2/21/2023 0 Comments Lake natron birds![]() ![]() ![]() They drown in the toxic potion, and their outsides and insides calcify. The mirror-like surface tricks them into diving into the red waters for food. But to some wildlife, especially birds, Lake Natron can be a death trap. 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. Some alkaline tilapia (a member of the cichlid family) can sustain themselves in the cooler parts of the lake. If the salinity of the lake decreases, the cyanobacteria will also decrease and cause a loss of habitat for the endangered flamingos. After animals die in the lake, their carcasses are preserved through. Yet the clear water surface misleads birds who happily dive in the water, after which their skin burns and they tragically die. 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. Lake Natron in Northern Tanzania is extremely high in soda and salt content. ![]() ![]() 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. Lake Natron is the one of very few places in the world where these birds breed. 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. ![]()
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