Chott de Zehrez Gharbi. 04/06/03; Djelfa; 52,200 ha; 34°58'N 002°44'E. Like the nearby Chott de Zehrez Chergui, an endorheic depression with numerous permanent and seasonal lakes and pools and shrub-dominated wetland between northern and southern ranges of the Atlas mountains. The "chott" (signifying in Arabic the vegetative border around a "sebkha", or saline lake) of Zehrez Gharbi supports vegetation characteristic of the high plains of the Maghreb steppe area. At least six sand- and salt-loving plant species, considered rare in the region, are found in the site, and Salicornia arabica is considered very rare. Apart from salt extraction, which has always been practiced in the sebkha both in traditional or modern ways, the pastures of Zehrez Gharbi are particulary known for the production of beef and veal of excellent quality, as well as for the sheep of the Maghreb called "Ouled Djelal". Ramsar site no. 1295. Most recent RIS information: 2003.