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A preliminary assessment of 

Important Areas for Ponds (IAPs) 

in the 

Mediterranean Basin and Alpine Arc 

IAP Site Profiles 

Gargano and Tremiti Islands, Italy Lacs des Gorges du Doron de Termingnon 

© Dr Guiseppe Alfonso France 

© http://www.destination-termignon.com 

CONSULTATION DOCUMENT

Mediterranean Basin 

Country IAP Code Site Name Page no. 

Spain SP01 El Abalario pond complex 1 

Spain SP02 Temporary ponds in Alt Maestrat 4 

Spain SP03 Temporary ponds in Alt Palancia 6 

Spain S04 Bassa del Cavall 9 

Spain SP05 Campiña sur ponds 11 

Spain SP06 Cardena ponds 13 

Spain SP07 Donana temporary ponds 15 

Spain SP08 El Palancoso pond 20 

Spain SP09 Fuente de Piedra ponds 22 

Spain SP10 La Gitanilla pond 24 

Spain SP11 La Nava pond 26 

Spain SP12 La Roca pond 12 

Spain SP13 Lavajo de Abajo de Sinarcas 30 

Spain SP14 Lebrija-Las Cabezas ponds 33 

Spain SP15 Los Arenales ponds 35 

Spain SP16 Malladas de la Devesa 37 

Spain SP17 Menorca 39 

Spain SP18 Redonda or Melchor Gomez pond 43 

Spain SP19 Santa Olalla Ponds 45 

Spain SP20 Compejo Lagunar Carstico de Cuenca 47 

Spain SP21 Hoya de Bezas 49 

Spain SP22 Trujillana pond 51 

Spain SP23 Veiga de Pontellinares 53 

Spain SP24 Douro Basin 56 

Portugal PT01 S Miguel 65 

Portugal PT02 Sagres Ponds 68 

Portugal PT03 Malhao 71 

Portugal PT04 Galeado 74 

Portugal PT05 Vila Do Bispo 77 

France FR01 Agde 80 

France FR02 Beziers 82 

France FR03 Capelle 84 

France FR04 Centre-Var 86 

France FR05 Costieres 88 

France FR06 Crau 90 

France FR07 Biot 93 

France FR08 Mare de Catcheou 95 

France FR09 Massif d'Esterel 98 

France FR10 Plaine des Maures and Massif des Maures 101 

France FR11 Camargue 104 

France FR12 Pezenas 107 

i


France FR13 Rodes 109 

France FR14 Roque-Haute 111 

France FR15 St Esteve et Torremila 114 

France FR16 Vendres 116 

France FR17 Agriates 118 

France FR18 Bonifacio 121 

France FR19 Cap Corse 124 

France FR20 Littoral SW Corsica 127 

France FR21 Pto Vecchio 130 

Italy IT01 Albegna plain ponds complex 133 

Italy IT02 Presidential Estate of Castelporziano 135 

Italy IT03 Circeo Forest 141 

Italy IT04 Eastern Salento 144 

Italy IT05 Ferrara Retting Pool Landscape 148 

Italy IT06 Foglino Wood 152 

Italy IT07 Gargano and Tremiti Islands 155 

Italy IT08 Isola Grande and Pantano di San Teodoro 159 

Italy IT09 Monte Carcaci 162 

Italy IT10 Monte Lauro 165 

Italy IT11 Monte Minerva wet area 168 

Italy IT12 Nardo ponds 170 

Italy IT13 Natural Reserve of Macchiatonda 172 

Italy IT14 Pantani della Doganella 175 

Italy IT15 Palude di Imbutillo 177 

Italy IT16 Porto Caleri coastal ponds 180 

Italy IT17 Sentina Natural Regional Reserve 183 

Italy IT18 Stagni Della Mercareccia 186 

Italy IT19 Western Salento 188 

Malta MAL01 San Pawl tat-Targa pools 191 

Montenegro MTG01 Moromis pond 193 

Albania ALB01 Albania 195 

Greece GR01 Kampos Karystou Ponds 200 

Greece GR02 Mount Ochi Area Ponds 203 

Greece GR03 Omalos pond 205 

Greece GR04 Schinias Marathon Ponds 208 

Greece GR05 Sperchios Valley Ponds 210 

Cyprus CYP01 Oroklini Lake Saltmarsh Ponds 212 

Cyprus CYP02 Paralimni Lake Ponds 214 

Morocco MR01 Bab Berred 216 

Morocco MR02 Benslimane 219 

Morocco MR03 Massif du Bouhachem 222 

Morocco MR04 Casablanca 225 

Morocco MR05 Chaouia 228 

ii


Morocco MR06 Doukkala-Abda 231 

Morocco MR07 Essaouira 234 

Morocco MR08 Gharb 237 

Morocco MR09 Haouz-Jbilets 240 

Morocco MR10 Haut Atlas 243 

Morocco MR11 Mamora 246 

Morocco MR12 Moyen Atlas 249 

Morocco MR13 Ain Ech-Chair 252 

Morocco MR14 Oued Cherrat 255 

Morocco MR15 Peninsule Tingitane 258 

Algeria AG01 Alger 261 

Algeria AG02 Jijel 264 

Algeria AG03 Western Numidie 267 

Algeria AG04 Eastern Numidie 270 

Tunisia TN01 Kroumirie 273 

Tunisia TN02 Majen Choucha 276 

Tunisia TN03 Majen Chitane 279 

Tunisia TN04 Garaa Sejnane 282 

Egypt EG01 Nile 285 

Israel IS01 Brichat Secher pool 288 

Lebanon LB01 Bekaa 291 

Lybia LY01 Cyrénaique 294 

Syria SR01 Homs 297 

Alpine Arc 


France FR01 Lac des Saisies 300 

France FR02 Zones humides des lacs de la Tempête et du col de la Louze 302 

France FR03 Zones humides des Menuires 304 

France FR04 Zones humides du col des Encombres 306 

France FR05 Lacs de gorges du Doron de Termignon 308 

France FR06 Zones humides des lacs Potron 310 

France FR07 Lacs du plateau du Taillefer 312 

France FR08 Etangs de Dormillouse 314 

Switzerland CH01 Gouilles des Chaux des Planards 316 

Switzerland CH02 Glacier de Transfleuron 318 

Switzerland CH03 Lötschberg 320 

Switzerland CH04 Grimselpass, Totesee 322 

Switzerland CH05 Steisee am Sustenpass 324 

Switzerland CH06 Rinderstock, Plattisee 326 

Switzerland CH07 Hinter-Silberenalp 328 

Switzerland CH08 Hüenderbüel Muttsee 330 

Switzerland CH09 Passo del San Bernardino 332 

iii


Switzerland CH10 Pradischierer Alp 334 

Switzerland CH11 Golf Samedan 336 

Switzerland CH12 Passo del Bernina 338 

Switzerland CH13 Lais da Macun 340 

Austria AT01 Platizer Joch 342 

Austria AT02 Vallüaseen 344 

Austria AT03 Widdersberg 346 

Austria AT04 Schaflacken 348 

Austria AT05 Sieben-Möser-Gerlosplatte 350 

Austria AT06 Seen im Rauriser Urwald 352 

Austria AT07 Klafferkessel-Seen 354 

Austria AT08 Goldlacken und trattenscharte 356 

Italy IT01 Stagni Malghe pieltinis 358 

iv

El ABALARIO POND COMPLEX MED – SP01 

Administrative region Spain (Huelva, Andalucía) 

Coordinates (latitude/longitude) 37°07’19’’N; 06°40’57’’W 

Altitude 35 - 70 m 

Area 

Selection criteria # 

Site description 

“El Abalario” pond complex is a string of ponds running along a 

small tectonic step located south of the Rocina stream (Arroyo 

de la Rocina). Dozens of small springs and seasonal ponds 

appear in small depressions amid the stable sand dunes when 

water-levels rise after heavy rainfall. The regular input of 

groundwater with a low mineral content has led to the creation 

of peat bogs. The largest floodplain is the chain of ponds called 

“Laguna de Ribetehilos”, which has recently been restored in a 

project involving the deforestation of Eucalyptus plantations. 

Selection criteria 

A. Habitats of European importance (Annex I of Habitat Directive) 

3110: Oligotrophic waters containing very few minerals of sandy plains (Littorelletalia uniflorae). 

3120: Oligothrophic waters containing very few minerals generally on sandy soils of the West 

Mediterranean, with Isoetes spp. 

3160: Natural dystrophic lakes and ponds. 

4020: Temperate Atlantic wet heaths with Erica ciliaris and Erica tetralix. 

6420: Mediterranean tall humid grasslands of the Molinio-Holoschoenion. 

B. Species of European conservation importance 

Scientific name 

Plants 

Berne 

Convention 

11 282 ha 

A (habitat), B (species), C (density) 

Protection International Red List 

Habitat 

Directive 

1 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Source : Antonio Sabater 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Apium inundatum 

Armeria gaditana VU 2 

Caropsis verticillatinundata An II 

1 2 

CR 

Centaurea exarata 

1 2 

VU 

Erica ciliari VU 2 

Eryngium corniculatum VU 2 

Eryngium galioides VU 2 

Fuirena pubescens VU 2 

Frangula alnus subsp. 

baeticum 

VU 2 

Gaudinia hispanica 

1 2 

VU 

Isoetes velatum subsp. 

velatum 

An II DD 2


Plants 

Emys orbicularis An II An II/IV LR/NT NT/VU 

Mauremys leprosa 

1 

in Spain IUCN red list 2008. 

2 

in Andalucia IUCN red list 2006. 

An II An II/IV NT NT 

3 

rare in Spain though it has not been included on any list. 

C. Pond density 

There are 429 ponds located within this protected area of 11 282 ha, which comprise a total flooded 

area of about 647 ha. 

D. Socio-economic importance 

Not applicable. 

E. Other selection criteria 

None. 

Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

2 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism 

to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Juncus emmanuelis 

Juncus heterophyllus NT 

Litorella uniflora VU 

Micropyropsis tuberosa An I AnII CR 

1 2 

EN 

Pinguicula lusitanica EN VU 2 

Plantago algarbiensis CR 1 EN 2 

Potamogeton lucens DD 2 

Potamogeton polygonifolius DD 2 

Rhynchospora modestilucennoi 

 

1 2 

CR 

Ricciocarpus natans Rare 3 

Sedum maireanum VU 2 

Sphagnum auriculatum Rare 3 

Sphagnum inundatum Rare 3 

Stipa gigantea subsp. 

donyanae 

EN 1 VU 2 

Utricularia exoleta 

Amphibians 

 

1 2 

CR 

Bufo bufo An III LC LC 

Discoglossus galganoi An II An II/IV LC LC 

Epidalea calamita An II An IV LC LC 

Hyla meridionalis An II An IV LC LC 

Lissontriton boscai An III LC LC 

Pelobates cultripes An II An IV NT NT 

Pelophylax perezi An III An IV LC LC 

Pleurodeles waltl An III NT NT 

Triturus pygameus An III An IV NT NT 

Reptiles

Site designation 

International: - Natura 2000 site (SCI), SPA, RAMSAR. 

National: - Parque Natural de Doñana. 

Main threats 

- Reduction in the length of the water phase due to groundwater abstraction for intensive agriculture 

in the surrounding region (watershed and streams). 

Map 

Other comments 

None. 

Site proposed by/sources of information 

- García-Murillo P 1 , Fernández-Zamudio R 1 , Díaz-Paniagua C 2 & Serrano L 1 . 

- “Red de Seguimiento y evaluación de los humedales andaluces”, Consejería de Medio Ambiente, 

Junta de Andalucía. 

1 Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, University of Seville. 

2 Doñana Biological Station-CSIC. 

http://www.juntadeandalucia.es/medioambiente/site/web 

3

TEMPORARY PONDS IN ALT MAESTRAT MED – SP02 

Administrative region Penyagolosa, Alt Maestrat 



Area 



The temporary pools in this IAP are located in a 

mountainous area situated north of Valencia in a forest 

environment with low population density. The area has high 

annual rainfall when compared with the rest of the region 

(700-800 mm) and as a result there are numerous small 

temporary ponds. The banks of many of these have been 

reinforced with dry stone walls. These add historical value 

as they represent a traditional maintenance method. 



3170: Mediterranean temporary ponds. 




High. 

Berne 

Convention 

43 612 ha 

A (habitat), B (species) 


Habitat 

Directive 

4 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Source Universidad de Valencia 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Amphibians 

Alytes obstetricans An II An IV LC LC 




Pelodytes punctatus An III LC LC 

Pelophylax perezi An III An V LC LC 

Pleurodeles waltl 

Crustaceans 

An III NT NT 

Chirocephalus diaphanus Rare 

Daphnia atkinsoni Rare 

Mixodiaptomus incrassatus Rare 

Triops cancriformis Very rare


Used for livestock watering. 


High species diversity. 


International: - Natura 2000 site. 

National: - Natural Park Penyagolosa. 

Main threats 

- Excessive trampling of pond margins. 

- Water pollution (eutrophication) from excessive presence of livestock in some ponds. 

Map 


There are almost no other types of aquatic ecosystems in the area, except for small springs. 


- University of Valencia (Maria Sahuquillo and M. Rosa Miracle). 

- Generalitat Valenciana, Regional Ministry of Environment (Vicente Sancho and Ignacio Lacomba). 

5

TEMPORARY PONDS IN ALT PALANCIA MED – SP03 

Administrative region Alt Palancia (Castellón-Valencia, Eastern Spain) 


Altitude 1 000 m 

Area 



The temporary ponds of this IAP are located on the central 

plateau of Valencia under a continental Mediterranean 

climate with annual rainfall of about 517 mm per year. 

Temporary ponds are numerous in the region, mainly due 

to the natural endorheic and soil characteristics of the area 

that promotes the formation of these flooded areas, but 

also due to their importance for sheep watering. Nowadays 

many ponds are disappearing due to the abandonment of 

traditional livestock management or the lining of the pond 

basin with concrete. Nevertheless some ponds in the area 

still retain very interesting and unique communities of large 

branchiopods. 




26 267 ha 




Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

6 

IUCN Europe 

Image of El Rabalsador, a large ephemeral pond. 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Plants 

Chara fragilis 

Chara vulgaris 

Groenlandia densa 

Amphibians 

 








Crustaceans 

An III NT NT 

Branchipus schaefferi Very rare 

Daphnia atkinsoni Rare



High. 


Used for livestock watering. 


It is the only locality in the Iberian Peninsula for the concostracean Isaura mayeti (the other Spanish 

locality being in the Balearic Islands). 



National: - Reserves of fauna. 

Main threats 

Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

- Excessive trampling of pond margins. 

- Water pollution (eutrophication) from excessive presence of livestock in some ponds. 

- Inadequate maintenance practices, such as concreting of the pond basin. 

- Habitat destruction by draining or abandonment of maintenance of surface inflows. 

7 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Crustaceans 

Isaura mayeti Rare 

Neolovenulla alluaudi Rare 

Streptocephalus torvicornis Very rare 

Triops cancriformis Rare

Map 


None. 




8

BASSA DEL CAVALL MED – SP04 

Administrative region Albalat dels Tarongers (Valencia, Easern Spain) 


Altitude 211 m 

Area 



This IAP is a well preserved Mediterranean Temporary 

Pond located on a small hill close to the coastal strip, 

over a substrate mainly constituted of sandstones. The 

pond is surrounded by a well preserved Mediterranean 

"maquis". In spring, a complex aquatic vegetation 

community develops in the pond, ordered from 

emergent plants in the outermost ring to Ranunculus in 

the centre. The pond also supports a unique crustacean 

fauna. 










Berne 

Convention 

0.0456 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

9 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Source Universidad de Valencia 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Amphibians 






Crustaceans 

An III NT NT 

Alona azorica Rare species 

Ceriodaphnia nova sp. Rare species 

Hemidiaptomus ingens Very rare




International: - None. 

National: - Sierra Calderona Natural Park. 

- Micro-reserve of Flora. 

Main threats 

Map 

- So far this site is relatively safe from threats, mainly due to its remoteness; the only access being a 

path. 


Due to the uniqueness of the crustacean community, its preservation and protection is essential. It is one 

of the only two localities of Hemidiaptomus ingens in the Iberian Peninsula. 


http://gva.gis 



10

CAMPIÑA SUR PONDS MED – SP05 

Administrative region Spain (Badajoz, Extremadura Region) 

Coordinates (latitude/longitude) 38°22’55.51’’N; 05°54’23.73’’W 


Area 



This IAP is a complex of small ponds located in an extensive cereal plain to the South of Badajoz province. 

It is an important area for birds. 





The species list for this IAP has not been completed yet. This will be a priority to determine whether 

this site qualifies as an IAP. 


Low, between 1 and 5 ponds per km 2 . 




None. 


None. 

Main threats 

- Desiccation. 

- Soil tillage. 

60 000 ha 

A (habitat) 

11

Map 


These ponds are highly threatened. Most of them will disappear in next few years because of human 

activities. 


