Authors : D. S. Dabhade
Page Nos : 249-251
Description :
Abstract:
Lonar Crater (19o58’N and 76o31’E) is the third largest natural salt-water lake in the world. The lake lies in a circular depression surrounded by deep escarpment rise above the plateau due to ejecta blanket. The only inlet without any outlet result in its unusual and climatic isolation is the special feature of lake. The fascinating flora surrounds lake basin in the bottom is an ecological wonder of Lonar ( Dabhade et al., 1999) . This wet land is well known for its biodiversity. The lake brine supports typical microbial flora and fauna need to be investigated to access its value of wet-land to be recognized as Ramsar Site of India. Lake brine have high alkalinity and salinity so exhibits different type of flora and fauna. Phytoplankton contain different type of blue green algae, green algae, Diatoms, Chlorophyceae and Bacillariophyceae species. During study period 2013-2015 observations revels few forms of Rotifers while Cladocera, Copepoda and Ostracoda were found rarely.
Keywords: Lonar Crater, Saline Lake, Wet-land
