The Molentargius lagoon and its Pink Flamingos


The Molentargius lagoon covers a surface area of 500 hectares and boasts ancient origins, which would appear to go back one hundred thousand years. In the past it was used for salt extraction and the workforce was made up of prisoners sentenced to hard labour.

The name Molentargius derives from "Su Molenti", the donkey which was used to transport the sacks of salt. From an ecological point of view, the Molentargius lagoon can be divided into two zones: the area of Saline (salt lakes), and that of Bellarosa Minore.

The Saline area is the largest and is made up of large salt lakes, while Bellarosa Minore stretches across marshland with its vegetation of thick reeds.

The Molentargius lagoon is an important ecosystem for both flora and fauna and is included in the international RAMSAR convention.

It is the home and breeding ground for about 200 different species of birds, 17 of which are in danger of extinction and another 32 are on the so-called "danger list".
The Saline area is home to pink flamingos, cormorants, curlews and scoopers, whilst Bellarosa Minore is a haven for stilt-birds, moorhens, marsh falcons and widgeons. Numerous species live in both the freshwater and the saltwater lakes, such as different kinds of ducks (pintails, shovellers, wild ducks, teals and dun-birds) and other small birds like the Kentish flover and the sandpiper.

The Molentargius lagoon is of extraordinary interest for BIRDWATCHING enthusiasts and offers unique sights, such as the pink flamingos as they glide through the air, and, for the most fortunate, the mating ritual of the stilt-birds.


However, the Phoenicopterus ruber roseus is the true protagonist of the Molentargius lagoon. After leaving the Camargue, in France, the flamingos seek refuge in Sardinia on their migratory journey towards Africa.
Up until 1993 the only European areas where pink flamingos nested and bred were the Camargue and the Fuente De Pietra lagoon in southern Spain. However, since 1993 these beautiful birds have surprisingly taken to nesting in this lagoon, just behind the city of Cagliari and, from a colony of about 1500 examples, thousands of flamingos have been born.
After four months the young flamingos are ready to attempt the journey towards Africa. Flamingos grow to a height of about 1.80 m., with a wingspan of 1.40m. and live an average of twenty years.