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Photo of Lake Turkana
Pin Lake TurkanaLake Turkana
KenyaCountry
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Lake Turkana, also known as the Jade Sea, is a massive alkaline lake located in the Great Rift Valley in northern Kenya. It is the largest permanent desert lake in the world and the fourth-largest salt lake. The lake is approximately 290 km (180 mi) long, 32 km (20 mi) wide, and up to 120 meters (390 ft) deep.

Lake Turkana is known for its unique ecosystem and the diverse wildlife that inhabits the area. It is home to several species of fish, including the Nile perch, which is one of the world's largest freshwater fish. The lake also serves as a breeding ground for the world's largest population of Nile crocodiles and is home to several species of birds, including flamingos, pelicans, and many others.

The region around Lake Turkana is also rich in archaeological sites, including the famous Koobi Fora fossil site, which has yielded many important discoveries of early hominid fossils. The lake is also surrounded by several nature reserves and national parks, including Sibiloi National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Despite its unique and important ecosystem, Lake Turkana is facing several environmental challenges, including climate change, overfishing, and the construction of dams on the Omo River, which feeds into the lake. These challenges threaten the lake's fragile ecosystem and the livelihoods of the communities that depend on it.