Lake Nakuru’s birds recognised
19th October 2009
Kenya’s Lake Nakuru National Park has become the first national park in Africa to be declared an Important Bird Area
Kenya’s Lake Nakuru National Park has become the first national park in Africa to be declared an Important Bird Area (IBA).
Lake Nakuru is world famous for its huge population of lesser flamingos, which recently achieved cinematic fame in the documentary film The Crimson Wing.
Around 450 bird species have been catalogued around the lake, including endangered species such as the Madagascar pond heron, the grey-crested helmet-shrike and the martial eagle.
It’s hoped the IBA status will reiterate the lake’s importance as a key wildlife area on both a local and international level.
As well as the current drought crippling Kenya, the clearance of the nearby Mau forest is also threatening Lake Nakuru’s water supply.
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