- Pérez Bote Jose Luís, Universidad de Extremadura, jlperez@unex.es. 

12

CARDEÑA PONDS MED – SP06 

Administrative region Spain (Comarca del Valle de Los Pedroches, Córdoba, Andalucía) 



Area 



This IAP is in the north-east of Cordoba (Andalusia), in the 

Pedroche region, inside the Natural Park "Sierra de Cardeña y 

Montoro". Evergreen scrub with Quercus spp. is the most 

common habitat surrounding the ponds. Activities in this 

region include extensive farming and hunting. The ponds 

support habitat for different species, including protected 

important populations of amphibians, reptilians and fish. This 

aquatic biodiversity is possible because of the presence of 

many farm ponds constructed by private landowners. In fact, 

there are no natural wetlands inventoried in this area. 






Amphibians 


Berne 

Convention 


1 200 ha 

A (habitat), B (species), D (socio-economic) 


Habitat 

Directive 

13 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Alytes cisternasii An II An IV NT NT 





Pelodytes ibericus An III LC LC 


Lissontriton boscai An III NT NT 

Reptiles 


Mauremys leprosa An II An II/IV NT NT 

Fishes 

Cobitis paludica An III


Farming and agricultural use, as a supply of freshwater. 


These ponds support species which are endemic to the Iberian Peninsula: Alytes cisternasii and 

Pelodytes ibericus, in spite of the lack of natural wetlands in this area. 


International: - Natura 2000 site ES613000 «Sierra de Cardeña y Montoro ». 

- Included in 6310: Dehesas perennifolias de Quercus spp (Habitat Directive, Annex I). 

National: - Included in RENPA (Natural Net Protected Areas in Andalusia). 

- Included in ZEPA (Special Protected Area for Birds). 

Main threats 

- Farm use. 

- Introduced fish species. 

Map 


None. 


- European Pond Conservation Network (EPCN). 

- Network of Protected Areas of Andalusia, España. 

14

DOÑANA TEMPORARY PONDS MED – SP07 

Administrative region Spain (Huelva, Andalucia) 



Area 



54 000 ha 


More than 3000 temporary ponds flood after heavy autumn or winter rains in Doñana National Park (SW 

Spain). This Park includes three main landscapes: (i) a silty-clay floodplain with a seasonally flooded 

marshland formed at the mouth of the Guadalquivir River, (ii) a mobile dune system running parallel to 

the Atlantic coast line with several trains of fronts and dune slacks, and (iii) a stable dune area originated 

by earlier dune generations with smooth depressions which constitute the basins of most temporary 

ponds. Mediterranean scrub is the typical vegetation of this area. It is mainly composed of Halimium 

halimifolium and Stauracanthus genistoides with isolated cork oak trees (Quercus suber) and thickets of 

pines (Pinus pinea). 

Freshwater ponds are filled (with rainfall, runoff and/or groundwater discharge) in smooth basins on 

sandy soils with superficial horizons of silty texture or on soils with an argilic horizon of semipermeable 

sediment which favours the accumulation of water. Ponds present a wide variation in size, length of the 

aquatic phase, and limnological features, partly depending on their location: in large or small depressions 

on the stable dunes, in wet sand dune slacks, or in transitional areas towards the marshland. The number 

of ponds and their characteristics also vary among successive years, which implies a significant 

interannual variation in species richness in each pond. 

15



3130: Oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters with vegetation of the Littorelletea uniflorae 

and/or the Isoeto-Nanojuncetea. 

3140: Hard oligo-mesotrophic waters with benthic vegetation of Chara spp. 

3160: Natural dystrophic lakes and ponds. 




Plants 

Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

16 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Apium inundatum 

Avellara fistulosa 

1 2 

CR 

Bulbostylis cicoiana EN 1 CR 2 

Callitriche lusitanica DD 1 EN 2 

Callitriche platycarpa sensu 

Caropsis verticillaoinundata An II 

1 2 

CR 

Elatine alsinastrum CR 

Eryngium corniculatum VU 2 

Eryngium galioides VU 2 

Fuirena pubescens NT VU 2 

Glyceria fluitans NT 2 

Gratiola linifolia NT 2 

Hydrocharis morsus-ranae CR 

Isolepis fluitans 

Juncus enmanuelis 


Juncus x donyanae 

Lemna trisulca VU CR 1 DD 2 

Marsilea strigosa An I An II/IV EN VU 2 

Micropiropsis tuberosa An I AnII CR EN 

Nitella ornithopoda EN 1 

Potamogeton lucens 

Potamogeton natans 

Potamogeton polygonifolius 

Ranunculus peltatus subsp. 

fucoides 

Ranunculus tripartitus VU 

Rhynchospora modestilucennoi 

 

Spirodella polyrrhiza 

Utricularia exoleta CR 

Wolffia arrhiza VU EN 

Zannichellia obtusifolia VU 2 

1 2 

1 2 

1 2 

CR 

1 2 

1 2


Amphibians 

Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

17 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 


Discoglossus galganoi An II An IV LC LC 





Pleurodeles waltl An II NT NT 

Triturus pygmaeus An III NT NT 

Crustaceans 

Branchipus cortesi 

Cyzicus grubei 

Daphnia hispanica 

Dussartius baeticus VU 

Maghrebestheria maroccana 

Triops mauritanicus 

Rotifera 

Lecane donyanaensis 

Odonata 

Aeshna affinis LC DD 2 

Aeshna mixta DD 1 

Coenagrion scitulum VU 

Lestes barbarus LC 

Lestes dryas VU 2 

Lestes macrostigma VU 

Lestes virens 

Orthetrum nitidinerve VU 

Sympetrum meridionale DD 1 

Coleoptera 

Acilius duvergeri VU VU 1 EN 2 

Bagous revelieri 

Bagous vivesi 

Cybister tripunctatus 

africanus 

 

Cyphon pandellei 

Dryops doderoi 

Helophorus seidlitzii 

Hydraena corrugis 

Hydroporus lucasi 

Hygrotus lagari 

Lacobius revelieri 

Microcara dispar 

Ochthebius auropallens 

1 2 

1 2 

1 2


Heteroptera 

Sigara stagnallis 

1 

in Spain IUCN red list 2008 

 

2 

in Andalucia IUCN red list 2006 


High, between 1 and 200 ponds per km 2 . 




None. 


International: - Ramsar site. 

- Natura 2000 site. 

- UNESCO MAB Biosphere Reserve. 

- World Heritage Site. 

National: - Parque Nacional de Doñana. 

Main threats 

Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

- Overexplotation of groundwater due to extensive agriculture in surrounding areas and to 

tourist resorts. 

- Exotic species introduction or expansion (such as Procambarus clarkii or Azolla filiculoides). 

18 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Gerris thoracicus 

Micronecta scholzi 

Naucoris maculatus 

Notonecta glauca 

meridionalis 

 

Notonecta maculata 

Notonecta viridis

Map 


None. 


- Díaz-Paniagua C 1 , Serrano L 2 , Florencio M 1 , Gómez-Rodríguez C 1 , Fernández-Zamudio R 2 & García- 

Murillo P 2 . 

1 Doñana Biological Station-CSIC. 

2 Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, University of Seville. 

19

El PALANCOSO POND MED – SP08 

Administrative region Cáceres, Extremadura Region (Spain) 



Area 



This IAP is centered on the largest Mediterranean Temporary Pond in the Extremadura Region (approx. 

1km 2 ). It is located in an extensive plain to the south of the Gredos´s Mountains and is an important area for birds. 



3170: Mediterranean Temporary Pond. 







No information. 


None. 


None. 

Main threats 


31.43 ha 

A (habitat) 

20

Map 


None. 

Site proposed by/ sources of information 


21

FUENTE DE PIEDRA PONDS MED – SP09 

Administrative region Malaga Province (Spain) 



Area 



Fuente de Piedra playa-lake and associated ponds are located to the 

northwest of the Málaga province, very near the Fuente de Piedra village. 

Fuente de Piedra is situated within a closed watershed (150 km 2 ) where 

evaporation exceeds precipitation on an annual basis, so the ponds are 

normally dry in summer. The geological substrate of the site is constituted 

of Keuper marls, gypsum and clays of the Triassic. Placed above the 

substratum, quaternary alluvium and miocene sandstones are the main 

permeable lithologies forming the aquifer. Fuente de Piedra playa-lake is 

fed by rainwater, ephemeral stream water (Santillán and Charcón 

streams) and groundwater from the Fuente de Piedra aquifer. The water 

output is mainly evaporation. 






Berne 

Convention 

1800 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

22 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Source : M. Rodriguez-Rodriguez 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Plants 

Ruppia drepanensis 

Amphibians 

 

Discoglossus pictus An II An IV LC LC 




Hyla meridionalis 

Crustaceans 

An II An IV LC LC 

Phoenicopterus ruber


Low, 0.01 ponds per km 2 . 


Agriculture – olive orchards. 


None. 


International: - Natura 2000 site « Laguna de Fuente de Piedra, Laguna del Gosque, Lagunas de 

Campillos ». 

National: - Reserva Natural. 

- ZEPA (Bird Special Protection Area). 

Main threats 

- Groundwater abstraction for irrigation of olive groves (dip irrigation). 

- Erosion of the basin and playa – lake filling. 

Map 


None. 

Site proposed by/sources of information: 

Source: M.Rodríguez-Rodríguez 

- Miguel Rodríguez-Rodríguez, University Pablo de Olavide; email: mrodrod@upo.es 

23

LA GITANILLA POND MED – SP10 

Administrative region Badajoz, Extremadura Region (Spain) 



Area 



This IAP is based on an important Mediterranean Temporary 

Pond located near the Complejo Lagunar de la Albuera (ZEPA, 

LIC). Important populations of branchiopods are known to 

occur in the pond. It is also used as an important area for 

migrating birds. 





The species list for this IAP has not been completed yet. This will be a priority, to determine whether 







None. 


None. 

Main threats 

350 ha 

A (habitat) 

- Drying out due to drainage and abstraction. 

- Threat of destruction from a planned transport route. 

24

Map 


None. 



25

LA NAVA POND MED – SP11 




Area 



This IAP is a complex of small ponds in the cultivated areas 

near the San Pedro Mountains. The underlying bedrock is 

formed from miocene deposits, from which a loamy 

haploxeralf soil has developed. This wetland area is an 

important stop-over for migratory birds. 












None. 


None. 

Main threats 

350 ha 

A (habitat) 

- Drying out due to drainage and abstraction. 

26

Map 


None. 



27

LA ROCA POND MED – SP12 




Area 



This IAP is a complex of small ponds in the cultivated 

areas near the San Pedro Mountains. The underlying 

bedrock is formed from miocene deposits, from which a 

loamy haploxeralf soil has developed. These pools are 

thought to be of particular importance for their 

Branchiopod communities, but data on the species 

present has not been collated. 












None. 


None. 

Main threats 

876 ha 

A (habitat) 

- Drying out due to drainage and water abstraction. 

28

Map 


None. 



29

LAVAJO DE ABAJO DE SINARCAS MED – SP13 

Administrative region Sinarcas, Valencia (Eastern Spain) 



Area 



“Lavajo” is one of the popular names given to steppic, endorheic or semiendorheic ponds. This temporary 

pond occupies the centre of a flooded meadow, inside a natural depression made up of Plio-Quaternary 

siliciclastic deposits (rañas) lying on top of Miocenic sediments. The pond usually fills up with autumnal 

rains - the hydroperiod is more or less predictable and relatively long (6-8 months) allowing for a clear 

succession of phases made up by the replacement of different crustacean communities. From a regional 

point of view many of the species found in Lavajo de Sinarcas have an exclusive occurrence in this pond, 

including endemic and very uncommon species. This constitutes one of the most interesting 

Mediterranean temporary ponds, as regards to aquatic communities, of Valencia and probably of the 

Iberian Peninsula. It is now partly transformed into agricultural fields (vineyards and cereals) and it is also 

used for sheep watering. 




24.38 ha 


30




There are some other temporary ponds in the area: Lavajo de Arriba (much modified by deepening) 

and Laguna de Talayuelas temporary pond. 


Used for watering livestock. 


Very high species diversity. 


Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 


National: - Regional Wetland Inventory. 

- Micro-reserve of flora. 

31 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Plants 


Isoetes velata 

Marsilea strigosa An I An II/IV EN 

Miriophyllum alterniflorum 

Amphibians 








Crustaceans 

An III NT NT 

Branchipus cortesi Very rare 

Diaptomus cyaneus Rare 

Ephemeroporus phintonicus Rare 

Hemidiaptomus ingens Very rare 

Leberis diaphana Rare 

Maghrebestheria maroccana Very rare 

Triops cancriformis Rare

Main threats 

- Increasing conductivity in water and soils due to the use of salt de-icing on the nearby road during 

snows. 

- Nutrient and toxic substance inputs from fertilizers and pesticides applied to the surrounding 

agricultural fields. 

- Encroachment of the peripheral zone of the pond by crops (vineyards and cereals). In the map a line 

indicates pond surface when is totally flooded in spring, this is well over the adjacent agricultural 

fields. 

Map 


It is one of the two localities of Hemidiaptomus inges in the Iberian Peninsula. 


http://orto.cth.gva.es/website/urbanismo/viewer.htm 


- Generalitat Valenciana, Regional Ministry of Environment (Vicente Sancho and Ignacio 

Lacomba). 

32

LEBRIJA-LAS CABEZAS PONDS MED – SP14 

Administrative region Comarca Lebrija y Las Cabezas de San Juan, Sevilla, Andalucía 

(Spain) 



Area 



This steppe site is located south of Seville (villages of Las 

Cabezas de San Juan and Lebrija). High groundwater levels 

maintain the endorreic complex "Lebrija-Las Cabezas", 

which is protected by regional and European legislation 

(Reserva Natural, Ramsar Zone). This area is also included in 

a Special Protected Area for Birds (ZEPA). The geological 

substrate of the site is mostly marl, gypsum and sandstone. 

Pond formation results from runoff after the rains (600 

mm, annual average). Many farm ponds have been created 

in the surrounding area for agricultural and farming use. 

These could have an important role complementing natural 

wetlands as biodiversity hotspots. 



3140: Hard oligo-mesotrophic standing waters with benthic vegetation of Chara species. 



Amphibians 


Berne 

Convention 



1200 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

Farming and agricultural use, as a source of fresh water. 

33 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 





Reptiles 

Mauremys leprosa An II An II/IV* NT NT


None. 


International: - Natura 2000 site (Sierra de Cardeña y Montoro; LIC: ES613000). 

- Included in 6310: Dehesas perennifolias de Quercus spp (Habitat 

Directive, Annex I). 



Main threats 

- Agricultural use (irrigation). 

Map 


None. 



- Network of Protected Areas of Andalusia, España. 

34

LOS ARENALES PONDS MED – SP15 

Administrative region Spain (Cáceres, Extremadura Region) 



Area 



This is a complex of small ponds near to a Zona Especial de 

Protección para las Aves [Special Zone for Protection of Birds] 

(ZEPA). The substrate is formed from precambrian bedrock, 

with a typically stony terra rossa (Xerochreps) soil. 


A. Habitats of European importance (Annex I of Habitat 

Directive) 

3170: Mediterranean Temporary Ponds. 









None. 



National: - ZEPA (zone of special protection for birds). 

Main threats 

- Urbanization. 

- Extraction of materials for works. 

630 ha 

A (habitat) 

35

Map 


Highly threatened by human activities. 



36

MALLADAS DE LA DEVESA MED – SP16 

Administrative region Comunitat Valenciana (Spain) 



Area 



The Devesa is a coastal barrier of fixed sand dunes that 

separates Albufera lagoon from the Mediterranean Sea. 

Among the sand dunes is a slack where water 

accumulates to form small ponds named locally as 

Malladas. Many of these habitats were destroyed but 

some were regenerated in 3 EU-funded LIFE Projects. 

Now there are 16 ponds, some of which are temporary; 

some freshwater and others saline. The area is near the 

beach which is an important tourist attraction, mainly in 

summer. 



2190: Humid dune slacks. 

1410: Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimii). 

1420: Mediterranean and thermo-Atlantic halophilous scrubs (Sarcocornetea fruticosii). 

2250: Coastal dunes with Juniperus spp. 



Plants 

Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. 

macrocarp 





Berne 

Convention 

720 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

37 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Kosteletzkya pentacarpos 

Limonium dufforei 

Fish 

Aphanius iberus 

Valencia hispanica 

Source : www.panoramio.com


None. 


International: - Natura 2000 site ES0000023 « l’Albufera ». 

National: - « Parc Natural de l’Albufera de Valencia ». 

Main threats 

Map 

- Tourism: impact from nearby beaches. 

- Eutrophication due to birds. 

- Fragmentation of the habitat. 

- Forest fires. 


Regeneration of the area supported by: 

- Life Duna project (2001-2004) 

- Life Ecolight project (2003-2006) 

- Life Enebro project (2005-2007) 


http://sigpac.mapa.es/fega/visor/ 


- Universitat de Valencia Estudi General. Department of Microbiology and Ecology. 

