Flamingo populations in Chile have been declining since 1986, but no one knows why. A key nesting site, the Salar de Atacama is near one of the most visited tourist spots in northern Chile, the town San Pedro de Atacama. Although the area is protected, tourism may be impacting the flamingos, as thousands of people visit during their breeding season. Other nesting sites are near copper mines, where water and soil contamination may affect the birds.

Wildlife Trust initiated a study last year to assess the health status and pathogen exposure of these flamingos and their environment and to examine how intensive tourism affects flamingos. Wildlife Trust hopes to find clues about the flamingo population decline, about how flamingos reach the breeding grounds, and the effect of grouping on disease transmission during breeding. Once we understand the reasons behind the population decline of these revered and charismatic birds, Wildlife Trust can take steps ensure their survival in Chile.

Gift Donations to Benefit Wildlife Trust
	$20 Donation Copper Flamingo Bell Small bell topped with stylized flamingo makes a wonderful holiday ornament. Handcrafted from natural copper by Chilean artist Jorges Monares. Bell is 1 3/4” d x 2” h. $60 Donation Horsehair Chilean Flamingo One of the most unusual crafts in Chile is the creation of beautiful objects from braided horsehair. The craft is confined virtually to a single village called Rari, but it is famous all over the country. Artisans use the hair from horse’s tails because the creation of complicated figures requires hair that is more than 6 inches in length. Flamingoes stands 9”–12” high and color combinations vary.
$30 Donation Chilean Horsehair Angel Like the flamingos, these delicate angles are made from horsehair by the artisans of Rari. Angels are 9cm x 6cm.

NOTE: Click art photos for larger view.