The flow dynamics of the river can become unstable (typically during the high-water period). During this instability, it is possible that the river will cut new channel. This effectively isolates a meander and creates an “oxbow lakes”. When rivers are subject to a variable flood cycle, these oxbow lakes are common. An oxbow lake is a habitat of essentially standing water, providing yet another kind of riverine habitat, where water stagnates rather than flows rapidly.
These lakes are plentifully stocked with fish and rich in nutrients. This enables them to give life to other kind of animals and plants. The most well-known inhabitants of the oxbow – lakes are the giant otters and the black Caimans. Many Bird species live only on the oxbow-lakes: Green Ibis, Purple Gallinule, Rufescent Tiger Heron, Agami Heron, Grakes, are a few examples.