Contact: Juan Soria juan.soria@uv.es. 

38

MENORCA MED – SP17 

Administrative region Spain (Comunitat Autònoma de les Illes Balears, Menorca) 

Coordinates (latitude/longitude) 39°48’00’’N; 03°70’00’’E 


Area 



Menorca is an island at the centre of the Western Mediterranean 

sea. Geologically it has two clearly differentiated regions. The 

Northern one (Tramuntana) is a mosaic of different materials from 

the Palaeozoic to the Quaternary ages. The Southern one is a 

nearly homogenous plateau of limestone (mainly Miocene). The 

whole island shows a high human influence since ancient times. A 

mosaic landscape of cultivated/grazing lands, forest patches and 

rocky outcrops cover most of its surface. The island is an important 

tourist destination mainly within summer months, aside from this 

it keeps a somewhat diversified economy based on agriculture and industries (shoes, bijoux). 



1150: Coastal lagoons. 

1310: Salicornia and other annuals colonising mud and sand. 

1410: Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimi). 


3120: Oligotrophic waters containing very few minerals generally on sandy soils of the West 

Mediterranean with Isoetes spp. 


and/or Isoeto-Nanojuncetea. 





Plants 

Berne 

Convention 

702 km 2 

A (habitat), B (species), C (density), D (socio-economic), E (other) 


Habitat 

Directive 

39 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Bassa d’Algaiarens 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Althenia orientalis EN (1) 

Damasonium bourgaei NT VU (2) 

Elatine macropoda NT VU (2) 

Eleocharis acicularis VU VU (2) 

Galium debile EN (3) 

Isoetes velatum VU (2) 

Marsilea strigosa An I An II/IV EN VU (2) 

Myriophyllum alterniflorum CR (3) 

Pilularia minuta An I CR EN (2)


Plants 

(1) 2008 Red list of Spanish vascular flora. 

(2) Llibre vermell de la flora vascular de les Illes Balears. 

(3) Regional assessment within the LIFE BASSES project. 


Quite variable within the island. In some areas up to 10 ponds per km 2 . Two major zones can be 

outlined in the west and in the northeast (Fig. 2). 


Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

Some Mediterranean temporary ponds have been used since ancient times as natural sources of 

freshwater, mainly for cattle. Thus some of them are associated with archaeological sites or 

traditional constructions of ethnological interest (Fig. 1). 

In addition, some of the ponds are among the most valued landscapes by local people. 

40 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Myriophyllum alterniflorum CR (3) 

Pilularia minuta An I CR EN (2) 

Potamogeton lucens EN (2) 

Zannichellia obtusifolia VU (3) 

Reptiles 


Testudo hermanni An II An IV NT NT 

Amphibians 

Bufo balearicus An II LC LC 


Odonata 

Aeshna isoceles LC 

Aeshna mixta LC 

Anax imperator LC 

Anax parthenope LC 

Coenagrion scitulum LC 

Crocothemys erythraea LC 

Ischnura elegans LC 

Lestes barbarus LC LC 

Lestes viridis LC 

Orthetrum cancellatum LC 

Orthetrum coerulescens LC 

Sympecma fusca LC 

Sympetrum fonscolombii LC 

Sympetrum meridionale LC 

Sympetrum striolatum LC


Due to geological and landform diversity the island holds a 

high diversity of temporary ponds. Between 6 and 12 types 

can be identified using different criteria: landform, 

hydrochemical characteristics and plant communities. 


International: - Biosphere reserve for the whole island (UNESCO). 

- Natura 2000 sites : ES0000229, ES0000230, ES0000231, ES0000232, 

ES0000233, ES0000234, ES0000235, ES0000237, ES0000238, ES0000239, 

ES0000240, ES5310068, ES5310113, ES0000385, ES0000386, ES0000443. 

National: - Natural Park of s’Albufera des Grau. 

- ANEI (Natural Areas of Especial Interest) : Me-1, Me-2, Me-3, Me-4, Me-5, 

Me-6, Me-7, Me-8, Me-9, Me-11, Me-12, Me-13, Me-14, Me-15, Me-16, Me- 

17, Me-18, Me-19. 

Main threats 

- Lack of interest of local people. 

- Habitat destruction by filling of inundation area. 

- Hunting. 

- Urbanisation. 

- Encroachment of perennial and bushy vegetation. 

- Uncontrolled wheel trails. 

- Overgrazing. 

- Unsuitable agricultural practices and/or activities (use of pesticides and fertilisers, ploughing, 

summer irrigation). 

- Alien invasive species. 

- Deterioration of traditional closing structures. 

- Drainage. 

- Landform modification. 

- Habitat isolation. 

- Excess of human frequentation. 

41 

Fig. 1. Traditional dry stone walls at the pond 

Bassa des Mal Lloc.

Map 


None. 

Fig. 2. Current distribution of Mediterranean temporary ponds in Menorca. 



- Consell Insular de Menorca (CIMe) – LIFE BASSES Project. www.cime.es/lifebasses. 

42

REDONDA OR MELCHOR GOMEZ POND MED – SP18 




Area 



This IAP is centered on an important Mediterranean 

Temporary Pond, which is located within an intensively 

cultivated area. 



Directive) 










None. 


None. 

Main threats 

22 ha 

A (habitat) 

- Nutrient and toxic substance inputs from fertilizers and pesticides applied to the surrounding 

agricultural fields. 

- Drying out from drainage and water abstraction. 

- Encroachment of the peripheral zone of the pond by crops. 

43

Map 


The pond in this IAP is considered to have high biodiversity value, however further work is required to 

confirm its status as an IAP. 



44

SANTA OLALLA PONDS MED – SP19 

Administrative region Comarca Santa Olalla del Cala, Huelva, Andalusia (Spain) 



Area 



Located in the North-East of the Huelva Region 

(Andalusia), this IAP is within the protected area of the 

Natural Park "Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche". The 

dominant habitat type is evergreen Dehesa with Quercus 

spp. Extensive farming and hunting are practised within 

this area which is home to many different species, 

including protected amphibians and reptiles. This 

biodiversity is possible because of the presence of many 

farm ponds constructed by private landowners. In fact, 

there are no natural wetlands inventoried in the area. 

Therefore, these farm ponds are the only habitat for many 

species. 






Amphibians 

Berne 

Convention 

750 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

45 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Alytes cisternasii An II An IV NT NT 






Triturus pygmaeus An III An IV NT NT 

Reptiles 


Mauremys leprosa An II An II/IV NT NT




Farming and agricultural use - as an easily accessible source of freshwater. 


The species found here include Iberian endemics: Alytes cisternasii, Pelodytes ibericus and Triturus 

pygmaeus, even though there are no natural wetlands within this IAP. 


International: - Natura 2000 site (Sierra Norte; LIC: ES0000053). 

- Included in 6310: Dehesas perennifolias de Quercus spp (Habitat Directive, An I). 



Main threats 

- Farm use. 

- Introduced fish species. 

Map 


None. 



- Network of Protected areas of Andalusia, España. 

46

COMPLEJO LAGUNAR CARSTICO DE CUENCA MED – SP20 

Administrative region Spain (Castilla La Mancha) 



Area 



The IAP is a lagoon complex within a karst basin which 

consists of three separate locations within a few 

kilometres of each other. There are 28 pools in total, 

some are located within fields, and others are among 

pines. These pond complexes were formed by 

subsidence, creating sinkholes which retain some water. 

They are freshwater and mostly permanent. The 

surrounding landscape is undulating, mainly under 

agricultural crops. 

Site A: Arcas, 290 ha, 14 ponds. 

Site B: Fuentes, 340 ha, 6 ponds. 

Site C: Cañana del Hoyo, 320 ha, 8 ponds. 



1410: Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritimii). 


3190: Lakes of gypsum karst. 

3150: Natural eutrophic lakes with Magnopotamion or Hydrocharition - type vegetation. 

3260: Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho- 

Batrachion vegetation. 

7210: *Calcareous fens with Cladium mariscus and species of the Caricion davallianae. 



Plants 

Berne 

Convention 

950 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

47 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Chara aspera 

Chara hispida 

Cladium mariscus 

Kosteletzkya pentacarpos 

Fishes 

Rutilus arcasii 

Source: www.lagunasdecanada.es


Medium, between 5 and 10 ponds per km 2 . 




None. 


International: - Natura 2000 site ES4230008 « Complejo Lagunar de Arcas ». 

- Natura 2000 site ES4230013 « Hoces del río Cabriel, Guadazaón y Ojos de Moya ». 

National: - « Monumento Natural de los Palancares y Tierra Muerta ». 

Main threats 

Map 

- Increase and expansion of tourism and recreational use. 

- Eutrophication. 




Some ponds are widely studied by the University of Valencia for their zooplankton populations and 

microbial ecology. 




Contact: Juan Soria: juan.soria@uv.es. 

48

HOYA DE BEZAS MED – SP21 

Administrative region Spain (Aragón) 


Altitude 1050 - 1100 m 

Area 



The Hoya de Bezas is located near the city of Teruel. The 

territory consists of forests of maritime pine and some cereal 

fields. Seven ponds of variable surface area are distributed 

within this IAP. Some are permanent and others are temporary, 

but all are freshwater and shallow ponds. The main use of these 

ponds is as drinking trough for livestock. The area is very poorly 

studied and little data is available, but they have been 

identified as priority pond habitat. 










Used by local populations as a source of fresh drinking water. 


None. 


2 600 ha 

A (habitat) 

International: - Natura 2000 site ES2420135 « Cuenca del Ebrón ». 

- Natura 2000 site ES2420134 «Sabinar de San Blas». 

National: - « Parque Natural de la Serranía de Albarracín ». 

49 

Source: www.bezas.net

Main threats 

Map 

- Tourism: impact of visitors. 





None. 





50

TRUJILLANA POND MED – SP22 

Administrative region Cáceres, Extremadura Region (Spain) 



Area 



This IAP has been selected because it is a complex of temporary 

ponds which hold important populations of branchiopods. These 

waterbodies are also an important stop-over for migrating birds. 



3150: Natural eutrophic lakes with Magnopotamion or Hydrocharition-type vegetation. 








None. 


None. 

Main threats 

4.17 ha 

A (habitat) 

- Desiccation due to surrounding landuse. 

51

Map 


Although believed to be of high biodiversity value, the fauna and flora of these ponds are poorly studied. 

An assessment of their value to biodiversity is a priority, particularly because of the high level of threat 

they are under. 



52

VEIGA DE PONTELIÑARES MED – SP23 

Administrative region Province of Ourense, Autonomous Region of Galicia (Spain) 



Area 



This marshy site is located on the villages of Rairiz de 

Veiga and A Porqueira, in the province of Ourense 

(Galicia, NW Spain). The main watercourse is the Limia 

River, where ponds are located all along the river bank. 

The Limia Valley is mostly occupied by farmland. It is 

the smallest Natura 2000 site within Galicia and 

formerly was part of the Antela Lake, which dried up in 

the 20 th century. It has also been included in the 

Biosphere Reserve “Area de Allariz” since 2005. 


129.68 ha 






Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

53 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Plants 

Eryngium viviparum An II 

Mammals 

Barbastella barbastellus An II NT VU 

Galemys pyrenaicus An II VU NT 

Lutra lutra An II An II/IV NT NT 

Rhinolophus ferrumequinum An II LC NT 

Rhinolophus hipposideros 

Fishes 

An II LC NT 

Chondrostoma polylepis 

Amphibians 

An II LC 

Pelobates cultripes 

Reptiles 

An II An IV NT NT 

Malpolon monspessulanus LC LC 

Birds 

Accipiter gentilis LC 

Anas platyrhynchos An III D LC LC 

Photo A. Pérez Bilbao


Birds 

Burhinus oedicnemus An II An I VU LC 

Caprimulgus europaeus An II LC LC 

Ciconia ciconia An II An I LC LC 

Circus pygargus LC 

Coturnix coturnix LC 

Ixobrychus minutus LC 

Lanius collurio LC 

Lullula arborea LC 

Milvus migrans LC 

Sylvia undata NT 

Vanellus vanellus LC 

Note: Birds with a conservation status of LC are all included in the Birds Directive. 




Farmland - the potato growers and the pork and chicken farms are economically very important in 

this region. 


Very high species diversity. 


International: - Biosphere Reserve « Area de Allariz ». 

- Natura 2000 site « Veiga de Ponteliñares ». 

National: - Zone of Special Protection of Natural Value. 

Main threats 

Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

- Eutrophication due in part to surrounding farmland. 

54 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 #

Map 


None. 


http://medioambiente.xunta.es/espazosNaturais/espazos_cas.jsp 

- Conselleria do Medio Rural (Xunta de Galicia), Spain. 

(http://medioambiente.xunta.es/espazosNaturais/espazos_cas.jsp) 

- Aquatic Entomology Group, University of Vigo, Spain. 

(http://webs.uvigo.es/jgarrido/) 

55

DOURO BASIN MED – SP24 


The Douro River basin is located on the Iberian Peninsula. The basin is semi-arid but contains important 

wetlands which support steppe vegetation. There are numerous small and temporary waterbodies in the 

region, many of which qualify as Mediterranean Temporary Ponds. The region has long been subject to 

anthropogenic pressures, namely drainage for agriculture. 

To represent the most Important Areas for Ponds within the Douro basin, pond clusters have been 

identified. This has resulted in the identification of four distinct IAPs. 

56

PARAMO LEONES MED – SP24/01 

Administrative region Spain (Provence of León-“Payuelo” district, Castilla y León) 


Altitude 860-890 m 

Area 



This IAP is located in northwest Spain, in the North Iberian Plateau (Douro Basin). The dominant lithology 

consists of low thickness post-Tertiary deposits (“rañas” and alluvial terraces) which superficially cover 

the great Tertiary deposits. 




and/or of the Isoëto-Nanojuncetea. 

3140: Hard oligo-mesotrophic waters with benthic vegetation of Chara species. 





3 ponds. Mean distance between ponds 4km. 




None. 

Berne 

Convention 

5.77 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

57 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Plants 


Eryngium viviparum An II 

Isolepis fluitans 

Nitella flexilis 

Potamogeton gramineus 

Utricularia australis


National: - Site included in the List of Protected Wetlands in Castilla y León Region. 

Main threats 

- Eutrophication due to agricultural activity. 

Map 

See page 56. 


None. 


- Fernández Aláez Camino, Universidad de León,E-mail : camino.alaez@unileon.es. 

58

LOS PAVUELOS MED – SP24/02 




Area 





the great Tertiary deposits. 








Plants 


2 ponds, the mean distance between the ponds is 2.5 km. 




None. 


None. 

Main threats 

Berne 

Convention 


6.5 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

59 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 


Nitella translucens 



Map 

See page 56. 


None. 

Site proposed by/source of information 


60

LOS OTEROS MED – SP24/03 




Area 





the great Tertiary detrital deposits. 









Plants 


6 ponds. Mean distance between ponds around 3 km 




None. 


None. 

Berne 

Convention 

8.28 ha 

A (habitat) 


Habitat 

Directive 

61 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Eryngium viviparum 



Callitriche brutia

Main threats 


Map 

See page 56. 


None. 



62

CANAL DE CASTILLA MED – SP24/04 

Administrative region Spain (Provence of Palencia, Castilla y León) 



Area 



This IAP is located in the region designated as “Tierra de Campos”, in the North Iberian Plateau (Douro 

Basin). The ponds are located linearly along the banks of the “Canal de Castilla”. The geological substrate 

is constituted of deposits from the Tertiary. 




3150: Natural eutrophic lakes with Magnopotamion or Hydrocharition vegetation. 



Plants 


6 ponds. An average of 5km between ponds. 




None. 

Berne 

Convention 

28.8 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

63 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 


Chara vulgaris var. contraria 

Chara vulgaris var. 

longibracteata 

 

Hippuris vulgaris 

Nitella mucronata 

Nitella translucens 


Tollipella glomerata 



International : - LIC (ES0000205), ZEPA (ES0000205). 

National: - Site included in the List of Protected Wetlands in Castilla y León Region. 

Main threats 


Map 

See page 56. 


None. 



64

S. MIGUEL, SW PORTUGAL PONDS MED – PT01 

Administrative region Portugal (Odemira, Beja, Baixo Alentejo) 

Coordinates (latitude/longitude) 37.445766 N; 08.763399 E 

Altitude 1600 - 2400 m 

Area 



This site is located on the coastal plain of southwest 

Portugal, which runs north–south for about 100 km, but 

which is only between 5–15 km wide. This coastal platform 

is carved in Palaeozoic schist and covered by sandstone 

types (sands, sandstone and conglomerates). The lithology 

of the territory includes siliceous materials and base-poor 

soils. The climate is Mediterranean with an oceanic 

influence. This area is administered as the Natural Park of 

southwest Alentejo and the Vicentina Coast, a large stretch 

of the Portuguese coastline subject to special protection. 

