Eluanata dam (6985)
Tanzania, Africa
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Eluanata dam
Central coordinates: Latitude: -3.3860, Longitude: 36.2970
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 1400 to 1400
Area of KBA (km2): 5.6788
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: 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.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that was identified using previously established criteria and thresholds for the identification of Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) and for which available data indicate that it does not meet global KBA criteria and thresholds set out in the Global Standard. KBA identified in the process of compiling the CEPF Ecosystem Profile of the East Afromontane Hotspot. Species taxonomy and threat category was based on IUCN Red List 2010-4.
Additional biodiversity: 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.
Habitats
Land use: hunting | water management
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 50 | |
| Grassland | 50 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: 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.
Additional information
References: Fuggles-Couchman (1962, 1986).