The characteristic pink feathers of Lake Natron flamingos contrast with the canvas of the famous Tanzanian lake, which reaches a pH of almost 12, close to the strength of household bleach . In such a complicated environment to live in, it is extremely surprising that a group of flamingos has managed to adapt to reproduce in the midst of these inhospitable conditions. Now they prosper by the millions.
The existence of this extreme habitat is due to Ol Doinyo Lengai, a volcano that dominates the range of these unconditional birds. The lake gets its causticisation from sodium carbonate and other minerals that flow into the lake from the surrounding hills , making the water very alkaline.
For humans, it would be deadly if we submerged. It would burn our skin and eyes and, for most animals, it would mean death. However, it has become the most important breeding site for lesser flamingos (Phoeniconaias minor ).
This African lake with a surface area of 1,040 square kilometers and where its salty waters are at temperatures of up to 60 ºC , forms one of the most toxic and caustic bodies of water in the world.