Nevertheless, a high percentage of the ephemeral wetlands 

are privately owned. 




and/or of the Isoeto-Nanojuncetea. 




Plants 

Berne 

Convention 

22.2 ha 

A (habitats), B (species), C (density) 


Habitat 

Directive 

65 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Hyacinthoides vicentina An II/IV 

Isoetes setaceum 

Juncus acutiflorus subsp. 

rugosus 

Iberian 

Peninsula 

 

Juncus emmanuelis 

Iberian 

Peninsula 

 

Ranunculus peltatus 

Amphibians 


Epilodea calamita An II An IV LC LC 

Hyla arborea An II B-IV LC 


Lissontriton boscai An III LC LC


Amphibians 


This area supports a large number of seasonal wetlands, approximate pond density 0.32 per km 2 . 




None. 



National: - Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina. 

Main threats 

Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

- Abandonment of traditional land use (i.e. loss of extensive grazing). 

- Modern agriculture (drainage, silting, infilling, overgrazing). 

- Development for tourism. 

66 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 





Triturus pygameus An III An IV NT NT 

Birds 

Anas platyrhynchos An III D LC LC 

Burhinus oedicnemus An II An I VU LC 


Egretta garzetta An II An I LC/NT NT 

Galerida theklae An II An I LC 

Gallinago gallinago An III LC LC 

Lullula arborea An III An I LC 

Vanellus vanellus An III An I LC

Map 


- We selected only a small area for this IAP, but along this coastal plain we also identified other areas 

equally important in terms of Mediterranean Temporary Ponds conservation (see also IAPs - PT02, 

PT03, PT04 and PT05). 


SOURCE: Google Earth. 

- Carla Pinto Cruz: Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Évora, Portugal (ccruz@uevora.pt). 

- Paula Canha: Universidade de Évora. 

- Mário Ferreira: CIBIO, Universidade do Porto. 

67

SAGRES PONDS, SW PORTUGAL PONDS MED – PT02 

Administrative region Portugal (Algarve) 

Coordinates (latitude/longitude) 37°02’41”N; 08°57’50”’E 


Area 



This coastal site, near the village of Sagres in the extreme SW of 

Europe (90 kilometres west from Faro), is located in the coastal 

plateau of Vila do Bispo. The geological substrate of the site is in 

most cases constituted of Dolomitic limestone, edged by 

limestones and marno-limestones of the Jurassic. Triassic 

sandstones (and red sandstones – “Grés de Silves”) appear in 

some localized spots. Ponds appear on Plio-pleistocenic sandy 

sediments that cover the main geological formations. Extensive 

agriculture and cattle rearing are the main economic activities in 

this area. 



Directive) 




Plants 

Berne 

Convention 

12.8 ha 

A (habitats), B (species) 


Habitat 

Directive 

68 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 


Amphibians 



Pelodytes sp. An III 



Birds 

Bubulcus ibis An II LC VU 

Ardea cinerea An III LC 


Crustaceans 

Cyzicus grubei 

Triops vicentinus


Low, 2 ponds per 0.1 km 2 . 




None. 


International: - Natura 2000 site «Costa Sudoeste» PTZPE0015, PTCON0012. 

- Biogenetic Reserve. 

National: - National Web of Protected Areas « Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e 

Costa Vicentina ». 

Main threats 

- Tourism: impact of off road vehicles and motocross activities (compaction, erosion, rupturing of 

impermeable layer). 

- Eutrophication due in part to intensive grazing. 

- Drainage, mainly to prevent cattle diseases. 

Map 


69


- Triops vicentinus is a new species only known from the central and west Algarve (description is in 

press). 

- Cyzicus grubei is only known from the Iberian Peninsula and Balearic Islands. 





- Pedro Beja (pbeja@mail.icav.up.pt) 

- Luís Fonseca (fonseca@ualg.pt) 

- Margarida Machado (mmalo@ualg.pt) 

70

MALHAO, SW PORTUGAL PONDS MED – PT03 


Coordinates (latitude/longitude) 37°45’22.72”N; 08°47’52.83”’E 


Area 



This site is located on the coastal plain of southwest Portugal, 

which runs north–south for about 100 km, but which is only 

between 5–15 km wide. This coastal platform is carved in 

Palaeozoic schist and covered by sandstone types (sands, 

sandstone and conglomerates). The lithology of the territory 

includes siliceous materials and base-poor soils. The climate is 

Mediterranean with an oceanic influence. This area is 

administered as the Natural Park of southwest Alentejo and 

the Vicentina Coast, a large stretch of the Portuguese 

coastline subject to special protection. Nevertheless, a high 

percentage of the ephemeral wetlands are privately owned. 



Directive) 






Plants 

Berne 

Convention 

204 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

71 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 




rugosus 

Iberian 

Peninsula 

 


Iberian 

Peninsula 

 

Pinguicula lusitanica EN VU 


Amphibians 



Hyla arborea An II B-IV LC


Amphibians 






None. 


Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 



72 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 








Reptile 

Emys orbicularis An II An II/IV LR/NT NT/VU EN 

Birds 







Lullula arborea An III A-I LC 

Vanellus vanellus An III An I LC 

Mammals 


Meles meles An III LC LC 

Crustaceans 

Branchipus cortesi 

Iberian 

Peninsula

Main threats 




Map 


- In some of these ponds the large branchiopod Branchipus cortesi has been recorded, this species is 

endemic to the Iberian Peninsula. 






- Carla Pinto Cruz – Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Évora, Portugal (ccruz@uevora.pt). 

- Paula Canha – Universidade de Évora. 

- Mário Ferreira – CIBIO, Universidade do Porto. 

73

GALEADO, SW PORTUFAL PONDS MED – PT04 




Area 





which is only between 5–15 km wide. This coastal 

platform is carved in Palaeozoic schist and covered by 

sandstone types (sands, sandstone and conglomerates). 

The lithology of the territory includes siliceous materials 

and base-poor soils. The climate is Mediterranean with an 

oceanic influence. This area is administered as the Natural 

Park of southwest Alentejo and the Vicentina Coast, a 

large stretch of the Portuguese coastline subject to special 

protection. Nevertheless, a high percentage of the 

ephemeral wetlands are privately owned. 








Plants 

Berne 

Convention 

75 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

74 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 




rugosus 

Iberian 

Peninsula 

 


Iberian 

Peninsula 

 

Myosotis retusifolia An II/IV SW Portugal 

Pinguicula lusitanica EN VU 


Amphibians 



Hyla arborea An II B-IV LC


Amphibians 






None. 




Main threats 

Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

- Abandonment of traditional landuse (i.e. loss of extensive grazing). 



75 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 








Birds 







Lullula arborea An III An I LC 

Vanellus vanellus An III An I LC 

Mammals 

Lutra lutra An II An II/IV NT NT

Map 


- In some of these ponds the large branchiopod Branchipus cortesi has been recorded, this species is 

endemic to the Iberian Peninsula. 

- This area is also proposed as micro-reserve. 









76

VILA DO BISPO, SW PORTUGAL PONDS MED – PT05 

Administrative region Portugal (Vila do Bispo, Faro, Algarve) 



Area 





which is only 5–15 km wide. This coastal platform is 

carved in Palaeozoic schist and covered by sandstone 

types (sands, sandstone and conglomerates). The 

lithology of the territory includes siliceous materials and 

base-poor soils. The climate is Mediterranean with an 

oceanic influence. This area is administered as the 

Natural Park of southwest Alentejo and the Vicentina 

Coast, a large stretch of the Portuguese coastline subject to special protection. Nevertheless, a high 

percentage of the ephemeral wetlands are privately owned. 






Plants 

Berne 

Convention 

3 200 ha 

A (habitats), B (species), E (other) 


Habitat 

Directive 

77 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 




rugosus 

Iberian 

Peninsula 

 


 

Iberian 

Peninsula 

 


Amphibians 

Discoglossus galganoi An II An II/IV LC LC NT 





Pelodytes puntactus An III LC LC 


Pleurodeles waltl An III NT NT



This area supports a large number of seasonal wetlands, approximate pond density is 0.25 per km 2 . 




None. 


Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 



78 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Amphibians 


Iberian 

Peninsula 

 

Birds 

Actitis hypoleucos An II LC VU 


Anthus pratensis An II LC 

Ardea cinerea An III LC 



Corturnix coturnix An III D LC LC 

Corvus corone D LC 

Egretta garzetta An II An I LC/NT NT 

Emberiza calandra An III LC 

Emberiza cirlus An II LC 

Galerida cristata An III LC 

Galerida theklae An II An I LC 

Gallinago gallinago An III LC LC 

Lullula arborea An III A-I LC 

Motacilla alba An II LC 

Motacilla cinerea An II LC 

Phylloscopus collybita An II LC 

Pluvialis squatarola An III LC 

Sylvia atricapilla An II LC 

Vanellus vanellus An III An I LC 

Crustaceans 

Triops cancriformis

Main threats 

Map 





- Some of the ponds also support the large branchiopod Triops cancriformis. 

- In relation to birds this pond area is on an important migration route. It is usual to observe the 

following species: Sylvia cantillans, Sylvia communis, Sylvia borin, Musicapa striata, Ficedula 

hypoleuca, Otis tarda, Milvus migrans, Ciconia nigra, Neophron percnopterus, Aegypius monachus, 

Aquila crysaetus, Circus pygargus, Circus aeruginosus, Falco eleonorae and Pernis apivorus. 









79

AGDE MED – FR01 

Administrative region Languedoc - Roussillon 


Altitude 4 m 

Area 



Agde IAP is located on a basalt flow to the southwest of Thau lagoon. Extraction of basalt was very active 

here during the middle ages. The climate is typically Mediterranean with dry hot summers and mild wet 

winters. This combined with the bedrock formations has led to the formation of numerous temporary 

pools. 






Plants 






None. 

Berne 

Convention 

7770 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

80 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Crypsis schoenoides France 

Damasonium polyspermum VU France 

Elatine macropoda NT LR 

Gratiola officinalis VU France 

Heliotropium supinum LR 

Lythrum thymifolia France 

Lythrum tribracteatum France 

Marsilea strigosa An I An II/IV EN France 

Myosurus sessilis France 

Polygonum romanum subsp. 

gallicum 

LR 

Pulicaria vulgaris France


International: - Natura 2000 (FR9112018 Etang de Thau et Lido de Sete a Agde). 

National: - None. 

Main threats 


- Development of the road infrastructure. 

- Tourism. 

Map 


None. 

Site proposed by 


- N. Ewald and P. Grillas. 

Sources of information 

Source: Google Earth 

- Grillas P, Gauthier P, Yavercovski N & Perennou C (2004) Mediterranean Temporary Pools. Volume 1 

– Issues relating to conservation, functioning and management. Ststion biologique de la Tour du 

Valat. 

81

BÉZIERS MED – FR02 




Area 



The plain of Beziers is situated between Beziers and Agde. The site encompasses large areas of coastal 

dunes and wetlands, alongside a mosaic of small cultivated fields (viticulture) and marquis vegetation. 






Plants 






None. 

Berne 

Convention 

6102 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

82 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Airopsis tenella 

Exaculum pusillum NT PACA 


Isoetes setacea CR France 


Myotis sicula LR 

Myosurus sessilis 

Pilularia minuta An I CR France 


gallicum 

LR


International: - Natura 2000 (FR9112022 Est et sud de Beziers). 


Main threats 

- Expansion and intensification of the wine growing industry. 

- Urbanisation and extension of the road network. 

Map 


None. 








Valat. 

83

CAPELLE MED – FR03 




Area 



The ponds of the Capelle IAP are located within marquis shrubland in natural depressions on sandstone 

bedrocks. The complex consists of Capelle pond and a series of surrounding temporary ponds which 

exhibit a range of different temporary pond habitats of differing succesional stages. This is relic of the 

extensive wetlands and swamps which once dominated this region, but that were drained during the 

middle ages. 






Plants 



Berne 

Convention 


315 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

Traditionally clay has been dug from the ponds to improve adjacent fields, a practice which has 

halted pond succession. This tradition has ceased in recent years. 

84 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 





Lythrum thesioides An I France 


Mentha cervina CR PACA 

Pulicaria vulgaris France 

Amphibians 




Triturus cristatus An II An II/IV LC


None. 


International: - Natura 2000 site «Etang et mares de la Capelle FR91014022». 


Main threats 

- Fire. 


- Lack of traditional management. 

Map 


None. 








Valat. 

85

CENTRE-VAR MED – FR04 

Administrative region Provence, Côte d’Azur 



Area 



This IAP covers three areas in the Centre Var which retain relic temporary wetlands, in natural depressions 

within a karst basin. 






Plants 






None. 

Berne 

Convention 

5612 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

86 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Artemisia molinieri EN France 

Crypsis schoenoides 




Ranunculus ophioglossifolius France 

Amphibians 


Reptiles 



Crustaceans 

Linderiella massaliensis


International: - Natura 2000 FR9301621 Marais de Gavoti - Lac de Bonne Cougne - Lac Redon». 


Main threats 

- Fires and clearance operations leading to soil erosion and siltation of ponds. 

Map 


None. 








Valat. 

87

COSTIÈRES MED – FR05 




Area 



Costieres nimoise is bordered to the south by the Little Camargue and extends northeast in a broad band 

(10x40km) to the town of Theziers. The natural vegetation type surrounding the pools and ponds in this 

region is steppe grassland, however the area is predominantly under agriculture (viticulture, arboriculture, 

etc.). This is also an important area for wintering and migratory birds. 











None. 


Berne 

Convention 

13 508 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

International: - Natura 2000 (FR9112015 Costiere Nimoise). 

National: - No information. 

88 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Plants 

Kickxia commutata subsp. 

commutata 

France 


Lythrum tribracteatum France

Main threats 

- Agriculture. 

- Many species of aquatic plants have already been lost at this site due to agricultural intensification 

during the 1960s and 70s. 

Map 


None. 








Valat. 

89

CRAU MED – FR06 




Area 



The Crau IAP is located to the east of the Camargue in the former delta of the Durance River and the 

Rhone in southeast France. Alluvial deposits have cemented to form impervious conglomerates. The 

region has both wetland mosaics and dry steppe vegetation, a rare habitat type in Europe. The 

Mediterranean climate with its hot dry summers and mild wet winters gives rise to the formation of many 

temporary pools. The region has had a long history of human occupation, with evidence that it has been 

grazed since 3000BP. 






Plants 





Berne 

Convention 

39 333 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

90 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 





commutata 

France 

Littorella uniflora VU France 







Teucrium aristatum EN France


None. 


International: - Natura 2000 site « Crau FR9310054 ». 


Main threats 

- Cessation of traditional grazing management. 

- Ploughing through ponds and planting of crops. 

- Water abstraction. 


- Industrialisation. 


- Pollution of surface and groundwaters. 

Map 


91


Lanau pool in this IAP is the only remaining French site for Teucrium aristatum. 







Valat. 

92

BIOT MED – FR07 




Area 



The Biot Massif is part of an ancient volcano. It consists of layers of eroding cinerites, tuff and andesitic 

conglomerate. The massif is thus marked by numerous ravines and hollows which, during rainy periods, 

retain water. These support the highly specialized flora and fauna of temporary pools. The site also holds a 

significant proportion of the remaining Isoetes habitat in France. 






Plants 


The unique geology of this massif supports numerous pools within a relatively small area. 




None. 


Berne 

Convention 

170 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

International: - Natura 2000 site « Dome de Biot » - FR9301572. 

93 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 


Lotus conimbricensis PACA, LR 


Molineriella minuta France 

Ophioglossum lusitanicum PACA, LR

Main threats 

- Invasive species (Freesia alba). 

Map 


None. 








Valat. 

94

MARE DE CATCHEOU MED – FR08 

Administrative region France (Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Var 83) 


Altitude 59 m 

Area 



This site is a mediterranean plain located 4.5 kilometers north-east of 

the town of Muy and is part of a state-owned biological reserve of 6 

acres. The watershed, is small in size, and is located on very 

heterogeneous geological layers of alternating sandstones and clays, 

giving acid substrates. The pool of Catchéou is based on a lens of clayey 

sandstone. It is fed by four temporary streams. It has a maximum depth 

of 1 meter, and dries out in summer. 


0.14 ha 



3170-1: Mediterranean temporary ponds with Isoetes (Isoetes) 22.341. 

3120: Oligotrophic waters containing very few minerals of sandy plains of the western 

Mediterranean, with Isoetes spp. 3120-1: Mesophilic grasslands with Serapias of 

crystalline Provence (Serapion) 22.11 x 22.344. 



Plants 

Anacamptis coriophora subsp. 

fragrans 

Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

95 

IUCN Europe 

Source : Laurenç Marsol - ONF 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

CITES, Nat. 

protect. 

Cicendia filiformis Reg. protect. 

Exaculum pusillum NT Reg. protect. 

Gratiola officinalis VU Nat. protect. 

Isoëtes duriei Nat. protect. 

Isoëtes velata Nat. protect. 

Lythrum thymifolium Nat. protect. 

Lythrum tribracteatum Nat. protect. 

