Current view: Text account
Site description (2001 baseline):
Site location and context
This relatively small lake lies 11 km south-east of Lake Manyara (TZ004) and close to the western border of Tarangire National Park (TZ010). It is a closed lake and so becomes increasingly alkaline during the dry season. It is fed principally by the Tarangire river which rises to the south-east and feeds into the northern end of the lake. The shoreline is heavily grazed and cultivated in some areas, especially on the western boundary. There are no significant trees.
See Box for key species. Bird numbers fluctuate widely depending upon rainfall. During years of high rainfall flooded grassland becomes an important feeding site for many waterbirds and considerable numbers may nest when conditions are suitable. There is likely to be a considerable interchange of birds between Lake Burungi and Lake Manyara. Although numbers of
Phoenicopterus minor and
Phoenicopterus ruber will inevitably fluctuate widely, this lake is an important link in the Rift Valley chain. Taller vegetation is known to hold
Crecopsis egregia and
Euplectes gierowii.
Non-bird biodiversity: None known to BirdLife International.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Lake Burungi has, as a result of its lack of protection, become a favourite site for the trapping of wild birds for international trade. The boundary of Tarangire National Park should be extended to include the habitat south of the Tarangire river and at least part of the lake.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Lake Burungi (Tanzania). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/lake-burungi-iba-tanzania on 23/11/2024.
