Map: The Kerio delta is a one hour drive from the TBI Turkwel facility.
We visited the Kerio Delta a few days ago to get a first glimpse of the complex freshwater ecology and dynamics that affect the deltas of Lake Turkana. We were hosted by a group of local fishermen whose boats we used to travel into the mouth of the Kerio Delta.
One of the issues facing the Kerio Delta, and Lake Turkana in general, is that of changing water levels. There is natural fluctuation that occurs seasonally with rains in the Ethiopian and North-western highlands of Kenya. However, with developments occurring along the Omo River, which supplies around 90 % of the water in Lake Turkana, this is a very serious issue for the lake, it’s ecology and people. At present (January 2015) the lake is at a high stand, partly due to the higher-than-average rains experienced in East Africa’s highlands over the past few years. This has brought about some changes in the Kerio Delta.
The Lake Turkana water levels are exceptionally high at the moment.
The natural vegetation of the deltas includes large beds of Typha (commonly known as bulrushes or cattails). This is a plant that grows partly submerged and, together with species of aquatic grasses and sedges, helps oxygenate the water and provides a nursery ground for young fish.
A closeup view of the bulrush environment.
One of the ecological challenges facing the Kerio and Turkwel Deltas has been the proliferation of an invasive shrub called Prosopis (known locally as “Mathenge”). This spiny shrub grows quickly and establishes itself wherever there’s enough water – and has spread through the deltas choking out the natural vegetation. It benefits from falling lake levels or dry periods as this is when it can establish itself. However, one of the benefits of the higher water levels is that the Prosopis can’t survive being waterlogged for long periods of time, and starts to die back.
Instructor Dr. Dino paddles the boat back into dock. Prosopis can be seen on the left, compared with the bulrush on the right.
This is allowing the Typha and aquatic grasses to re-establish themselves, but this trend will last as long as naturally higher lake levels persist, but would be reversed if lake levels dropped even slightly due to diversion of water in dams or for irrigation along the Omo River.
Dr. Dino points out some of the amazing wildlife thriving in the delta environment.
Dr. Lewis and boat mates enjoying the ride.
More adventures from the Spring 2015 Origins Field School soon!
