Nyae Nyae Pans - Wetland in the Making

This photograph entails part of the great Nyae Nyae Pans in the Namibian northeast. Although I have not indicated a specific species, one can see thousands upon thousands of birds on this magnificent pan. Mostly seen here are Red-knobbed Coot (the little black dots), Red-billed Teal and the white birds in the back are of Lesser and Greater Flamingo.

Nyae Nyae is a natural pan that fills up with good rainy seasons. The water turns salty as the rock underneath is of Calcrete. This makes for perfect habitat. On a good year, over 150 species can be identified in this small pan system.

The pan itself is pretty isolated and there is only one way in. Namibia is also in the process of getting the pan recognized as an international Wetland (lots of legal stuff involved). Flamingo will breed here as well. The most famous of this pan system is the Wattled Crane (rare and endangered).

With this image I am attempting show part of the magnitude of this pan system and the glorious life that exists there. Very few people go visit it, and it is this isolation that is turning the system into a real life treasure for all whom are willing to go the extra mile.