![]() ![]() ![]() Some movement of individuals occurs between Africa and India. In 1974, they bred at the Rann of Kutch, but since then, only at the Zinzuwadia and Purabcheria salt pans in northwestern India. The species also breeds in southwestern and southern Asia. In the early 20th century, breeding was also observed at Lake Nakuru. Breeding occurred at Lake Magadi in Kenya in 1962 when Lake Natron was unsuitable due to flooding. The last confirmed breeding at Aftout es Saheli in coastal Mauritania was in 1965. Their other African breeding sites are at Etosha Pan, Makgadikgadi Pan, and Kamfers Dam. In Africa, where they are most numerous, the lesser flamingos breed principally on the highly caustic Lake Natron in northern Tanzania. ![]() Lesser flamingos are prey to a variety of species, including marabou storks, vultures, baboons, African fish eagles, jackals, hyenas, foxes, Great white pelicans, Martial Eagle, and big cats. Their deep bill is specialised for filtering tiny food items. Although blue-green in colour, the algae contain the photosynthetic pigments that give the birds their pink colour. Presence of flamingo groups near water bodies is indication of sodic alkaline water which is not suitable for irrigation use. This species feeds primarily on Spirulina, algae which grow only in very alkaline lakes. The lesser flamingo may be the most numerous species of flamingo, with a population that (at its peak) probably numbered up to two million individual birds. Size is less helpful unless the species are together, since the sexes of each species also differ in height. The clearest difference between this species and the greater flamingo, the only other Old World species of flamingo, is the much more extensive black on the bill. The total length (from beak to tail) and wingspan are in the same range of measurements, from 90 to 105 cm (35 to 41 in). The standing height is around 80 to 90 cm (31 to 35 in). The species can weigh from 1.2 to 2.7 kg (2.6 to 6.0 lb). RELATED ARTICLES.The lesser flamingo is the smallest species of flamingo, though it is a tall and large bird by most standards. Also whilst here, take the chance to walk up to the Engero Sero Waterfalls.ĭry season, July/October, is the best time. Viewing of Ol Doinyo Lengai – standing tall in amongst rolling hills and flat plains with ash-grey colour and smoking top tell again that this is still very much active where by the more exploratory tourists might like to try and climb Ol Doinyo Lengai. WHAT TO DOĪctivities in the Lake Natron are mainly on walks around the shores of the great soda lake itself, in which algae and zooplankton thrive. Other attraction in the area are: the Mountain of God Ol Doinyo Lengai, the combination of broad open plains, sheer rift escarpments, enormous freestanding volcanoes and the vast multi-coloured soda lake itself is a home to a fascinating eco-system which thrives in this harsh environment is absolutely breathtaking. The areas around Lake Natron contain some of the most amazing scenery in Africa also a home to some wildlife, you might see the occasional giraffe or zebra warthogs and many more. Extraordinary exceptions to this are the various types of microscopic diatom algae which thrive in this harsh environment, which in turn provide sustenance for several hundred thousand lesser flamingos, for whom this is the most important breeding site worldwide. With Africa’s highest active volcanic mountain Ol Doinyo Lengai the “Mountain of God in the Maasai language” to the South, Lake Natron, serves as is a sanctuary and the only regular breeding spot in East Africa for the 2.5 million Lesser Flamingoes. Not draining out to any river or sea other than evaporation, the lake alkalinity comes from the sodium carbonate and other minerals that flow into the lake from the surrounding volcanic rock hills and lava flows. ![]() With the PH as high as 10.5, Lake Natron is one of two alkaline lakes in the area of East Africa the other is Lake Bahi and is probably the world's most caustic body of water and perhaps the most dramatic of all the rift valley lakes. This stunning area sits just north east of the Ngorongoro Crater and forms part of Africa's immense Great Rift Valley rests at the altitude of 600m above sea level. ![]()
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