Although a nontraditional ecosystem, Lake Natron’s niche wildlife web requires balance like any other. Nearly 2.5 million flamingos use the lake’s shores as breeding grounds each year, accompanied by thriving algae and a single resilient species of fish. However, to say that the lake is completely absent of life is an act of injustice toward the flocks of flamingos that call the lake their home. Brandt suspects that the reflective surface of the lake tricks birds into believing it’s open air, leading the birds to drown in the deadly water. He perches the birds on branches and poses the bats in order to make them look “alive.” With the help of locals, Brandt collected the best specimens and masterfully crafted chilling portraits of the fallen animals. Nature photographer Nick Brandt chose to turn this site into a fascinating art project. Scientists explain that the high salinity of the lake “freezes” the animals, perfectly preserving them with all of their wings and feathers in place. Long lines of dead birds and bats cover the shoreline, with each specimen preserved in a stonelike state. In addition, a peculiar site is found at the shores of the lake. Lake Natron can also reach a steamy state, with the water’s temperature recorded to reach 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

The water in this lake only flows inward, so evaporation leaves behind hefty salt deposits. This causes the lake’s pH level to be a very basic 10.5 this pH level falls only a bit short of that of ammonia and bleach. The deposits of natron, a chemical salt, flow in from the surrounding hills. Lake Natron is a salt lake, meaning it is incredibly alkaline. Although often photographed for its location under sunlit clouds and for its serene backdrop, the lake is an abyss for almost all wildlife. Lake Natron sits along the East African Rift System in northern Tanzania, and is 35 miles long and about half as wide. For instance, in the East African nation of Tanzania lies the deadly Lake Natron. Nonetheless, the complexity of nature has created exceptions to this rule. Water itself stands as a symbol of life ancient Egypt thrived due to fertile soil that would have been absent had it not been for the Nile River. Lakes and rivers are often credited in many civilizations’ lengthy histories for providing a means of transportation and crucial food security.

In nearly any social studies class, bodies of water are framed as life-giving and as focal points for the world’s nations.

Lake natron animals