Pink lake

We know that nature can surprise us incredibly. On our planet there are places with unique characteristics that may seem like something out of fantasy. One of these things is pink lake. It is one of the most impressive lakes not only in Africa but in the whole world. This is actually one of the most important tourist attractions in Senegal, mainly because of its incredible colors. Between dunes, palm trees and baobabs, you can see this wonder of nature thanks to its waters rich in minerals.

In this article we are going to tell you all the characteristics, origin, flora and fauna of the pink lake.

Origin of the pink lake

It is as if a flock of flamingos stopped and rested in this part of the western coast of Australia, which has completely vanished, leaving behind its characteristic pink plumage at the bottom of the lagoon. This is the pink lake. Seen from above, this natural wonder contrasts with the green landscape of the coastal vegetation and the deep blue of the Indian Ocean, just a few meters away. Despite its rarity, its pigmentation is due to a bacterium that lives in the salt crusts. These microbes are responsible for giving that touch of unique color, although they are not always pink. Several lakes around the world open the color range to phosphorescent green, milky blues and even reddish red.

The history of this lake is largely based on the color of its waters, that have more than 40% salinity in some parts. According to the neighbors, in ancient times the lake was fished, but in the 1970s there were a series of important droughts that caused a series of economic difficulties, so the residents of the lake area began to collect and sell them from the Water. The salt obtained considerably increases the income of the family.

Key features

The main characteristics that can be observed in the lake are the following:

• Its main feature is its characteristic pink color.
• It's big, but it's also shallow at the same time.
• Its water is so warm and so saline that almost everything floats in it.
• The best time to observe this characteristic color is at sunset or sunrise, thanks to the interactions that occur with sunlight.
• It is surrounded by baobab forests and traditional landscape.
• It is about 5 kilometers long.
• The distinctive color of its waters is due to the algae called Dunaliella salina, which are responsible for making the red pigment absorb sunlight.
• Its high salinity allows people to float in its waters effortlessly.

The pink lake and society

The main city near the Pink Lake is Dakar, 30 kilometers northeast of Cape Verde. In the Pink Lake they have developed over time a series of natural and climatic threats that affect its waters. Erosion, climate change, and overexploitation from agriculture have wreaked havoc on the lake. The reduction in rainfall has also affected its waters, with agricultural companies heavily polluted by the use of pesticides.

The main source of income for the region must be the extraction of salt from the lake. In fact, workers from all over the continent decided to move to this place to dedicate themselves to the activity. The extraction of this mineral has been one of the main sources of income since 1970 and has been increasing every year over time.

In fact, if you decide to visit the lake, you will see salt collectors constantly working in and around the lake. The locals extract the salt from the bottom of the lake by hand, then place it in baskets and transport it to the shore, mainly for the preservation of fish. The locals who extract the salt from the lake use the shea butter extracted from the shea tree to protect themselves from the salt.

Most of the workers are self-employed. Thin profit margins and low salt production mean there is not enough capital to attract the big companies. Nonetheless, these miners collectively extract nearly 60,000 tons of salt each year. In addition, the beautiful scenery here has become one of the main sources of tourism in the region, which has significantly improved the economic situation of the region.

The policies that govern this place are based on the guidelines set by African governments. Some of them focus on the protection of the lake and some policies that benefit its waters and workers.

Flora and fauna

Due to the high salt content of the lake water, few animals can survive in the lake water. Certain types of bacteria, algae, and small crustaceans can be found, but are less common. Outside the lake, there are not many animals since the water is not drinkable, which allows species to migrate to other places in search of food.

Due to the high concentration of salt, the flora of this lake is extremely scarce, almost nil. Around the lake you can find some vegetation typical of the region and the climate.

The lake is vital for the economy of its inhabitants, since most of them are dedicated to the extraction of salt, which over time has become one of the main sources of income for most of their families who live near the lake.

Curiosities of the pink lake

Some of the curiosities that make this lake unique in the world are mentioned below:

• Before the famous Dakar Rally began in South America, Pink Lake was the finish line several times.
• The bacteria that produce the pink color of the lake are harmless to humans, so swimming in its waters is allowed.
• To extract salt from water, residents use shea butter.
• Its color is mainly due to the high concentration of salt in its waters.

You should know that Dunaliella salina, which gives the lake its unique color, is completely harmless to humans and perfectly safe to swim in the lake. In fact, did you know that these algae are very rich in antioxidants? So much so that they are used to make cosmetics and nutritional supplements.

I hope that with this information you can learn more about the pink lake and its characteristics.