Ophioglossum azoricum Nat. protect. 

Ranunculus ophioglossifolius Nat. protect. 

Ranunculus revelieri subsp. rodiei VU Nat. protect. 

Serapias lingua CITES 

Serapias neglecta 

CITES, Nat. 

protect. 

Serapias olbia Reg. protect. 

Serapias vomeracea CITES


Amphibians 






None. 


International: - Natura 2000 site « Foret de Palayson – Bois du Rouet ». 

National: - State owned nature reserve (under construction). 

- ZNIEFF I « 83-198-141 Palayson et mares de Catchéou » 

- ZNIEFF II « 83-198-100 Bois de Palayson et Terres Gastes » 

Main threats 

Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

- Forest fires: Negative impacts on animal population, changes in the ecological and chemical quality of 

water. 

96 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Bufo bufo An III LC LC Nat. protect. 

Epidalea calamita An II An IV LC LC Nat. protect. 

Hyla meridionalis An II An IV LC LC Nat. protect. 

Pelobates cultripes An II An IV NT NT Nat. protect. 

Pelodytes punctatus An III LC LC Nat. protect. 

Pelophylax ridibundus An III 8 An V 3 Nat. protect. 

Rana dalmatina An II An IV LC LC Nat. protect. 

Salamandra salamandra An III 8 Nat. protect. 

Reptiles 

Emys orbicularis An II An II/IV Nat. protect. 

Natrix maura An III 8 Nat. protect. 

Birds 

Ardea cinerea An III 8 LC Nat. protect. 

Bulculus ibis An II 7 Nat. protect. 

Charadrius dubius An II 7 Nat. protect. 

Egretta garzetta An II An I LC/NT NT Nat. protect. 

Gallinago gallinago An III LC LC Nat. protect. 

Rallus aquaticus An III Nat. protect.

Map 


None. 


- National Office of Forests (NOF), Mediterranean Territorial Directorate, France. 

97

MASSIF D’ESTÉREL MED – FR09 



Altitude to 618 m 

Area 



The Massif de l’Esterel is a coastal mountain to the north and east of the Massif des Maures. In the centre 

of this region, the underlying rock type is volcanic porphyritic stone, giving the landscape a characteristic 

red colour. Towards the coast this is replaced by sandstones and clays. The Côte d’Azur experiences a 

Mediterranean climate, with hot dry summers and mild humid winters. The combination of geology and 

climate gives rise to numerous temporary pools in this region. The habitat type surrounding these pools is 

predominantly cork oak forest (Quercus suber). 




160 ha 




Plants 

Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

98 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Agrostis pourretii PACA 


Cicendia filiformis PACA 

Crassula vaillantii NT PACA, LR 



Isoetes velata France 

Kickxia cirrhosa France 


Ophioglossum azoricum France 

Ophioglossum lusitanicum PACA, LR 


Ranunculus revelieri subsp. 

rodiei 

VU 

France 

Solenopsis laurentia PACA






None. 


International: - Natura 2000 site « Massif de l’Esterel » - FR9301628. 

National: - Forêt domaniale de l’Esterel. 

Main threats 

- Forest fires, including negative impacts on animal populations and changes in the ecological and 

chemical quality of the water. 

- Invasive species (Freesia alba). 

Map 


99


None. 







Valat. 

100

PLAINE DES MAURES and MASSIF DES MAURES MED – FR10 




Area 



The Plaine des Maures has a unique geology; sandstone, mudstone, rhyolite, 

and amaranth rocks which have eroded into a layer of fine sands and clays. 

This plain is borderd to the north and west by the limestone rocks of the 

Massif dews Maures. The unique geology and Mediterranean climate has 

created a network of streams and temporary pools in this region. These are 

surrounded by a habitat of pines and cork oak (Quercus suber). Despite the 

high levels of protection afforded to this site it is still under significant threat. 






Plants 

Berne 

Convention 

33 950 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

101 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 







Isoetes histrix France 




commutata 

 

France 







rodiei 

VU 

France 

Solenopsis laurentia PACA 

Verbena supina PACA


High. 




None. 


International: - Natura 2000 site « La Plaine et le Massif des Maures » - FR9301622. 

- Biotope Protection Order. 

National : - Zone naturelle d’intérêt écologique floristique et faunistique (ZNIEFF). 

Main threats 

- Destruction of habitat, infilling and abandonment of grazing. 

- Frequency of off-road vehicles, tracks and roads. 

- Invasive alien species (Paspalum, Cyperus, Dittrichia). 

- Eutrophication and pollution. 

- Degradation of the site from fire outbreaks. 

- Urbanisation and development for tourism. 

Map 


102


None. 






– Issues relating to conservation, functioning and management. Station biologique de la Tour du 

Valat. 

- Grillas P (2000) Synthese des enjeux et problematiques des mares temporaries mediterraneennes. 

Actes de l’Atelier Mares Temporaires. Station biologique de la Tour du Valat. 

103

CAMARGUE MED – FR11 

Administrative region Bouches-du-Rhone 



Area 



A triangular delta between Aigues-Mortes and Fos, which 

is drained by the River Rhone. This is an exceptional area 

for its biodiveristy including plants, invertebrates and 

birds. The ponds of the Carmargue are characterised by 

differences in salinity and hydroperiod. 


A. Habitats of European importance (Annex I of 

Habitat Directive) 


145 300 ha 




Plants 


Endemism to 

Berne Habitat 

IUCN Europe Europe 

Convention Directive 

104 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Cressa cretica France 


Damasonium polymersum France 

Reptiles 

Emys orbiculare An II An II/IV LR/NT NT/VU 

Amphibians 



Emys orbicularis An II An IV 





Rana ridibunda An III An V 

Triturus cristatus An II An II/IV LC 

Odonata 

Ceonagrion mercuriale An II An II NT NT 

Oxygastra curtisii An II An II/IV VU 

Crustaceans 

Branchipus schaefferi


Crustaceans 






This is an important area for research and for raising awareness of the importance of temporary 

ponds with land managers and the general public. The Tour du Valat research centre is located at the 

heart of this IAP. 


International: - Natura 2000 site «Camargue FR9301592». 

- Biogenetic reserve «Camargue FR930006 ». 

National: - Parc Naturel Regional de la Camargue. 

Main threats 

- Tourism. 


- Enlargement of salt extraction beds. 

- Climate change and associated sea level rise. 

Protection 

Berne Habitat 

Convention Directive 

International Red List 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Chirocephalus diaphanus 

Imnadia yeyetta 

Tanymastix stagnalis 

Triops cancriformis 

105

Map 


The wetlands of the Camargue including the ponds and pools are an important resource for wintering, 

resident and migratory bird species. 








Valat. 

- Waterkeyn A, Grillas P, de Roeck ERM, Boven L & Brendonck L (2009). Assemblage structure and 

dynamics of large branchiopods in Mediterranean temporary wetlands: patterns and processes. 

Freshwater Biology. 54:6. 1256-1270. 

106

PÉZENAS MED – FR12 




Area 



Penezas IAP is located to the north-east of the town of Penezas in an extensively farmed landscape which 

has retained tracts of marquis vegetation. The underlying geology is formed of Devonian limestones. 

Natural and man made depressions, combined with a typically Mediterranean climate has led to the 

formation of temporary ponds in this region. 






Plants 






None. 


Berne 

Convention 

225 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

International: - Natura 2000 site FR9102005 «Aqueduc de Pezenas ». 


107 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 





Ranunculus lateriflorus France 

Trifolium ornithopodioides LR

Main threats 


Map 


None. 








Valat. 

108

RODÈS MED – FR13 

Administrative region Fenouilledes, Languedoc - Roussillon 



Area 



The Rodes IAP is located within the Pyrenees-Orientales region of south-east France, where a granite 

plateau rises within the valley of the River Tet. Natural depressions support rich mesohygrophilous plant 

populations, for example this site supports the largest population of Ranunculus nodiflorus in France. 






Plants 






None. 


Berne 

Convention 

450 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

International: - Natura 2000 site (Fenouilledes FR9101490). 


109 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 








Ranunculus nodiflorus France

Main threats 

- Granite quarrying. 

Map 


The relative remoteness of this site has provided a level of protection for the ponds in this IAP, and 

therefore they have high biodiversity value. 








Valat. 

110

ROQUE-HAUTE MED – FR14 

Administrative region Hérault, Languedoc - Roussillon 



Area 



Situated on a low hill to the east of the village of Portiragnes and only 3km 

from the coast, Roque-Haute has been recognised as an area of exceptional 

importance for biodiversity since the middle of the 19th Century. The 

underlying geology is formed from volcanic basalt, which was subject to 

extraction in the 17 th Century. The typically Mediterranean climate with 

winter flooding and summer drought has led to the formation of numerous 

temporary ponds within these hollows. 






Plants 

Berne 

Convention 

158 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

111 

IUCN Europe 

http://roque.haute.free.fr 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 





Elatine macropoda NT LR 





commutata 

France 









Pilularia minuta An I CR France



Over 100 ponds per km 2 . 




None. 


International: - Natura 2000 site « Plateau de Roquehaute ». 

National: - Zone Biologique Protégée «Réserve Naturelle de Roque-Haute ». 

Main threats 

Berne 

Convention 

- Cessation of traditional grazing management. 


Habitat 

Directive 

112 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Plants 


gallicum 

LR 

Pulicaria sicula PACA, LR 


Ranunculus lateriflorus France 


Trifolium ornithopodioides LR 

Amphibians 




Peldytes punctatus An III LC LC 

Pelophylax perezi An III An IV LC LC 

Triturus pygameus An III An IV NT NT

Map 


None. 






- Association de Gestion de la Reserve Naturelle de Roque-Haute (AGRN. RH) 

http://roque.haute.free.fr 

- Grillas P., Gauthier P., Yavercovski N. And Perennou, C. (2004) Mediterranean Temporary Pools. 

Volume 1 – Issues relating to conservation, functioning and management. Ststion biologique de la 

Tour du Valat. 

- Rhazi M., Grillas P., Charpentier A. and Médial F (2004) Experimental management of Mediteranean 

temporary pools for conservation of the rare quillwort Isoetes setacea. Biological Conservation. 118: 

675-684. 

113

ST ESTEVE ET TORREMILA MED – FR15 




Area 



This IAP is situated on the terraces of the River Tet. Ponds form in natural floodplain depressions and 

those created following agriculture. Many of the ponds in the region of St Esteve have already been 

degraded due to anthropogenic activites. The remaining ponds are very vulnerable to further losses. 






Plants 






None. 

Berne 

Convention 

73 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

114 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 



commutata 

France 




Myosurus sessilis 


gallicum 

LR 




National: - Réserve Naturelle volontaire. 

Main threats 

- Hydrological modifications in the region, resulting in permanent flooding of temporary pools. 

- Drainage and infilling of ponds. 

Map 


None. 








Valat. 

115

VENDRES MED – FR16 



Altitude 34 m 

Area 



The Vendres IAP is located between Vendres and Sauvian in the Herault region of southeast France. Much 

of the land surrounding these ponds is under agriculture (vineyards), but cropping patterns and poor 

drainage has allowed temporary ponds to remain important for many threatened plants. The sites hosts 

one of the few remaining populations for Marsilea strigosa in France. 






Plants 






None. 


Berne 

Convention 

17.6 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

International: - Natura 2000 site FR9101431 «Mare du Plateau de Vendres ». 


116 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 






gallicum 

LR 


Main threats 


- Intensification of agriculture. 

Map 


None. 








Valat. 

117

AGRIATES MED – FR17 

Administrative region Corsica 



Area 



Situated in the northwest of Corsica, Agriates extends westwards from the Golf of St-Florent to the mouth 

of the Ostriconi River. It is a large area which has historically been used for agriculture, although this has 

now been largely abandoned. The landscape is dominated by maquis vegetation and scattered cacti. The 

underlying geology is granite with seams of green rhyolites. There are numerous temporary ponds with a 

rich flora. 




unknown 




Plants 

Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

118 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 






commutata 

 

France 






revelieri 

VU 

France 


Trifolium ornithopodioides LR 

Triglochin bulbosum subsp. 

laxiflorum 

Amphibians 

 

France 

Discoglossus sardus An II An II/IV LC






None. 


International: - Natura 2000 site « Agriates» - FR9400570. 

National: - State owned Nature Reserve. 

Main threats 

- Fires and soil erosion. 

- Over and/or undergrazing. 

Map 


119


None. 





- Grillas P, Gauthier P, Yavercovski N & Perennou, C (2004). Mediterranean Temporary Pools. Volume 1 


Valat. 

120

BONIFACIO MED – FR18 




Area 



The Bonifacio region in the south of Corsica includes 8 sites (Tre Padule, Rondinara, Tre Padule de Frasseli, 

pools to the southeast of Frasselli, Padulu and Paraguano pool, Musella, Cavallo Island and Lavezzu Island) 

which have been grouped together into one IAP due to proximity to one another and ecological similarity. 

The region has a Mediterranian bioclimate with dry hot summers and warm humid winters. The 

underlying geolgy is predominantly limestone and granite, with some clay lined tectonic depressions. This 

combination of climate and geology has lead to the formation of numerous temporary karst ponds which 

are exceptionally rich in their flora and fauna. 




unknown 




Plants 

Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

121 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 



Antinoria insularis Corsica 

Apium crassipes NT 

Callatriche truncata subsp. 

truncata 

 

 



Eryngium pusillum France 



Isoetes histrix France 




commutata 

 

France 



Molineriella minuta France


Plants 




The pools provide an important source of freshwater for grazing livestock. 




International: - Natura 2000 site « Tre Padule de Suartone, Rondinara » - FR9400590. 

- Natura 2000 site « Mare temporaire de Musella / Bonifacio » - FR9402009. 

- Natura 2000 site « Mares temporaires du terrain militaire de 

Frasselli/Bonifacio » - FR9402009. 

- Natura 2000 site « Tre Padule de Suartone, Rondinara » - FR9400590. 

Main threats 

Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

- Destruction by filling and drainage for cultivation. 

- Over and/or undergrazing. 

- Lack of building controls. 

- Trampling and disturbance by humans. 

- Invasive plants (Dittrichia viscose). 

122 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Other status 

Morisia monanthos France 


Nananthea perpusilla France 








revelieri VU 

France 



laxiflorum 

Amphibians 

 

France 


Map 


Managed by the Office of the Environment for Corsica. 






- Grillas P, Gauthier P, Yavercovski N & Perennou C (2004). Mediterranean Temporary Pools. Volume 1 


Valat. 

- Paradis G & Pozzo di Borgo ML (2007) Les mares temporaires: un habitat remarquable. Stantari. 8, 

19-27. 

123

CAP CORSE MED – FR19 



Altitude 44 m 

Area 



The Cap Corse is located on a belt of different metamorphic rocks. In the western part of this region there 

is an enclave of hard gneiss, a green sandstone valley and peridotite constituting the backbone of the 

Monte Maggiore massif itself. To the east three rock types dominate: lustrous schists and serpentinite 

with traces of prasinites. The region has a Mediterranian bioclimate with dry hot summers and warm 

humid winters. This combination of climate and geology has lead to the formation of numerous 

temporary ponds surrounded by maquis vegetation. 




unknown 




Plants 

Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

124 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 







commutata 

France 


Morisia monanthos France 







Solenopsis minuta subsp. 

corsica 

Amphibians 

 

Corsica 









International: - Natura 2000 site « Cap Corse Nord et ile Finocchiarola, Giraglia et Capense 

(Cote de Macinaggio a Centuri) » - FR9400568. 

Main threats 

The Cap Corse region of Corsica has problems with water supply. Water is used for both agricultural 

irrigation and drinking water. 80% of these requirements come from surface water and 20% from 

underground supplies. These diversions significantly impact on aquatic environments. 

Map 


125


None. 







Valat. 

- The Rhone-Mediterranean and Corsica Water Agency (2010) http://www.eaurmc.fr/the-rhonemediterranean-and-corsica-water-agency/the-corsica-basin.html. 

126

LITTORAL SOUTH WEST CORSICA MED – FR20 




Area 



This IAP in the southwest of Corsia is a conglomeration of 12 separate sites grouped into one IAP 

(Tonnara, Ventilegne, Testarella, Capineru, Chevanu, Arbitru, Tour d’Olmeto and Furnellu, Capu di Zivia, 

Cala di Barbaju, Senetosa, Salina and Canusellu). This region is underlain by granite rocks dissected by a 

series of rivers which drop sharply to the coast. The pools are found within marsh and swamps along these 

valleys. 




c. 2500 ha 




Plants 

Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

127 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 












commutata 

France 









revelieri VU 

France


Plants 






None. 


International: - Natura 2000 site « Iles et Pointe Bruzzi, Etangs de Chevanu et d'Arbitru » - 

FR9400609. 

- Natura 2000 site « Ventilegne - La Trinite de Bonifacio – Fazzio » - 

FR9400592. 

Main threats 


Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

128 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 



corsica 

France 


laxiflorum 

Amphibians 

France 


Map 


None. 








