Tso Kar translates to "white lake" due to the salt that accumulates along its edges. However, it is actually two lakes, with one being a freshwater one shown in the foreground of this photo named Startsapuk Tso. The freshwater lake is actually far more productive than its salty cousin, with clouds of midges and other insects that provide food for numerous birds species including Brown-headed Gulls, Bar-headed Geese, Ruddy Shelducks, Black-necked Cranes, Common Redshanks, and others. It also provides drinking water for mammals including kiangs (Tibetan wild ass) and Tibetan argali (wild sheep).