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Source- This post on Lake Turkana has been created based on the article “Lake Turkana: First comprehensive survey in 50 years highlights key findings” published in “UNESCO” on 10 August 2024.
Why in News?
The first comprehensive survey of Lake Turkana in 50 years, led by UNESCO and WFP, has revealed significant findings about the lake’s high fish potential, particularly in its central and northern regions.
About Lake Turkana
| Aspects | Description |
| About | 1. Lake Turkana is also known as Lake Rudolf or the Jade Sea. 2. It is a vast, shallow lake located in the arid northern region of Kenya, with its northernmost section extending into Ethiopia. 3. It ranks as Africa’s 4th largest lake by surface area and holds the title of the world’s largest permanent desert lake. 4. Lake Turkana is Africa’s largest saline lake by volume and the 4th largest in the world. 5. The lake and its surrounding areas are known as Lake Turkana National Parks are recognized as World Heritage Sites. |
| River | Three rivers Omo, Turkwel, and Kerio flow into Lake Turkana. The Omo River is the only perennial river, contributing 90% of the lake’s annual water inflow. |
| Climate | 1. Lake Turkana is located in Kenya’s hot, arid region with sparse vegetation. 2. The climate is characterized by low annual rainfall (less than 250 mm), high temperatures, and strong winds. 3. Due to intense heat, the lake loses more water through evaporation than it gains from precipitation. |
| Flora | 1. Intense heat and strong winds limit plant life around Lake Turkana, with thorn bushes as the dominant vegetation. 2. Dry grasslands appear during the wet season (March to May) and vanish in the dry months. 3. The lake supports abundant plankton, including cyanobacteria and microalgae. |
| Fauna | 1. Lake Turkana hosts 50 fish species, with 12 endemic, such as cichlids, barbs, catfish, and robber tetras; other species include tilapia, Nile perch, African knifefish, and African arowana. 2. Bird species around the lake include the little stint, common sandpiper, wood sandpiper, and white-breasted cormorant. 3. Mammals in the region include giraffes, zebras, rhinos, elephants, and cheetahs. |
UPSC Syllabus: World Geography
