Lake Burungi (6983)
Tanzania, Africa
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: D1a
Year of last assessment: 2001
National site name: Lake Burungi
Central coordinates: Latitude: -3.8333, Longitude: 35.8333
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 940 to 940
Area of KBA (km2): 61.69808
Protected area coverage (%): 100.00
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: 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.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that meets the thresholds for at least one criterion described in the Global Standard for the Identification of KBAs.
Additional biodiversity: 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.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Grassland | 54 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 9 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 35 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: 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.
Additional information
References: Dodman and Taylor (1995).