Valat. 

129

PORTO VECCHIO MED – FR21 



Altitude 30 m 

Area 



This plain which is drained by the Stabacciu was once part of an extensive area of river floodplain 

dominated by cork oak (Quercus suber), eucalyptus and salt marsh. This extended from the Ospedale 

mountain range in the northwest to the Gulf of Porto in the east. Some of this habitat has been lost to 

development and commercial salt pans but the remainder contains numerous pools with high ecological 

value. 




1117 ha 




Plants 

Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

130 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 





Elatine brochonii VU France 








commutata 

France 






Ranunculus ophioglossifolius France







None. 


International: - Natura 2000 site « Suberaie de Ceccia / Porto-Vecchio » - FR9400588. 

Main threats 


Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

131 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Plants 


revelieri 

VU France 



laxiflorum 

Amphibians 

France 


Map 


None. 








Valat. 

- Paradis G & Pozzo di Borgo ML (2007) Les mares temporaires: un habitat remarquable. Stantari. 8, 

19-27. 

132

ALBENGA PLAIN PONDS COMPLEX MED – IT01 

Administrative region Italy (Liguria) 



Area 



This IAP is on the floodplain of the Centa river, in northwest Italy (Province of Savona, Administrative 

Region of Liguria), in the munipalities of Albenga, Ceriale and Villanova d'Albenga. In the past, this area 

was characterized by high pond density, which has now been highly reduced by human activities 

(urbanisation, infrastructure and intensive agriculture). In these relic habitats the endemic subspecies of 

the European pond terrapin (Emys orbicularis ingauna) is still present. A captive breeding and habitat 

restoration programme started in 1999 for the conservation of this rare species and its freshwater 

habitats. 



3120: Oligothrophic waters containing very few minerals generally on sandy soils of the West 





Reptiles 


High in the past, but low at present due to water extraction, agriculture and urbanisation. 



Berne 

Convention 

900 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

133 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Emys orbicularis ingauna An II An II/IV LC/NT NT 

Amphibians 



Rana dalmatina An II An IV LC LC 

Odonata 

Aeshna affinis LC


None. 


International: - Natura 2000 site « IT13 Torrente Arroscia -Centa» «Valloni-Lerrone». 

- Natura 2000 site « Monte Acuto-Poggio Grande-Rio Torsero ». 

National: - Protected Areas of Province of Savona (SV). 

Main threats 

- Habitat destruction: high levels of pressure from human activities (highways, railways, urbanisation 

and intensive agriculture). 

- Eutrophication due to intensive agriculture. 

- Introduction of alien species (e.g. red eared sliders Trachemys sp., Rana kl. kurtmuelleri). 

Map 


None. 


- Provincia di Savona, Settore difesa del Suolo e Tutela Ambientale (Dott. Paolo Genta: p.genta@ 

provincia.savona.it). 

- Dip.Te.Ris. - Università degli Studi di Genova (Dott. Sebastiano Salvidio: salvidio@dipteris.unige.it; - 

Dott. Dario Ottonello: dario.ottonello@studionatura.net). 

- Website of the Pond Terrapin conservation programme: 

http://www.provincia.savona.it/temi/ambiente04/emys/progetto.htm. 

134

PRESIDENTIAL ESTATE OF CASTELPORZIANO MED – IT02 

Administrative region Italy (Latium, Province of Rome) 

Coordinates (latitude/longitude) 41°44’37.79’’N; 12°24’00.43’’E (Castel Porziano) 

Altitude 0 - 85 m (mean 31 m) 

Area 



The Presidential Estate of Castelporziano is 

one residence of the Italian President. It is 

located about 20 km South of Rome. This 

protected area includes one of the last 

remnants of original Mediterranean plain 

forest which formerly covered the 

Tyrrhenian coast near Rome, and is now 

surrounded by urban and agricultural 

landscape. It is of great scientific, 

environmental and landscape importance. These ponds are some of few wetlands remaining after 

drainage along the Latium coast and are extremely valuable habitats for biodiversity. Most ponds (47.2%) 

are surrounded by thick forest dominated by oaks (Quercus robur, Q. frainetto and Q. cerris) associated 

with hygrophilous species (Salix spp., Populus spp and Fraxinus spp.). Others are in clearings (15%), or 

enclosed in an impenetrable Mediterranean maquis (14.3%), or in sparse forest (11.6%). The rest are in 

grassland (8.9%) or agricultural areas (2.7%). Pond water permanence and surface area mainly depend on 

rainfall, which usually peaks in autumn and spring. There are two types of ponds: 1) those laying on recent 

sand dunes, with permeable soils and fed by sub-superficial groundwater and rainfall, and 2) those located 

on ancient dunes, with silt and less permeable soils, fed only by rainfall. 







Plants 

Berne 

Convention 

6038.9 ha 

A (habitat), B (species), C (density), D (socio-economic), E (other) 


Habitat 

Directive 

135 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Callitriche truncata LR b / Very rare c 

Damasonium alisma LR b 

Elatine alsinastrum 

CR 

VU b / Extremely 

rare c 

Isoetes h istrix VU b 

Isoetes velata VU a 

Myriphyllum alterniflorum VU ab 

Potamogeton trichoides LR b / Very rare c


Plants 

Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

136 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Utricularia vulgaris EN a 

Zannichellia palustris VU b 

Amphibians 

Bombina variegate pachypus An II/III An II- IV 


Bufo viridis An II An IV LC LC 

Hyla intermedia An II/III An IV NT LC 


Rana italica An II An IV 

Rana kl. esculenta An III An IV 

Salamandrina perspicillata An II An II 

Triturus carnifex An II An II/IV LC LC 

Triturus vulgaris An III 

Reptiles 


Natrix natrix An III LC LC 

Natrix tessellata An III An IV LC LC 

Birds 

Aix galericula An III 

Anas acuta An III LC LC 

Anas clypeata An III LC LC 

Anas crecca An III LC LC 

Anas penelope An III LC LC 


Anas querquedula An III LC LC 

Anas strepera An III LC LC 

Anser anser An III LC LC 

Ardea cinerea An III LC 

Ardea purpurea An II LC LC 

Ardeola ralloides An III LC LC 

Aythya farina An III 

Aythya fuligula An III LC LC 

Botaurus stellaris An II LC LC 

Bubulcus ibis An II 

Ciconia ciconia An II An I LC LC 

Egretta alba An II NE 


Fulica atra An III LC LC 

Gallinula chloropus An III LC LC 

Grus grus An II LC LC 

Ixobrychus minutus An II LC LC 

Melanitta fusca An III


Birds 

Porhydrus obliquesignatus R 

a 

Red List of Italian Plant. (Conti et al., 1992). 

b 

Regional Red List. of Latium (Conti et al., 1997). 

c 

Lazium Region Flora. (Anzalone et al., in press). 

d 

Distribution and Conservation status according both expert judgement (for details , see Della Bella et al., 2005) and the checklist 

and distribution of Italian fauna (Ruffo & Stoch, 2005). E = Endangered; VU= vulnerable; R=rare (recorded from fewer than 10% of 

10 x10 km UTM grid squares in Italy. 

d 


Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

2.68 ponds per km 2 . In the area there are about 160 temporary (73.15%) and permanent (26.85%) 

ponds, most of them (87.2%) of natural origin. 

137 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Melanitta fusca An III 

Mergus serrator An III 

Nycticorax nycticorac An II LC LC 

Platalea leucordia An III LC LC 

Plegadis falcinellus An II LC LC 

Rallus aquaticus An III 

Hirudinea 

Hirudo medicinalis An III An V LR 

Crustaceans 

Chirocephalus kerkyrensis VU d 

Eylais hamata VU d 

Hydrachna skorikowi EN d 

Odonata 

Coenagrion mercuriale An II An II NT NT 

Hemiptera 

Sigara basalis R d 

Coleoptera 

Aulacochthebius exaratus VU d 

Coelambus confluens R d 

Cybister tripunctatus africanus R d 

Donacia sp. VU d 

Eretes sticticus R d 

Hydrophilus piceus VU d 

Hygrobia tarda R d


Castelporziano Estate also has archaeological importance. It has been a strategic position for human 

occupation throughout history. In Roman times, this area was part of the ancient Laurentum, a place 

of residence of patricians and Roman emperors. For centuries the main activities have been hunting 

and agrarian cultivation. In 1872 the Government purchased the Estates of Castelporziano and 

assigned it to the Crown as a hunt reserve and residence. After WWII, the Estate was assigned to the 

Head of the State as residence, diplomatic representation, but also as a site for forest management 

and zootechnical and forest activities. 


A Checklist of 5039 species have been recorded so far in Castelporziano (based on data from 

literature and unpublished records) - 8 Monera, 118 Protista, 722 Fungi, 229 Lichens, 1044 plants and 

2918 animals. 

Flora: Castelporziano is one of the few areas in Italy where rare and characteristic plant species of 

the Mediterranean region are well preserved. 

Fauna: Castelporziano is rich in mammal species (Dama dama, Capreolus capreolus, Cervus elaphus, 

Sus scrofa majori - one of the last population of Italian wild boar- Erinaceus europaeus,, Histrix 

cristata, Vulpes vulpes, Meles meles, Martes martes, M. foina, Mustela putorius, Lepus corsicanus) 

and birds species (Milvus migrans,Buteo buteo, Falco subbuteo, F. tinninuculus Strix aluco,Tyto alba, 

Athene noctua, Ardea cinerea, Streptopelia turtur, Picus viridis, Columba palumbus and Garrulus 

glandarius). 

A rich hygropilous insect community is also present around the ponds (especially Coleptera, Diptera, 

Heteroptera and Odonata). 


International: - Natura 2000 site ZPS « Castelporziano (Tenuta Presidenziale)» (IT6030084) ; SIC 

«Castelporziano (fascia costiera) » (IT6030027) ; SIC «Castelporziano (querceti 

igrofili) » (IT6030028). 

National: - State Natural Reserve “Presidential Estate of Castelporziano”. 

Main threats 

- Infilling, especially of temporary ponds. 

- Fires. 

- Overexploitation of groundwater from surrounding urban areas with a consequent lowering of the 

water table and increasing salinity. 

- Environmental fragmentation due to human activities. 

138

Map 


None. 


- Valentina Della Bella, European Pond Conservation Network (EPCN) email: 

valentina.dellabella@gmail.com 


- AA.VV. 2006. Il sistema ambientale della tenuta Presidenziale di Castelporziano. Ricerche sulla 

complessità di un ecosistema forestale costiero mediterraneo. Seconda serie. Accademia Nazionale 

delle Scienze detta dei XL. “Scritti e documenti” XXXVII. Segretariato Generale della Presidenza della 

Repubblica Italiana. Roma. Vol. III, pp. 1607-1846. 

- AA.VV. 1999. Le piscine di Castelporziano. Progetto di monitoraggio ambientale della Tenuta 

Presidenziale di Castelporziano. Seminario tematico G.D.L. FAUNA, 6 febbraio 1999. 

- AA.VV. 1992. Progetto di monitoraggio ambientale della Tenuta Presidenziale di Castelporziano. 

Seminario tematico G.D.L. FAUNA, 25 ottobre 1997. 

- Bologna MA, Carpaneto GM & Utzeri C. 1997. Anfibi e rettili della Tenuta Presidenziale di 

Castelporziano e zone limitrofe: dati faunistici preliminari. In: Progetto di monitoraggio ambientale 

della Tenuta Presidenziale di Castelporziano. Seminario tematico G.D.L. FAUNA, 25 ottobre 1997: 1-4. 

- Della Bella V, Bazzanti M & Chiarotti F. 2005. Macroinvertebrate diversity and conservation status of 

Mediterranean ponds in Italy: water permanence and mesohabitat influence. Aquatic Conservation: 

Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 15: 583-600. 

- Della Bella V, Bazzanti M, Dowgiallo MG & Iberite M. 2008. Macrophyte diversity and physicochemical 

characteristics of Tyrrhenian coast ponds in central Italy: implications for conservation. 

Hydrobiologia 597:85–95. 

139

- Fanfani A, Nardi G, Folleto A, Tinelli A. 2006. Elenco (checklist) degli organismi segnalati nella Tenuta 

Presidenziale di Castelporziano. In: Il sistema ambientale della tenuta Presidenziale di Castelporziano. 

Ricerche sulla complessità di un ecosistema forestale costiero mediterraneo. Seconda serie. 

Accademia Nazionale delle Scienze detta dei XL. “Scritti e documenti” XXXVII. Segretariato Generale 

della Presidenza della Repubblica Italiana. Roma. Vol. III, pp. 1607-1846. 

- Gratani L & Marinucci C. 1985. La Tenuta di Castelporziano. Natura e Montagna 1: 53-60 

- Tinelli A & Restaino V. 1999. Aspetti paesaggistici e problemi gestionali. Progetto di monitoraggio 

ambientale della Tenuta Presidenziale di Castelporziano. Seminario tematico G.D.L. FAUNA, 6 

febbraio 1999: 1-7. 

140

CIRCEO FOREST MED – IT03 

Administrative region Italy (Latium, Province of Latina) 

Coordinates (latitude/longitude) 41°20’27’’N; 13°02’35’’E (Forest Centroid) 

Altitude 26 m 

Area 



Circeo Forest IAP is part of the larger Italian National Park of 

Circeo (22164.7 ha), located near Latina city, South of Rome. 

After drainage activities for over 20 years, this forest represents 

a fragment of the original Mediterranean plain forest which 

formerly covered the Southern coast of Rome. This landscape 

was dotted with numerous temporary ponds. Along the coast 

there is a system of 4 large coastal lagoons (1150*) and small 

dune brackish ponds. 







Plants 

Berne 

Convention 

3006.8 ha (Forest), 8440 ha (National Park) 

A (habitat), B (species), D (other) 


Habitat 

Directive 

141 

IUCN Europe 

Source: Elisa Lanzuisi, Archive of Circeo National Park 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Callitriche hamulata Very rare c 

Callitriche obtusangula Very rare c 

Callitriche truncata LR b / Very rare c 

Damasonium alisma LR b 

Isoetes velata VU a 

Amphibians 

Bombina variegate pachypus An II/III An II- IV 




Rana italica An II An IV 


Triturus vulgaris An III 

Reptiles 


Natrix natrix An III LC LC 

Natrix tessellata An III An IV LC LC


Fish 

Chirocephalus kerkyrensis VU 

a 


b 


c 


d 




d 


The ponds in this IAP have not been mapped. 




High biodiversity: 282 recorded taxa (Flora: 124 taxa; Fauna: 158 taxa), with the presence of rare 

and very rare taxa (Blasi et al., 2009). 


International: - Natura 2000 site SIC «Foresta Demaniale del Circeo» (IT6040014). 

- Site ZPS «National Park of Circeo» (IT6040015). 

- SIC «Laghi Fogliano, MOnaci, Caprolace e Pantani dell’Inferno» (IT6040012). 

- SIC «Lago di Sabaudia» (IT6040013)- SIC «Dune del Circeo» (IT6040018). 

National: - National Park of Circeo. 

Main threats 

- Human activities. 


Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

142 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Aphanius fasciatus An III An II LC LC 

Birds 

Alcedo atthis An II LC LC 

Alcedo purpurea An II 

Ixobrychus minutus An II LC LC 

Rallus aquaticus An III 

Mammals 

Myotis capaccinii An II 

Coleoptera 

Cybister tripunctatus 

africanus 

Crustacean 

R d

Map 


None. 


- Valentina Della Bella, European Pond Conservation Network (EPCN): valentina.dellabella@gmail.com. 

- Giuliano Tallone, Circeo National Park: direzione@parcocirceo.it. 

- Elisa Lanzuisi, Circeo National Park: biodiversita@parcocirceo.it. 


- Blasi C, Zavattero L, Marignani M, Smiraglia D, Copiz R, Rosati L & Vico ED. 2008. The concept of land 

ecological network and its design using a land unit approach. Plant Biosystems. 142: 540-549. 

- Blasi C. 2009. Analisi propedeutiche alla definizione della rete ecologica del Parco Nazionale del 

Circeo. Unpublished data. 

- Mura G. 1997. The life history of Chirocephalus kerkyrensis Pesta (Crustacea: Anostraca) in 

temporary waters of Circeo National Park (Latium, Italy). Hydrobiologia. 346: 11-23. 

143

EASTERN SALENTO MED – IT04 

Administrative region Italy (Apulia, Province of Lecce) 



Area 



The Eastern coast of the Salento peninsula represents the easternmost 

part of the Italian peninsula; it is stretched out toward the Balkan coast of 

Albania, which lies only 70 km away. The geological substrate is mainly 

composed of Quaternary karstic soil. The whole area is an important site 

for avifauna migration routes connecting Eastern Europe and Northern 

Africa. 

In the eastern Salento several coastal swamps occur, the best preserved 

ones lie in the National Nature Reserve “Le Cesine”, and are thus subject 

to of a certain degree of protection. Several temporary ponds are spread 

around the largest swamps; unfortunately, most of them are located 

outside the protected area. To date, poor attention has been paid to 

these temporary environments and their biota, which only recently began 

to be studied. 






