Study reveals pollution in Larnaca Salt Lake and Paralimni Lake

A scientific study by BirdLife Cyprus has identified serious environmental problems in two of the island's key wetland areas — the Larnaca Salt Lake and Paralimni Lake.

According to the research, the main threats to birds are lead pollution, human disturbance, and predator activity. These factors simultaneously degrade the habitat and breeding conditions for birds.

Lead environmental contamination was named the most serious threat. Scientists found high concentrations of lead in the sediments of both water bodies. The metal mainly originates from hunting ammunition and shooting range activities.

According to the Game and Fauna Service, 169 cases of lead poisoning in flamingos have been recorded at the Larnaca Salt Lake since 2000.

An additional threat is posed by uncontrolled human access — vehicles within the wetlands, walking, and even illegal waste dumping, which prevents birds from feeding and raising their young.

Stray cats and dogs, as well as wild predators that destroy nests and chicks, have also become a serious problem.

Scientists are calling on the authorities to take urgent measures to protect these natural areas, including access control, water level management, and the mitigation of factors threatening the birds.