The magma that flows from this active volcano is rich in sodium and potassium carbonate and drains into the lake basin. Lake Natron is located close to Ol doinyo Lengai, an active volcano which erupts regularly.
This has proven to be a major advantage to flamingoes since it provides the perfect breeding ground by keeping off its predators. Lake Natron is an undeniably harsh environment, without similar special adaptations, animals cannot survive in this area. Special glands in their heads remove excessive salt making it safe for them to drink the water. Their legs are covered with scales as well as a tough skin, both of which resist the corrosive action of the water. They feed on the algae growing at the bottom of the lake, this algae actually causes the pigmentation of their plumage. Flamingos Feeding on Algae In Lake Natronįlamingos are well adapted to the conditions of Lake Natron. Flamingos are unique birds and despite mostly staying in the same area, they recently migrated from Lake Baringo to Lake Natron. Lake Natron has the highest population of the lesser flamingo whose numbers have been on a steady decline in other lakes especially in the Rift Valley. Read on and understand each cause in great detail Why can flamingos survive Lake Natron?
Understanding the causes behind the effects of swimming in Lake Natron is very important for all travelers to that area. You may also experience a burning sensation on your eyes which will result in blurred vision. In extreme cases, the temperature of the lake’s water will cause third degree burns in just a few seconds and will also cause chemical burns in your gastrointestinal system as a result of the contamination in the water. If you swallow the water, you will experience nausea, diarrhea and severe dehydration.
LAKE NATRON FLAMINGO SEASON SKIN
However, your eyes as well as areas where you may have any open wound on your skin will begin to sting. Swimming in Lake Natron won’t cause any immediate effect on your skin, it may actually feel like swimming in a jacuzzi. Lake Natron’s water is highly alkaline and saline, its temperatures could actually be as high 60 degrees celsius which provide perfect conditions for the growth of algae blooms as well as various types of bacteria. During the wet season, Lake Natron can be upto 3m deep but it would require a really extended dry season to reduce the depth to less than 2m deep.Īs a traveler in Africa, especially to the region where Lake Natron is found, there are several things you have to know.
The lake is surrounded by active volcanoes and it has a surface elevation of 600m (2000ft). There are numerous issues facing the conservation and preservation of the lake but, there have been several drives to increase awareness and roll back recorded effects. There are scarce life forms in and around the lake, however, the lake has proven to be an ideal habitat for flamingos which thrive throughout the year.Ī small group of the Maasai community inhabit the catchment area along with areas around the lake. The lake covers an area of 1040 square kilometers according to a report by the United States Geological Survey. More than 90% of the surface area of Lake Natron is Located in Northern Tanzania with the rest of it lying in Kenya.
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