Plants 

Berne 

Convention 

700 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

144 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Isoetes hystrix Regional Red List 

Birds 

Acrocephalus melanopogon An II NT NT 


Anas acuta An III LC LC 

Anas clypeata An III LC LC 

Anas crecca An III LC LC 

Anas penelope An III LC LC 


Anas querquedula An III LC LC 

Ardea purpurea An II LC LC 

Ardeola ralloides An III LC LC 

Aythya fuligula An III LC LC 

Source: G. Alfonso


Birds 

Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

145 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Aythya nyroca An III LC LC 

Botaurus stellaris An II LC LC 

Calidris canutus An III LC LC 

Casmerodius albus An II LC LC 

Chlidonias hybridus An II LC LC 

Chlidonias niger An II LC LC 

Circus aeruginosus An II LC LC 

Circus cyaneus An II LC LC 

Circus pygargus An II LC LC 

Columba palumbus An III LC LC 

Coturnix coturnix An III LC LC 


Fulica atra An III LC LC 

Gallinago gallinago An III LC LC 

Gallinago media An II LC LC 

Gallinula chloropus An III LC LC 

Grus grus An II LC LC 

Himantopus himantopus An II LC LC 


Netta rufina An III LC LC 

Nycticorax nycticorax An II LC LC 

Pandion haliaetus An III LC LC 

Phalacrocorax carbo An III LC LC 

Philomachus pugnax An III LC LC 

Platalea leucorodia An III LC LC 

Plegadis falcinellus An II LC LC 

Pluvialis apricaria An III LC LC 

Porzana parva An II LC LC 

Porzana porzana An II LC LC 

Porzana pusilla An III LC LC 

Rallus aquaticus An III LC LC 

Recurvirostra avosetta An II LC LC 

Sterna albifrons An III LC LC 

Sterna sandvicensis An II LC LC 

Tringa erythropus An III LC LC 

Tringa glareola An II LC LC 

Tringa nebularia An III LC LC 

Tringa totanus An III LC LC 

Turdus iliacus An III LC LC 

Turdus merula An III LC LC 

Turdus philomelos An III LC LC 

Reptiles 


Natrix natrix An III LC LC


Amphibians 


High for this region. Many temporary ponds are spread along the coast, not far from the two coastal 

swamps of the ‘Le Cesine’ Nature Reserve. 


None. 


None. 


International: - IBA (Importnat Bird Area) «Le Cesine», code IBA 146M. 

- Natura 2000 site «Le Cesine». 

National: - SIC «Le Cesine», code IT9150032. 

- ZPS «Le Cesine», code IT9150014. 

- National Nature Reserve «Le Cesine», code EUAP0104. 

Main threats 



Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

146 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Bufo bufo An III LC LC Endemic to Italy 

Hyla intermedia An II/III An IV NT LC Endemic to Italy 

Lissotriton italicus An III An IV LC LC 

Pseudepidalea balearica An II An IV LC LC 

Pelophylax spp. An III LC LC 

Odonata 

Coenagrion mercuriale An II An II NT NT

Map 


None. 


- Dr. Giuseppe Alfonso, University of Salento: giuseppe.alfonso@unisalento.it. 

147

FERRARA RETTING POOL LANDSCAPE MED – IT05 

Administrative region Italy, Province of Ferrara (Emilia-Romagna Region) 

Coordinates (latitude/longitude) 44°50’6.42’’N; 11°37’13.58’’E 


Area 



Retting ponds are the artificial basins that were used in 

the region for retting hemp. They were dug in a 

rectangular shape with an average depth of about 2m 

and a maximum surface area of 6000m 2 . At the beginning 

of the 20 th century there were about 10,000 retting pools 

in the Province of Ferrara. With the decline and 

subsequent end to hemp cultivation after 1950, many 

retting pools were closed in order to recover land for 

agricultural use or urban development. Some were used 

as landfill, or infilled, but others were retained as 

reservoirs for irrigation. About 1,400 ponds now remain, 

concentrated on high ground and the area surrounding 

the city of Ferrara. 







Plants 

Berne 

Convention 

c. 140 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

148 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Salvinia natans An I VU 

Amphibians 

Source: Carla Corazza 


Lissotriton vulgaris An III LC LC 

Pelophylax kl. esculentus An III LC 




Reptiles 


Lacerta viridis (bilineata) An II An IV LC 



*B4: Animal species protected by the Regional Law n. 15, July 2006 “Disposizioni per la tutela della fauna minore 

dell’Emilia-Romagna”. 


About 1.01/km 2 , ranging between 5 – 20 ponds in some districts. 

Some larger ponds, mainly used for fishing or hunting, were created by merging several retting pools. 


Very high, as explained in the site description. 


This kind of pond can be important for ecosystem services, including water storage and recharge of 

underground water reservoirs. They may also play an important role in global climate change issues. 


International: - None. The proposed landscape is surrounded by many Natura 2000 sites, as 

shown in Map, but no pond is located inside Natura 2000. 

National: - Province: only the two municipalities of Cento and S. Agostino are considered 

“important areas for the retting pools” inside the ecological network of the 

province, due to the relatively high pond densities (2-3 per square kilometre, 

some districts have up to 20 ponds/ km2). However, they account for less than 

12% of the total number of ponds. 

- Municipalities: the retting pools are retained as stepping stones in the ecological 

network of the municipality of Ferrara, as approved in 2009. Infilling of the ponds 

is completely forbidden but some conflicts arise between the rules established by 

the government of the Province and those followed by the City Council. 

Main threats 

Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

- Urban sprawl, intensive and extensive agricultural practices, invasive alien species, very high 

eutrophication, pollution. 

149 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Reptiles 

Natrix tessellata An III An IV LC LC 

Podarcis muralis An II An IV LC 

Podarcis siculus An II An IV LC 

Mammals 

Erinaceus europeus An III 

Coleoptera 

Cerambyx cerdo An II An II, IV VU 

A1c+2c 

Lycaena dispar 

An II An II, IV LR/NT

Map 


Since ponds are often surrounded by a tree-shrub belt, made by species that have either colonised 

naturally or have been planted, we can sometimes identify two forest habitats: 

91F0: Riparian mixed forests of Quercus robur, Ulmus laevis and Ulmus minor, Fraxinus excelsior or 

Fraxinus angustifolia, along the great rivers (Ulmenion minoris) 

92A0 : Salix alba and Populus alba galleries. 

When parts of the ponds are undergoing natural succession, we can also identify: 

6430: Hydrophilous tall herb fringe communities of plains and of the mountain to alpine levels. 

The pond banks often support dense populations of Phragmites australis and/or Typha spp. with some 

accompanying Cyperaceae species, however neither Phragmitetum or Typhetum are listed as CORINE 

habitats. 

150 

Natura 2000 sites surrounding the proposed IAP.

Entirely involved municipalities: Ferrara, Bondeno, Cento, Sant’Agostino, Mirabello, Vigarano Mainarda, 

Poggio Renatico, Ro Ferrarese, Formignana, Tresigallo, Voghiera, Masi Torello. 

Partially involved municipalities: Berra, Copparo, Jolanda di Savoia, Migliarino, Migliaro, Ostellato, 

Portomaggiore, Argenta. 


- Carla Corazza: c.corazza@comune.fe.it. MUSEO CIVICO di STORIA NATURALE di FERRARA. Via De Pisis 

24, I-44100 Ferrara, Italy. tel +39.0532.203381/206297 - fax +39.0532.210508. C.F. e P.IVA 

00297110389. 

http://www.comune.ferrara.it/storianaturale/ 


- Provincia di Ferrara. Castello Estense. 44121 Ferrara, Italy. 

http://www.provincia.fe.it/Distribuzione/ptcp/Ptcp_lavori_incorso/Rete_ecologica/quadro_ 

conoscitivo/SCHEDE_TEMATISMI/Maceri/ 

151

FOGLINO WOOD MED – IT06 

Administrative region Italy (Latium, Province of Rome) 

Coordinates (latitude/longitude) 41°28’10’’N; 13°43’03’’E (Forest Centroid) 

Altitude 24 m 

Area 



The area is located to the south of Rome. Foglino wood represents a 

valuable example of a typical plain sand forest with a dominance of Quercus 

frainetto (Habitat 9280) and Q. cerris, and presence of relevant species such 

as Alnus glutinosa, Ilex aquifolium and Tilia sp. 

In the forest there is a small lake (Laghetto Granieri), a large permanent 

pond (Vallone Cupo) with a surface area of about 8000 m 2 , three mapped 

temporary ponds and numerous ephemeral pools with variable surface area 

depending on rainfall. 



152 

Source : Valentina Della Bella 





Berne 

Convention 

552 ha 

A (habitat), B (species), C (density), E (other) 


Habitat 

Directive 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Plants 

Oenanthe aquatica 

LR b/ / Extremely 

rare c 

Utricularia vulgaris EN a 

Amphibians 




Rana kl. esculenta An III An IV 


Triturus vulgaris An III 

Reptiles 



Birds 


Ardea cinerea An III LC


Birds 

Chirocephalus kerkyrensis VU 

a 


b 


c 


d 




d 


High, about 1 pond per km 2 . 




In this IAP a stable isolated population of Emys orbicularis has been recorded, with all size classes, 

including juveniles (about 250 individuals). It is also likely that this is a breeding site for Ciconia nigra. 

The area has the last few remnants of pristine ponds along the Thyrrenian coast of central Italy and 

therefore high conservation status. It is known to host high numbers of macroinvertebrate taxa and 

several Diatom species belonging to genera such as, Pinnularia sp., Eunotia sp., Neidium sp. and 

Stauroneis sp., which are almost totally absent from disturbed ponds. 


International: - Natura 2000 site SIC «Bosco di Foglino» (IT6030047). 


Main threats 

Berne 

Convention 

- Habitat fragmentation due to human activities. 

- Hunting. 


Habitat 

Directive 

153 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Ardea platyrhynchos An III 

Ciconia nigra An II An I LC LC 

Egretta garzetta An II 

Fulica atra An III LC LC 



Hirudinea 

Hirudo medicinalis An III An V LR 

Anostraca

Map 


None. 


- Valentina Della Bella, European Pond Conservation Network (EPCN) email: 

valentina.dellabella@gmail.com. 

- Marco Bologna, University of Rome Roma Tre, e-mail: bologna@uniroma3.it. 

- Carlo Utzeri, La Sapienza, Università di Roma, carlo.utzeri@uniroma1.it. 

- Fabrizio Montarsi, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe): 

fmontarsi@izsvenezie.it. 

Source of information 

- Bologna MA & Calvario E. 1996. Presenza autunnale di Cicogna nera Ciconia nigra nel Lazio. Alula, 3: 

120-121. 

- Bologna MA, Capula M, Carpaneto GM. 2000. Anfibi e rettili del Lazio. Fratelli Palombi Editori, Rome, 

160pp. 

- Bologna MA, Salvi D & Pitzalis M (Eds). 2007. Atlante degli anfibi e rettili della provincia di Roma. 

Gangemi Editore, Rome, 188pp. 

- Della Bella V & Mancini L. 2009. Freshwater diatom and macroinvertebrate diversity of coastal 

permanent ponds along a gradient of human impact (site degradation) in a Mediterranean ecoregion. 

Hydrobiologia, 634:25–41. 

- Gratani L & Pasqua G. 2004. Analisi dello stato strutturale e funzionale della vegetazione e carta 

dell’indice di area fogliare del territorio Anzio-Nettuno. Dipartimento di Biologia Vegetale Università 

degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza, Provincia di Roma. 

- Guidotti S, Viguer LM, Vigiliano G. 2004. Il bosco di Foglino. Studi e ricerche naturalistiche 2000-2003. 

Itinerair Nturalistici 2004, Assessorato alla Cultura Comune di Nettuno, Unversità Agraria di Nettuno, 

Provincia di Roma. 

- Lattanzi E, Perinelli E, Riggio L. 2005. Flora vascolare del bosco di Foglino (Nettuno - Roma). Inform. 

Bot. Ital., 36 (2) (2004): 337-361. 

- Mura G & Saltini G. Chirocephalus kerkyrensis e C. diaphanus delle acque astatiche. Rivista di 

Idrobiologia, XXVIII (3): 283-287. (per foglino). 

154

GARGANO AND TRAMITI ISLANDS MED – IT07 

Administrative region Italy (Apulia, Province of Foggia) 



Area 



This IAP includes a large promontory (Gargano) and the five 

small islands of the Tremiti Archipelago. The most ancient 

geological formation of the Gargano Promontory dates back to 

the Jurassic period. Along the Northern coast of the 

promontory two large, permanent, coastal lagoons (Lesina and 

Varano) occur, these are connected with the sea by small but 

permanent channels. The whole area is characterized by high 

habitat diversity, conferring to the Gargano Promontory a 

considerable conservation value at national and European 

levels. Different kinds of freshwater ponds are present both at 

low and high altitudes, in pseudo-steppe and Mediterranean 

deciduous wood. These water bodies are rather diverse: their 

hydroperiod ranges from ephemeral to permanent, and their 

salinity from purely fresh to brackish waters. 

The Tremiti Islands constitute a small archipelago of 

sedimentary origin dating back to Cretaceous and Eocene. 

Source: G. Alfonso 

The exposed calcareous bedrock is rich in temporary rock 

pools of different sizes. To date, the Tremiti Islands are the only known Italian site of the large 

branchiopod crustacean Streptocephalus torvicornis. Even though the whole of this IAP is within various 

protected areas, freshwater water bodies have been often overlooked and not specifically considered for 

protection measures. 


75000 ha 




3120: Oligotrophic waters containing very few minerals generally on sandy soils of the west 




Plants 

Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

155 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Ceratophyllum submersum Regional Red List 

Myosurus minimus Regional Red List 

Ranunculus peltatus baudotii


Birds 

Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

156 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Acrocephalus melanopogon An III LC LC 

Alcedo atthis An III LC LC 

Anas acuta An III LC LC 

Anas clypeata An III D LC LC 

Anas crecca An III LC LC 

Anas penelope An III LC LC 

Anas platyrhynchos An III LC LC 

Anas querquedula An II LC LC 

Anas strepera An III LC LC 

Anser anser An III LC LC 

Ardea purpurea An III LC LC 


Aythya ferina An III LC LC 

Aythya fuligula An II LC LC 

Aythya marila An II An I VU LC 


Botaurus stellaris An II LC LC 

Burhinus oedicnemus An II LC LC 

Calidris canutus An II LC LC 

Caprimulgus europeus An II An I LC LC 

Chlidonias hybridus An II An I LC LC 

Chlidonias niger An II LC LC 

Ciconia ciconia An II LC LC 

Ciconia nigra An II LC LC 

Circus aeruginosus An II NT NT 

Circus cyaneus An II LC LC 

Circus pygargus An II An I LC/NT NT 

Coracias garrulus An II LC LC 

Casmerodius albus An II LC LC 

Egretta garzetta An III LC LC 

Falco columbarius An III LC LC 

Falco subbuteo An III LC LC 

Fulica atra An II LC LC 

Gallinago gallinago An II LC LC 


Himantopus himantophus An II CR CR 


Netta rufina An III LC LC 

Numenius tenuirostris An III LC LC 

Nycticorax nycticorax An III LC LC 

Pandion haliaetus An III LC LC 

Phalacrocorax carbo An III LC LC 

Platalea leucorodia An III LC LC 

Plegadis falcinellus An II LC LC


Birds 


The pond density is very high. A large number of ponds are located from sea level (and on islands) to 

about 800 m a.s.l. 


None. 


None. 


Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

International: - IBA (Importnat Bird Area) «Isole Tremiti», code IBA127M. 

- IBA (Importnat Bird Area) «Promontorio del Gargano e Zone Umide della 

Capitanata», code IBA203M. 

- Natura 2000 site «Isole Tremiti» and «Gargano». 

National: - National Park «Gargano». 

- ZPS «Promontorio del Gargano», code IT9110039. 

157 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 


Podiceps cristatus An III LC LC 



Recurvirostra avosetta An II LC LC 

Sterna albifrons An III LC LC 


Reptiles 



Natrix tessellata An III An IV LC LC 

Amphibians 

Bombina pachypus An II An II EN EN Endemic to Italy 



Lissotriton italicus An III An IV LC LC Endemic to Italy 



Salamandra salamandra An III LC LC 


Odonata 

Coenagrion mercuriale 

Crustacean 

An II An II NT NT 

Streptocephalus 

torvicornis

Main threats 


- Forestry. 

Map 


None. 

- ZPS «Laghi di Lesina e Varano» , code IT9110037. 

- ZPS «Foresta Umbra», code IT9110018. 

- ZPS «Isole Tremiti», code IT9110040. 

- SIC «Isola e Lago di Varano», code IT9110015. 

- SIC «Foresta Umbra», code IT9110004. 

- SIC «Isole Tremiti», code IT9110011. 

