Due to the immense rainfall in Namibia that caused the inland pans and gravel pits to flood, scores of birds have migrated to other areas in order to breed and feed. The lack of flamingos was the first sign of change in the Walvis Bay environment. Below is an introduction to the town, lagoon and some statistics on how the flood affected bird species.

Introduction to the town of Walvis Bay

The city is situated north of the Tropic of Capricorn, at the end of the TransNamib Railway going to Windhoek, and on the B2 road. It was formally handed over to Namibia on the 28^th of February 1994. The city of Walvis Bay has a reputation of being one of the driest cities in the world. The warmest month, January, has a temperature of 24°C. July, being the coldest month, has a temperature of 17°C. The Eleven Arrows FC hails from Walvis Bay.

• Meaning “ Whale Bay” in English
• Discovered by Bartolomeu Diaz in 1487
• The harbor is ideal for fishing and cargo vessels, and smaller boats and yachts
• Regular supply of drinking water and electricity
• High quality internet, satellite, cellular, data and radio communication services
• The newspaper for Walvis Bay,Namib Times, receives coverage from many television, radio and satellite networks
• There is an abundance of hotels, lodges and resorts catering for the tourism market

Walvis Bay Lagoon Facts

Walvis Bay Lagoon is estimated to be about 3000 years old. The lagoon is famous for being the regular destination for some of the biggest whales, and an extensive range of bird species. Most of the 50000 residents are either employed in the fishing industry, or the production of sea salt.

• One of the richest and most valuable wetlands in Southern Africa
• It is formed by the well-known 7km long Pelican Point
• Popular activities amongst visitors include kite boarding, kayaking, wind surfing, bird watching, photography and jogging
• The lagoon is a key wetland, in ecological terms, because of its importance for coastal biodiversity (birds)
• Named a RAMSAR site in 1995
• The countless bird species that can be found here include flamingos, pelicans, sea gulls, cormorants, avocets, Cape Teal, Chestnut-banded Plover and Damara Tern
• Greater and Lesser flamingos breed elsewhere, but they come to the lagoon to feed
• The lagoon supports 40% of the Black-necked Grebe, as well as the Red-necked Phalarope, Common Redshark, Eurasian Curlew and Bairds Sandpiper
• The site can play host to approximately 250000 birds in summer peak times
• Halobacteria’s red colour is found in the blue-green algae that the Greater and Lesser flamingos feed on. This is how the flamingo gets its reddish-pink colour

Birdlife in the Walvis Bay Lagoon

Birdlife Statistics

RAMSAR

RAMSAR is an intergovernmental treaty founded in the Iranian city of Ramsar, in 1971. It provides framework for national action and international co-operation for conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. They publish the List of Wetlands of International Importance, and the member countries cover all geographic areas of the planet.

About Mia Lukic

Mia Lukic has written 5 posts in this blog.

Originally from Croatia, I am now living in Africa. Travelling has always been my first love. My favourite place in Namibia would be Damaraland, in between the Skeleton Coast and Central Plateau. Twyfelfontein is rich in history and heritage, and the rock art is definitely an appealing facet to experience!

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