Lake Inle - A Global Ecoregion
Looks more like a field separated by channels of water
Snapshot: Ecoregion 190
Size:
2,500 sq. km (965 sq. miles)
Habitat type:
Small Lakes
Geographic Location:
Southern Asia: Myanmar
Conservation Status:
Vulnerable
Quiz Time!
Why is the Inle Lake so heavily planted?
Answer:
The loam soil on the lake bottom is very fertile. People plant tomatoes, beans, or flowers in the lake, creating floating gardens that they keep in place with bamboo poles. So many people have planted floating gardens that Inle looks more like a field separated by channels of water than the wild, open lake it was originally.
About the Area
Lake Inle lies 2,952 feet (900 m) above sea level on the Shan Plateau, an extensive region of high mountain ranges criss-crossed by streams and the mighty Salween River.
This relatively shallow mountain lake supports 9 endemic fish species in 3 endemic genera, and over 20 species of snails of which, one-third may be endemic.Local Species
Endemic or characteristic fish species include the Inle swamp eel (Chaudhuria caudata) and Inle barb (Sawbwa resplendens). The Inle carp is a cultural symbol of the local people and is an important food for them; unfortunately, its population has been declining in recent years.
Threats
The Lake has been drastically modified through land reclamation. Floating gardens have been constructed within the lake, and the consequent runoff of pesticides and fertilizer from these lands pollute the lake.
Sedimentation from cattle grazing and sewage disposal from surrounding lands adds to the problems.
Resources
• NationalGeographic.com
