Lesser Flamingos in Lake Natron

Context: Tanzania halts soda ash mining to save the world’s Lesser Flamingos, prioritising long-term ecological health over short-term industrial gains. 

Lesser Flamingos: 

• Conservation Status: Near Threatened by IUCN due to habitat loss, pollution, and disturbance from industrial activities.
• Habitat: Prefers alkaline and saline lakes; Lake Natron is a globally significant breeding site due to its extreme chemistry that deters predators.
• Range: Found mainly in sub-Saharan Africa. Also present in parts of India, primarily in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
• Population: Lake Natron supports about 75% of their global population.
• Diet: Feeds primarily on cyanobacteria and algae thriving in alkaline lakes, giving them the characteristic pink hue.

• Major Threats:

• • Habitat destruction (e.g., proposed soda ash mining at Lake Natron).
  • Disturbance to hydrology and food web caused by diversion of freshwater or industrial activity.
  • Pollution and climate change.