Sebkhet El Melah
- Country:Algeria
- Site number:1429
- Area:18,947 ha
- Designation date:12-12-2004
- Coordinates:30°30'N 02°55'E
Overview
The Site is an endorheic depression with saline soils featuring two bodies of water: the pond-like upper basin of moderate salinity, which is very rich in biological diversity, and a bare sebkha or salt lake with salt-encrusted banks. The Site is important for the conservation of Mediterranean and central Saharan biodiversity, thanks to its variety of habitats including tamarisk forest and dunes which cater to different species: it hosts various reptiles and amphibians, algae, phanerogams; fish, crustacean, bird species, and small mammals. The area’s high productivity, caused by the high temperatures and consequently high decomposition rates, contributes to making it a significant breeding and nursery site for several waterbird species. It hosts more than 1% of the biogeographic populations of Tadorna ferruginea and Aythya nyroca. Ancient graves can be found in the area, while the cliffs have been found to contain marine paleontological remains. Limited agricultural activities take place in the Site, while around it are palm cultivations organized under cooperatives. Waste disposal, human expansion and poaching are the main threats to the Site. A management plan and classification as a nature reserve are foreseen.
- Last publication date:08-03-2018
Downloads
Ramsar Information Sheet (RIS)
Archived RIS
Site map
Additional reports and documents
- Taxonomic lists of plant and animal species occurring in the site
- Other published literature