Wildlife of Libya - Wetlands

Wetlands

There are two wetlands of "International Importance" inscribed under the Ramsar Convention. These are:

The Ain Elshakika Wetland, which covers an area of 33 hectares (82 acres), was included in the Ramsar Convention of Wetlands on 5 April 2000. It also covers part of the Kouf National Park. It is a hypersaline coastal sebkha ('sebka' means: "depression"). The geological formation, on its southern part, consists of limestone. Sand dunes, mudflats and large areas of shrubs are also part of this wetland. Its importance is on account of migratory and resident waterbirds, which provide ample opportunities for bird watching and also for eco-tourism.

The Ain Elzarga Wetland was designated as a Ramsar Site on 5 April 2000 and it covers an area of 50 hectares (120 acres). Its small coastal depression has link with the sea and hence water is visible in the wetland throughout the year, though saline particularly in summer. This land of marshes and mud flats is bounded on the south and east by rocky hills and sand dunes. It runs from east to west. It is part of the Kouf National Park and is important on account of the large population of migratory birds. Its potential for bird watching is also of eco-tourism interest.