The uniqueness of lake Natron since its discovery has prompted the Tanzanian government to upgrade it to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance in the year 2001. But sometimes the lake also becomes inhospitable to these flamingos when the alkalinity of the water increases and if they come in direct contact with the water in that period. have been reports of birds and other animals that have turned to stone after coming into contact with the lakes waters. The phenomenon of gathering flamingos in large numbers is often referred to as the “pink parade” by biologists. The substance enters the lake through material eroding from the surrounding hills. Jamal Malik is the main protagonist of the Oscar-winning movie Slumdog Millionaire. The nature of the lake comes from a chemical called natron which is a mixture of sodium carbonate and baking soda. Hence, lesser flamingos have a pinkish hue in their body. Lake Natron is a salt lake, meaning that it has no outlet for the water to exit the lake other than evaporation. It is also said that Spirulina, blue-green algae with red pigments present in this lake, passes on their pigments to these flamingos that feed on these algae and raise their young ones there. The flamingos’ nests are built on small islands, which form in the lake during the dry season. The lake being shallow is an ideal breeding ground for more than 2 million Lesser Flamingos (Phoenicopterus minor). From the majestic volcanic mountain Ol Doinyo Lengai to the beautiful mirror-like Lake Natron, the breeding ground for the pink flamingos. Moreover, the lake derives its vermillion shade of red and pink from a few species of halophiles and thermophiles that are an integral part of this lake. The alkaline tilapia, a very rare fish, lives along the edges of the hot spring inlets. Lake Natron is a salt lake, meaning that it has no outlet for the water to exit the lake other than evaporation. Although most human settlements throughout history have formed. ![]() Its pH is as high as 10. Colored a deep red from salt-loving organisms and algae, the lake reaches hellish temperatures and is nearly as basic as ammonia. ![]() In spite of its deadly nature, the lake is known to be hospitable to a few of the world’s endemic species. Lake Natron in northern Tanzania is an incredibly alkaline body of water.
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