Read more
This book provides insights into the fascinating life of the Lesser Flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor) and describes how this enigmatic bird has adapted to the extreme conditions of tropical soda lakes and can even withstand the caustic effects of brine. However, humans are increasingly disrupting the natural cycles of these wetlands, and for these pink birds characteristic of these salt lakes, it is becoming more and more difficult to find suitable habitats, food and breeding grounds. Their fate is considered a cautionary example of man's dealings with nature. Will the Lesser Flamingo survive in a man-made world?
Flamingos are considered to be an embodiment of the Phoenix, and the author interweaves his personal experiences with and observations of the flamingos' unusual habitats with the Phoenix motif in order to stimulate reflection on the circle of life. Written in an accessible style that combines science, biological information and the author's own travels and fieldwork, the book also includes a wealth of captivating images. As such, it offers a unique resource for biologists and nature-loving Africa and Asia enthusiasts alike.
List of contents
Part I. The Actors.- Chapter 1. The Lesser Flamingo.- Chapter 2. The algae.- Chapter 3. The Firebird Phoenix.- Chapter 4. The Human.- Part II. The Scenes.- Chapter 5. East Africa - Hub of the Unresting Lesser Flamingo.- Chapter 6. Southern Africa - Call of the Flamingo Feather.- Chapter 7. India - Flamingo Bridgework to Asia.
About the author
Lothar Krienitz is a researcher at the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries in Neuglobsow, Lake Stechlin, Germany. His work focuses on cyanobacteria and algae, particularly their systematics, ecology and their significance for human beings and nature.
Summary
This book provides insights into the fascinating life of the Lesser Flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor) and describes how this enigmatic bird has adapted to the extreme conditions of tropical soda lakes and can even withstand the caustic effects of brine. However, humans are increasingly disrupting the natural cycles of these wetlands, and for these pink birds characteristic of these salt lakes, it is becoming more and more difficult to find suitable habitats, food and breeding grounds. Their fate is considered a cautionary example of man’s dealings with nature. Will the Lesser Flamingo survive in a man-made world?
Flamingos are considered to be an embodiment of the Phoenix, and the author interweaves his personal experiences with and observations of the flamingos’ unusual habitats with the Phoenix motif in order to stimulate reflection on the circle of life. Written in an accessible style that combines science, biological information and the author’s own travels and fieldwork, the book also includes a wealth of captivating images. As such, it offers a unique resource for biologists and nature-loving Africa and Asia enthusiasts alike.
Additional text
“The book is a stimulating treasure trove of topics for all limnologists and bird lovers particularly interested in the tropics and to whom trusting the power of interdisciplinary collaboration: together we should be able to secure the future of this emblematic bird, the likeness of the firebird Phoenix.” (Katrin Teubner, SILnews, Issue 75, January, 2020)
Report
"The book is a stimulating treasure trove of topics for all limnologists and bird lovers particularly interested in the tropics and to whom trusting the power of interdisciplinary collaboration: together we should be able to secure the future of this emblematic bird, the likeness of the firebird Phoenix." (Katrin Teubner, SILnews, Issue 75, January, 2020)
