The Importance of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans in Botswana for Flamingos in Africa

Little is known about the feeding ecology and breeding success of the Lesser Flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor) and Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber roseus) on the ephemeral salt lake of the Makgadikgadi, Botswana. Some observations of large numbers of both species have been recorded breeding on the Makgadikgadi salt pans, and it is believed that this site is among the most important breeding sites for both species of flamingo in Africa. This paper addresses the importance of the Makgadikgadi salt pans by revising some of the observations made in the past and also introduces a long-term research project that is currently underway to determine more about the ecology of the pans and the flamingo breeding success at this important site.