Caribbean Flamingo “Rube” Makes Triumphant Return to Cozumel

The Caribbean flamingo, known as DXZZ or "Rube", has made a triumphant return to the State Ecological Reserve Laguna Colombia in Punta Sur, Cozumel. This flamingo's reappearance after a two-year absence is a positive reflection of the ecosystem's health and its crucial role in the species' migratory route.

The Cozumel Parks and Museums Foundation (FPMC), which oversees the park, is celebrating this sighting. It underscores the importance of preserving the island's wetlands and biodiversity.

Rube was tagged 25 years ago by the FlamencoLab project of the Pedro and Elena Foundation A.C. on the Yucatan Peninsula. Since 2000, it has been a regular visitor to Punta Sur. Now, after a two-year hiatus, it has returned with a group of up to 30 other flamingos. This reaffirms the lagoon's importance as a rest and feeding site.

For over two decades, the FPMC has run a program to observe and record flamingos in the lagoon complexes. This has enabled the monitoring of the ecosystem's health and its conservation. FPMC's executive director, Juanita Alonso Marrufo, highlighted that these sightings demonstrate the success of the environmental strategies implemented in Quintana Roo.

The director of Punta Sur, Jesus Benavides Andrade, reported that the sighting of Rube was recorded by biologist Hector Gonzalez Cortes. The flamingo was nicknamed "Rube" in honor of Ruben Ademar Mendez Martin, a nature tourism guide and a strong advocate for flamingo monitoring. The return of Rube and other flamingos is a positive indicator that Punta Sur's ecosystems continue to provide a safe haven for biodiversity.

In conclusion, the FPMC will persist with its conservation strategies to ensure that these magnificent birds continue to consider Cozumel their home.