Indeed it is the only known site in East Africa where the species regularly nests, with 2.5 million individuals (75 % of the global population) flocking to the area every year (Koenig 2006, BirdLife International 2008). With vast isolated salt flats providing safety from predators and ready supplies of freshwater and food from lakeside springs and cyanobacteria-rich hot saline waters, Lake Natron is a perfect breeding site for Lesser Flamingo Phoeniconaias minor, classified as Near Threatened on the 2008 IUCN Red List.

It is internationally recognised as a valuable wetland site by the Ramsar Convention and as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International (Fishpool and Evans 2001, TME 2007). Besides losing a bird habitat, the world would also lose a beautiful and salty natural wonder if too much water is diverted south to Natron.Lake Natron in Tanzania is an important wildlife area that supports a thriving Masai community and large mammal and bird populations. If the salinity of the lake decreases, the cyanobacteria will also decrease and cause a loss of habitat for the endangered flamingos. In fact, bringing in fresh water would greatly upset the ecological balance of the lake and many in Tanzania have actively fought against bringing in water from the Ewaso Ng’iro River. Amazingly, 2.5 million flamingos make Lake Natron their home and it is considered one of their only breeding grounds, making preservation of the lake an environmental concern. This algae growth has also fostered the developments of Lesser Flamingo nests. Water is supposed to give life, yet this salty world seems content to make life almost impossible… almost.Īlthough most species cannot handle the 120-degree lake water, cyanobacteria have made Natron their home and turned the lake its trademark reds and oranges. The saline environment of Lake Natron certainly qualifies. Although most human settlements throughout history have formed around lakes and rivers, the barren landscape around Lake Natron tells a clear story of a place no one ever wanted to live.Īfrica’s Great Rift Valley is known for some of its environmentally extreme regions such as the Erta Ale and Dallol. This body of water is one of the most inhospitable areas on Earth.Ĭolored a deep red from salt-loving organisms and algae, the lake reaches hellish temperatures and is nearly as basic as ammonia. Don’t let the ring of salty marshes along the edge of Lake Natron fool you.

What is lake natron