10 Amazing Artificial Islands of the World: Kamfers Dam, South Africa

Kamfers Dam, South Africa

Aerial view of Lesser Flamingos, assembled on a specially constructed breeding island at Kamfers Dam, Kimberley, South Africa (Wikimedia/Mark D. Anderson)

 

 

An artificial "S" shaped island located behind Kamfers Dam, north of Kimberley, South Africa, has been an important breeding sanctuary for Lesser Flamingos since its construction in September 2006. Up to 50,000 flamingos, a large proportion of the subregion's total population, flock to the dam, according to an article in Africa - Birds and Birding. Ornithologist Mark D. Anderson, who oversaw the construction, enlisted the help of a local company Ekapa Mining, who moved 26,000 tons of material to create the island.
Unfortunately, the flamingos are in danger of losing their breeding island. Deteriorating water quality and increasing water levels make Kamfers Dam progressively more unsuitable for Lesser Flamingos, according to GetBirding.com. Not only is the water quality the worst it has ever been, but the water is now at its highest level ever. More than two-thirds of the Lesser Flamingo breeding island remains flooded, and two important railway lines are at risk.

Adult Lesser Flamingos, roosting on a specially constructed breeding island at Kamfers Dam, Kimberley, South Africa (Wikimedia/Mark D. Anderson)