Riparian wetlands
Ecosystems dominated by aquatic emergent plants growing in shallow waters are commonly referred to as wetlands. This definition includes the shoreline of lakes and rivers, where lake levels do not change too abruptly to impede the formation of emergent aquatic plants such as reeds and sedges. Despite being a volcanic lake, the shoreline of Lake Naviasha has a very shallow slope due to the deposition of ancient lake sediments. A small change in water level can imply the flooding or drying of extensive surfaces. Therefore, the Naivasha wetland is pulsing together with dominant climatic conditions. The area interested by flooding can become very extensive when the lake water stretches across the basin pan. The extent of the lakeshore (=riparian) wetland is the basis supporting the great bird biodiversity found at Lake Naivasha. The gallery reproduces the endangered Grey Crowned Crane, that is often seen on the lakes shores.
Key species among the lakeshore vegetation is papyrus.
