Current view: Text account
Site description (2001 baseline):
Site location and context
This small dam is situated only 2 km north of the Arusha–Makuyuni road, some 45 km west of Arusha. The dam wall lies to the south-west of the flooded area. In 1997, the lake was covered in dense stands of
Cyperus with numerous open areas of water and flooded grassland along the southern shore. The depth of the lake is c.1.5 m.
See Box for key species. Large numbers of
Chlidonias hybridus recorded in 1997 were mainly first year birds and moulting adults. While there is no certain proof of breeding in recent years, the site does appear to be important for the species and is likely to hold a substantial breeding population. It is known to have bred in 1961–1962 when at least 50 pairs were present. During December 1997, a number of adult male
Oxyura maccoa were present as well as large numbers (high hundreds, possibly low thousands) of
Anas hottentota. Flooded grasslands held large numbers of feeding ducks and gallinules.
Mirafra cantillans, which has a restricted breeding range in Tanzania, occurs in grassland on the rocky hillside overlooking the water.
Non-bird biodiversity: None known to BirdLife International.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
In extremely dry years the site is reduced to a muddy puddle, but always contains a significant amount of water after the long rains. There are reports of expatriate hunters shooting ducks at this site.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Eluanata dam (Tanzania). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/eluanata-dam-iba-tanzania on 23/11/2024.
