Etangs palavasiens. 15/09/08; Languedoc-Roussillon; 5,797 ha; 43°30'N 003°51'E. Natura 2000, Nature Reserve. A complex of seven main coastal brackish and saline lagoons typical of the Mediterranean biogeographic region, with dunes and sandy beaches that separate them from the sea. The site represents an important bird habitat during the migration period, in particular for the Caspian Tern (Sterna caspia) and the White Stork (ciconia ciconia), but it is also an important breeding site for Little Tern (Sterna albifrons), with more than 80% of the French breeding population, and the Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber roseus). The high habitat diversity of the lagoons supports many Mediterranean amphibians, reptiles like Emys orbicularis, fishes such as Anguilla Anguilla and Atherina lagunae and the endemic and endangered insect species (Metrioptera fedtschenkoi azami and Gryllotalpa septemdecimchromosomica) In the site fishing and hunting are practiced, and it is also very popular for tourism and leisure activities. Ramsar site no. 1832. Most recent RIS information: 2008.