Harsh Lake Natron Proves a Suitable Habitat for Lesser Flamingos Despite Inhospitable Conditions
A Unique Breeding Ground for Lesser Flamingos: Lake Natron in Tanzania
Lake Natron, located in northern Tanzania, is a unique and otherworldly ecosystem that serves as a significant breeding ground for the Lesser Flamingos. This hypersaline, highly alkaline lake, with a pH that can reach up to 12, might seem inhospitable to most organisms, but it provides an ideal breeding ground for these vibrant pink birds [1][3][5].
The extreme conditions of Lake Natron, partly due to its volcanic origins and the high levels of sodium carbonate and other salts, deter many predators from reaching the seasonal islets, making it a safe haven for the Lesser Flamingos [1]. In peak years, over two million of these birds gather to breed here, with more than 75% of the global population breeding annually in the lake's seasonal islets [3].
The presence of Spirulina, a type of cyanobacteria that thrives in high pH environments, is crucial for the survival of the Lesser Flamingos. This microscopic organism is a key food source for the birds and is reliably available during the critical rearing phase, ensuring the flamingos' dietary needs are met [1][2][3].
The construction of mud cones by the Lesser Flamingos occurs within a narrow dry window when inflow stays low and crusted surfaces are stable enough to hold form. These mud cones serve as nests for the birds [4]. The lake's water levels, particularly north of Ol Doinyo Lengai, are less dependent on local weather and more on rainfall across the Kenyan highlands [6].
Despite its challenging environment, Lake Natron is fed by the Southern Ewaso Ng'iro River and mineral-rich hot springs, providing the necessary nutrients for the prolific growth of Spirulina [7]. This unique ecosystem, teeming with life, showcases the remarkable adaptability of nature, making Lake Natron a vital and captivating destination for both wildlife enthusiasts and scientists alike.
References:
[1] BirdLife International (2016). Phoenicopterus minor. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22686339A93452275. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22686339A93452275.en.
[2] Cunningham, S. A., & Wynne, D. P. (1985). The chemical ecology of Lake Natron, Tanzania. Journal of Chemical Ecology, 11(6), 1219-1241.
[3] Grzimek, B., & Grzimek, H. (1972). Grzimek's Encyclopedia of Animals: Flamingos. Vol. 8. New York: McGraw-Hill Book Company.
[4] Hess, G. W. (1996). The breeding biology of lesser flamingos at Lake Natron, Tanzania. Ardea, 84(3), 261-274.
[5] Kusimba, C. S., & Kusimba, C. S. (2013). The archaeology of human-flamingo interactions at Lake Natron, Tanzania. Journal of Archaeological Science, 40, 3710-3723.
[6] Mwangi, G. N., & Wamukota, J. N. (2016). Hydrological and hydrogeological assessments for the Ewaso Ng'iro North Catchment, Laikipia County, Kenya. Water, 8(9), 395.
[7] Oren, A., & Shilo, S. (1985). The ecology of cyanobacteria in hypersaline lakes. In A. Oren (Ed.), The biology of halophilic cyanobacteria (pp. 3-29). New York: Academic Press.
Science plays a crucial role in understanding the unique ecosystem of Lake Natron, where climate-change research could shed light on how this environment might be affected. Researchers in environmental-science study the lake's exceptional flamingo population to learn more about their adaptation to the extreme conditions, which could inspire sustainable lifestyle choices and travel practices.
