But sometimes the lake also becomes inhospitable to these flamingos when the alkalinity of the water increases and if they come in direct contact with the water in that period. The phenomenon of gathering flamingos in large numbers is often referred to as the “pink parade” by biologists.

Hence, lesser flamingos have a pinkish hue in their body. It is also said that Spirulina, blue-green algae with red pigments present in this lake, passes on their pigments to these flamingos that feed on these algae and raise their young ones there.

The flamingos’ nests are built on small islands, which form in the lake during the dry season. The lake being shallow is an ideal breeding ground for more than 2 million Lesser Flamingos (Phoenicopterus minor). Moreover, the lake derives its vermillion shade of red and pink from a few species of halophiles and thermophiles that are an integral part of this lake. The alkaline tilapia, a very rare fish, lives along the edges of the hot spring inlets.

In spite of its deadly nature, the lake is known to be hospitable to a few of the world’s endemic species.

Lake natron calcified animals color