breeding grounds for the Greater Flamingo in Europe, second only to the Camargue in France, the lagoon supports a range of other species, including Common Cranes and Gull-billed Terns.

This year’s breeding success is a testament to the importance of sustainable water management and community involvement in conservation. Local authorities and environmental groups, including the Andalucía Ministry of Sustainability, the Ecologist Association Ave Fénix, and the Guardia Civil, have played a crucial role in ensuring the success of both the breeding season and the chick ringing event.

Where to see flamingos in Spain

A model of restoration and resilience

The 2025 flamingo chick boom offers a hopeful glimpse into the future of wildlife conservation in the region. It illustrates how, with the right conditions and committed management, even the most vulnerable ecosystems can recover and thrive. However, the continued success of the Fuente de Piedra lagoon depends on consistent water management and protection from the ongoing challenges posed by climate change.

The remarkable comeback of the flamingo population in Fuente de Piedra not only showcases the resilience of nature but also highlights the importance of continued investment in conservation efforts. As long as favourable conditions persist, the lagoon will continue to serve as a sanctuary for one of Europe’s most iconic bird species.

Sources: El diario, Cadena Ser