Biodiversity values Over 100 species of fish have been recorded from the upper Chari system, while over 120 species are known from the lake itself and the lower reaches of the Chari River. Both the lake and the Chari flood- plains support a rich terrestrial and aquatic fauna. The region is also notable for the Kuri ox, a domesticated breed of Bos taurus longifrons at risk of extinction. Lake Chad is on a major migration route for birds moving between Africa and the Palearctic.