GPS Tracking Reveals Lesser Flamingo Migration Routes Across East Africa
Tanzanian scientists have used GPS tracking devices to map the migration routes of lesser flamingos from Lake Natron, uncovering new data on the wetlands used by the birds during seasonal movements across Tanzania and Kenya. The two tagged flamingos followed distinct routes after departing Lake Natron - one passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Crater Lake before crossing into Kenya and reaching Lake Magadi, while the second travelled further north to Lake Logipi in the northern Kenya Rift Valley. The research is being led by the IUCN Species Survival Commission Flamingo Specialist Group in collaboration with Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI).
The findings carry significant conservation implications, given that Lake Natron hosts more than 80 per cent of the world's lesser flamingo breeding population - part of a global population estimated at 3.5 million birds. Researchers say the tracking data will strengthen conservation planning for Lake Natron and other key wetlands along the East African Rift Valley, while also supporting cross-border cooperation between Tanzania and Kenya. For the tourism sector, the study reinforces the ecological value of Rift Valley destinations such as Ngorongoro, Lake Natron and Lake Magadi as part of a connected wildlife corridor with growing appeal for nature-based and ornithological tourism.
Source: Daily News Tanzania