
ImageE By: Martin Harvey
Following a successful breeding season between February and April in Tanzania’s Lake Natron, millions of flamingos migrated to Lake Bogoria, causing a tourism surge in Kenya’s Baringo County. The birds, which typically return between June and July, arrived last week, including thousands of young flamingos.
“They have come in large numbers and all look healthy, signifying a successful breeding season. The birds often fly back to Kenya to spend more time and feed after a successful breeding season.” Lake Bogoria senior warden James Kimaru said
Reports show that the flamingos’ migration pattern has remained consistent for seven years. Their arrival coincides with the peak tourism season, significantly increasing visitor numbers.
Lake Bogoria is a World Heritage Site under the Kenya Lake System, which comprises lakes Nakuru and Elementaita.
Lake Bogoria, is now hosting larger flamingo populations than Lake Nakuru, where numbers have declined. This has been attributed to by the increasing water levels and pollution.
A recent report on the status of World Heritage Sites in Africa proposed that other lakes, which play a critical role in survival of flamingos, and should be included on the World Heritage List. This includes Lake Natron in Tanzania, which is a key breeding haven for flamingos.