Gounde

Gounde

Gounde is a small hamlet in Chad, located north of Dougia village, on Lake Chad. Since Lake Chad is very shallow, its area is extremely sensitive to small changes in average depth, and as a consequence, seasonal variations in its size can be observe. The lake is home to more than 44 species of algae, and in particular is one of the largest producers of wild spirulina in the world. The lake also has extensive marshland and reedbeds. The floodplains on the southern shore of the lake are covered with wetland grasses. The lake and its surroundings are home to a range of wildlife, including elephants, hippos, crocodiles and large communities of migratory birds, including wintering ducks, waterfowl and shorebirds. The region is home to two near-endemic bird species, River Prinia and the Rusty Lark. Unfortunately, the shrinking of the lake is threatening the nesting sites of the Black-Crowned Crane.