ACTION TAKEN
Veterinary Doctors from Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI),
Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) and Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Authority (NCAA), together with experts from Veterinary Investigation
Centre (VIS) and Tropical Pesticide Research Institute (TPRI) joined to
investigate the problem. TAWIRI,VIC, and TPRI took water and dead Lesser Flamingo tissue samples
for analysis at their respective laboratories. In addition, TAWIRI sent
replicates of the samples to Berlin, Germany.TPRI analyses tissue, fish and water sample to test for chemical
residues. The results indicated trace of Fenvelerate (derivative of
summithion, used for cotton pesticide) at insignificant levels. These findings currently do not support the possibility of pesticide
poisoning of the birds. VIC analyses for bacteria infection of bird's
organ and water. No pathogenic bacteria were isolated in the samples
examined. Results from Berlin Germany have not yet been received.
SUSPECTED CAUSE OF DEATH
Following similar incidences that have occurred over the past decade in
Kenya's alkaline lakes, that is Nakuru, Bogoria and Elmentaita and in
Tanzania in Lake Natron and Embakai in 2002 a toxin from cynobacteria
was found. Deaths were again observed in Lake Embakai in September 2003.

Analysis of Lesser Flamingo carcass samples from Lake Bogoria and Nakuru
carried out at both Leibniz Institute of Fresh water Ecology and Inland
Fisheries in Berlin, found cynobacteria toxins in dead Lesser Flamingo
livers. Two hepatoxins (mocrocystin-LR and RR) and the neurotoxin,
anatoxin-a were found at estimated harmful concentrations.

The only sources of these toxins are cynobacteria. Cynobacteria is the
main diet of the Lesser Flamingo. Anotoxin-a being neurotoxin, is
consistent with opisthotonus observed at post mortem.

Canoeing safari on one of the Momela lakes, known as ‘Small’ Momela, has already taken off and we are satisfied with the initial response from tourists, Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) Director General, Mr. Gerald Bigurube said recently.

This is the second new tourist attraction to be introduced on the park recently. Another one to officially start next January is a walking safari around the world famous Ngurudoto crater.

The idea is to make visitors be able to have chances to observe everything in the natural world and view different animals in their various habitats under one roof.

TANZANIA NATIONAL PARKS in conjunction with tour operators and other tourism stakeholders are at the moment promoting the two new products which will add value to the country’s extensive attractions.

The canoeing Safari at “Small” Momella” is being operated by an Arusha-based company, Green Footprints Adventure Limited. Within short period of its launching, already176 tourist have ventured for canoeing into the lake.

The canoeing safari enables visitors to have a closer and natural look at hippos and bird life not easily seen on ordinary game safaris.

In 1995, Arusha National Park hosted only 7,000 visitors with the number shooting up to 28,000 during 2002\3. The number is likely to swell even further as already by July this year 30,000 people have visited the park.

Lying between the peaks of Kilimanjaro and Meru, Arusha National Park is an outstandingly beautiful area with wide range of habitats, form a string of crater lakes where many water birds can be watched through the highland mountain forest to the imposing summit of Mount Meru.

The forest contain a wealth of birds and other animals like the bushbuck easily glimpsed in between ancient cedar trees or the black and white colobus monkeys climbing along their branches.

The interesting geology of the area is reflected in the impressive view of the ash cone and cliff face leading to the summit of Mount Meru.

Those who ascend the summit of the mountain are rewarded with unparalleled views of the majestic Mt. Kilimanjaro and the Rift Valleys.