- SIC «Lago di Lesina - Foce del Fortore», code IT9110015. 

- National Natural Reserve «Ischitella Carpino», code EUAP0100. 

- National Natural Reserve «Falascone», code EUAP0097. 

- National Natural Reserve «Sfilzi», code EUAP0111. 

- National Natural Reserve «Isola di Varano», code EUAP0101. 

- National Natural Reserve «Lago di Lesina», code EUAP0103. 

- National Natural Reserve «Foresta Umbra», code EUAP0098. 



158

ISOLA GRANDE E PANTANO DI SAN TEODORO MED – IT08 

Administrative region Italy (Sicily, Province of Trapani) 



Area 



Isola Grande and the coastal swamp of San Teodoro are 

characterised by a high density of low-altitude wetlands. In past 

centuries, an extensive network of saltworks was built in the 

area, but nowadays most of them are neglected and these have 

naturally turned into coastal brackish water swamps. These sites 

are surrounded by a large number of temporary ponds and 

pools, whose salinity covers the whole salinity gradient from 

purely fresh to hypersaline waters. 

The high density and diversity of inland water habitats supports 

rich animal and plant communities, including several taxa of 

conservation importance. Moreover, due to its position and the 

abundance of water bodies, the whole area is of pivotal 

importance for migrating birds along the route between Tunisia 

and Southern Europe. 




650 ha 




Plants 

Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

159 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Source: F. Marrone 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Althenia filiformis National Red List 

Althenia orientalis 

Anemone palmate National Red List 

Callitriche truncata National Red List 

Cicendia filiformis National Red List 

Damasonium polyspermum VU National Red List 

Damosonium alisma subsp. 

bourgaei 

 

National Red List 

Elatine macropoda NT National Red List 

Isoetes hystrix National Red List 

Juncus bufonius


Plants 


Very high – see map. 


Some of the water bodies are currently active salt works. 


None. 


International: - Natura 2000 site «Isole dello Stagnone di Marsala, Saline di Marsala and Stagnone 

di Marsala e Saline di Trapani». 

National: - SIC «Isole dello Stagnone di Marsala», code ITA010001. 

- SIC «Saline di Marsala», code ITA010021. 

- ZPS «Stagnone di Marsala e Saline di Trapani», code ITA010028. 

- R. N. O. (Nature Reserve) «Saline di Trapani e Paceco». 

- R. N. O. (Nature Reserve) «Isole dello Stagnone di Marsala». 

Main threats 


Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

160 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Ophioglossum lusitanicum 

 


Ranunculus peltatus National Red List 

Ruppia maritima National Red List 

Serapias cordigera CITES 


Serapias parviflora CITES 

Serapias vomeracea CITES 

Tillaea vaillanti National Red List 


barrellieri 

Reptiles 



Amphibians 




Fish 

Aphanius fasciatus An III LC LC

Map 


None. 


- Prof. Luigi Naselli - Flores University of Palermo: luigi.naselli@unipa.it. 

- Dr. Federico Marrone: federico.marrone@unipa.it; federico.marrone@neomedia.it. 

161

MONTE CARCACI MED – IT09 

Administrative region Italy (Sicily, Province of Palmero) 



Area 



The Monte Carcaci IAP lies within the Monti Sicani area, located in 

Central Sicily. The landscape is characterised by a web of 

permanent and temporary ponds, some of which are connected 

by temporary streams and\or fed by temporary or permanent 

springs. Several agricultural reservoirs and drinking trough for the 

cattle are also present in the area, and they may behave as 

stepping stones for the aquatic biota. 

The remarkable heterogeneity of the water bodies supports a 

highly diverse biota, including both strictly Mediterranean species 

and relict taxa of northern origin. Four of the five autochthonous 

amphibian species of Sicily breed in the area, including the painted 

frog (Discoglossus pictus), which in the EU, is only present in Sicily 

and the Maltese islands. 




1500 ha 




Plants 

Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

162 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 


Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Eleocharis palustris 

Eryngium barrelieri National Red List 

Groenlandia densa National Red List 

Iris pseudacorus National Red List 

Myriophyllum alterniflorum National Red List 

Polygonum amphibium VU 

Potamogeton coloratus National Red List 

Ranunculus marginatus 

Ranunculus peltatus National Red List 

Ranunculus trichophyllus 

subsp. trichophyllus 

 


Serapias vomeracea subsp. 

longipetala



Quite high - 17 mapped ponds and several unmapped springs, pools, drinking troughs and flooded 

meadows. 


Some of the water bodies are used as drinking trough for the cattle. 


None. 


International: - Natura 2000 site «Monte Carcaci, Pizzo Colobria e Ambienti Umidi». 

National: - SIC «Monte Carcaci, Pizzo Colobria e Ambienti Umidi», code ITA020034. 

- ZPS «Monti Sicani, Rocca Busambra e Bosco della Ficuzza», code ITA020048. 

- R. N. O. (Nature Reserve) «Monte Carcaci». 

Main threats 


Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

163 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Reptiles 

Emys trinacris (sub 'Emys 

orbicularis') 

An II An II/IV NT NT Endemic to Sicily 


Amphibians 




Pelophylax spp. An III LC LC

Map 


The area will be part of the "Parco Regionale dei Monti Sicani", which will be instigated in the next few 

years. 



- Dr. Federico Marrone: federico.marrone@unipa.it; federico.marrone@neomedia.it. 

164

MONTE LAURO MED – IT10 

Administrative region Italy (Sicily, Province of Siracusa) 



Area 



The area of Monte Lauro is characterised by the presence of a high 

number of small- and medium-sized waterbodies, mostly 

temporary, lying on volcanic soils. Some of the ponds are used as a 

drinking trough for cattle, others have been modified and have 

become agricultural reservoirs, or are simply too small or 

inaccessible to be easily used. 

Breeding populations of the five autochthonous amphibian species 

of Sicily are known to occur, but the most important feature of 

these waterbodies is their rich and diverse flora. In particular, 

several Isoetes, Serapias and Ranunculus species are present with 

thriving populations. The ponds and pools host rich entomostracan 

and mollusc faunas as well, while scarce data is available to date on 

other aquatic macroinvertebrate groups. 






Plants 

Berne 

Convention 

700 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

165 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Airopsis tenella Italian Red Book 

Isoetes duriei Italian Red Book 

Isoetes hystrix Italian Red Book 

Isoetes velata Italian Red Book 

Lythrum borysthenicum Italian Red Book 

Potamogeton pusillus NT Italian Red Book 

Ranunculus lateriflorus VU Italian Red Book 

Ranunculus peltatus Italian Red Book 

Ranunculus trichophyllus Italian Red Book 


Serapias parviflora CITES 

Serapias vomeracea CITES 

SOURCE : F. Marrone


Reptiles 


Quite high (about 20 mapped ponds and several unmapped pools and flooded meadows). 


Some of the water bodies are used as a drinking trough for the cattle. 




International: - Natura 2000 site «Monte Lauro ». 

National: - SIC “Monte Lauro” (SIC-ITA090023). 

Main threats 


Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

166 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 


Amphibians 


Bufo viridis An II An IV LC LC Endemic to Sicily 

Discoglossus pictus An II An IV LC LC 


Pelophylax spp. An III LC LC

Map 


None. 



- Dr. Federico Marrone (federico.marrone@unipa.it; federico.marrone@neomedia.it). 

167

MONTE MINERVA WET AREA MED – IT11 

Administrative region Italy (Villanova Monteleone, Sassari) 

Coordinates (latitude/longitude) 40°24’31’’N 8°27’56’’E 


Area 



The site is located on a trachytic table (an igneous rock) 

within a volcanic outcrop complex from the Oligo-Miocenic 

cycle. The landscape surrounding the ponds is a typical 

“dehesa” landscape characterized by discontinuous cork oak 

forest. It has a long history of agro-pastoral human use. 

Nowadays it is managed by the Corps of Forests and grazing 

is not allowed. Nevertheless several wild boars are present. 

Temporary wetlands, numerous in the area, are fed by direct 

rainfall and runoff. They are mainly of 3 types: small ponds 

in a mosaic of shrub vegetation (waterlogged soils), large 

ponds (ponds), or on rock outcrops (rock pools). 


125 000 ha 



3120: Oligotrophic waters containing very few minerals generally on sandy soils of the West 

Mediterranean with Isoetes spp. 






Plants 

Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

168 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Elatine macropoda NT 

Eryngium barrelieri 

Eryngium corniculatum 

Isoetes histrix 

Isoetes tiguliana 

Species with 

small localised 

populations. 

Pilularia minuta An I CR 

Ranunculus revelieri susp. 

revelieri VU 

 

Romulea requienii 

Amphibians 

 



High, at least half of the whole area becomes flooded during winter time. 




None. 


International: - Natura 2000 site «ITB020041 - Entroterra e zona costiera tra Bosa, Capo Marargiu 

e Porto Tangone». 


Main threats 

- All terrain vehicles. 

- Cessation of traditional management practices. 

- Excessive disturbance by wild boar. 

Map 


None. 


- Simonetta Bagella and Maria Carmela Caria. Dipartimento di Scienze Botaniche, Ecologiche e 

Geologiche. University of Sassari. sbagella@uniss.it. 

169

NARDO’ PONDS MED – IT12 

Administrative region Italy (Apulian region) 

Coordinates (latitude/longitude) 4453611 N; 0748757 E 

Altitude 1m 

Area 



In the Apulian region of southern Italy, at Masseria Bellimento on the Ionian coast there are two dolines (natural 

depressions caused by solution of underlying bedrock) that fall within the territory of Nardò. This IAP is characterized 

by variable soils, predominantly clay, 15 cm deep, resting on a limestone base. During the winter these dolines 

become very shallow waterbodies which persist until the end of spring. This is the only known location in the Apulian 

region for Eleocharis multicaulis, Lythrum borysthenicum and Pilularia minuta. 



3170: Mediterranean temporay ponds. 



Plants 


Only 2 ponds. 






None. 

Berne 

Convention 

300 ha 

A (habitat), B (species), E (other) 


Habitat 

Directive 

170 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Eleocharis multicaulis NT 

Eryngium barrelierii 

Isoëtes velata 

Juncus pygmaeus 

Lythrum borysthenicum 


Ranunculus baudotii

Main threats 

- Impact of domestic herbivores. 

- Physical disturbance of the sediment. 

- Toxic pollutants. 

Map 


None. 


- Dr Paola Ernandes. University of Salento, 73100 – Lecce – Italy. 

e.mail: paola.ernandes@unile.it 

171

NATURAL RESERVE OF MACCHIATONDA MED – IT13 

Administrative region Italy (Latium Region- Province of Rome) 



Area 



The Natural Reserve of Macchiatonda is a relatively small 

area included in the protected areas network of Latium. 

The geological substrate is constituted of alluvial soils of 

tuffaceous-clay sediments. The wetland area is located 

between the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Tolfa 

Mounth. This IAP is a cluster of three ponds near the 

coastline (see photographs). The area is adjacent to a 

military base. 



1150: Coastal lagoons. 

5310: Laurus nobilis thickets. 

1420: Mediterranean and thermo-Atlantic halophilous scrubs (Sarcocornetea fruticosi). 

1310: Salicornia and other annuals colonizing mud and sand. 

2. “Stagno boschetto “Laurus nobilis” a small woodland 

pond near a Laurus nobilis thicket. 

244 ha 


172 

1. “Stagno Didattico” *Education Pond]: This pond is 

situated in the “A” zone of the Reserve. It is an 

important stop over for migratory birds, including many 

birds listed on the EU Birds Directive, and for Emys 

orbicularis. 

3. “Pond n°3” near the Military area.



Birds 


The three ponds in this pIAP are part of a larger pond network, between 5 and 10 ponds per km 2 . 


The Reserve is an important site for environmental education, and for environmental studies 

conducted by the University of Rome and Viterbo. There is agricultural activity in the “B-Zone” of the 

Reserve. 




International: - Natura 2000 site SIC anc ZPS «Macchiatonda». 

National: - Riserva Naturale Regionale di Macchiatonda. 

Main threats 

Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

- Tourism: impact of tourists and visitors to the sea (trampling, disturbance to nesting birds and 

migrating species). 

- Military exercise area (shooting range). 

- Airfield. 

- Non-organic farming. 

173 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 





Egretta alba An II NE 





Reptiles 

Emys orbicularis An II An II/IV LR/NT NT/VU

Map 

3 


None. 


2 

http://googlemap.com 

- Patrizio Demartis, parkguard Regional Natural Reserve of Macchiatonda. 

Email: patriziodema@libero.it. 

174 

1

PANTANI DELLA DOGANELLA MED – IT14 

Administrative region Italia (Latium region, Roma Province) 



Area 



The site is in the eastern part of an 

ancient volcanic area, the Vulcano 

Laziale (Latium Volcano), just south of 

Rome, near the Albano and Nemi Lakes. 

The area hosts a perennial pool (about 

25 m 2 ), and a marshy area (about 2 ha) 

usually filled from January to June. The 

area is commonly used as pasture land. 



None. 



Amphibians 






None. 

Berne 

Convention 

100 ha 

B (species) 


Habitat 

Directive 

Source: Associazione Edmondo Bernacca (ww.associazionebernacca.com) 

175 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 





Triturus carnifex An II An II/IV LC LC


International: - Natura 2000 Site >. 

National: - Site listed as « Area di Rilevanza Erpetologica Nazionale » (AREN), Societas 

Herpetologica Italica (SHI). 

Main threats 


Map 


None. 



- Claudio Angelini, University of Rome La Sapienza, SHI member: oppela@tin.it. 

176

PALUDE DI IMBUTILLLO MED – IT15 

Administrative region Italy (Calabria, Province of Catanzaro) 



Area 



The area of “Palude di Imbutillo” hosts the remnants of an ancient and 

larger wetland that characterized the whole of Lamezia. Most of the 

ancient swamps are currently drained for intensive agriculture. 

The main water body is a large temporary swamp surrounded by a thick 

grove of reeds inside a coastal pinewood of Pinus pinea. Several other 

smaller ponds and pools are scattered along the coastline. They 

represent an important resting area on bird migration routes along the 

Tyrrhenian Italian coast, and host residual populations of the European 

pond terrapin (Emys orbicularis) and Italian newt (Lissotriton italicus). 







Plants 

Berne 

Convention 

560 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

177 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Isolepis cernua 

Juncus bufonius 

Ophioglossum lusitanicum Regional Red List 

Ranunculus sardous 

Birds 



Caprimulgus europaeus An II LC LC 





Larus melanocephalus An II LC LC 


Platalea leucordia An III LC LC 


Source: G. Alfonso


Birds 


There is a large temporary swamp in the coastal wood and a huge number of small temporary ponds 

along the coastline. 


None. 


None. 


International: - Natura 2000 site «Palude di Imbutillo». 

National: - SIC «Palude di Imbutillo», code IT9330088. 

Main threats 

- Fire. 

- Pollution. 


- Drainage projects. 

- Illegal building trade. 

Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

178 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 


Sterna hirundo An II LC LC 


Reptiles 


Amphibians 



Lissotriton italicus An III An IV LC LC Endemic to Italy 


Pseudepidalea balearica An II An IV LC LC

Map 


None. 



- Dr. Federico Marrone, University of Palermo, Italy: federico.marrone@unipa.it; 

federico.marrone@neomedia.it. 

179

PORTO CALERI COASTAL PONDS MED – IT16 

Administrative region Italy (Veneto Region; Rovigo Province; Rosolina Municipality) 


Altitude 0 m 

Area 



The coast of Porto Caleri peninsula, located in the northern 

part of the Po River delta, is one of the largest and best 

preserved humid dune slacks in the Veneto Region. It covers 

about 136 ha, of which 91 ha are directly managed by the 

Forest Regional Service and 45 ha, covered by pine forest, are 

private. In this IAP there are several interdunal ponds, hosting 

a large number of flora and fauna species. Particularly 

important is the relic population of spadefoot toad (Pelobates 

fuscus insubricus), the only population currently known in the 

Veneto region, and one of the few populations in the North-Adriatic coastal plain. In the area there are at 

least five ponds, with an average surface area of 100 m 2 . Not all the ponds are easily accessible; some of 

them are completely covered and hidden by vegetation. Between the coastal sand dunes and Caleri 

lagoon a large area (about 6 hectares) is covered by humid dune slacks with several temporary ponds. 



3130 : Oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters with vegetation of the Littorelletea uniflorae 





Amphibians 

Berne 

Convention 

136 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

180 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 





Pelobates fuscus insubricus An III An IV LC LC 

Rana esculenta LC LC 

Rana latastei An III An IV VU VU 


Reptiles 




There are about 4/5 ponds in 136 ha. Surface areas changes during the year, but there is always 

some water in them. In addition to these permanent ponds, there are about 6 hectares of humid 

dune slacks, where water is not always present (temporary ponds). 




These kinds of ponds, located in coastal areas, represent one of the rarest habitats in the Veneto 

Region, since most of them were destroyed to make way for tourist developments and agricultural 

activities. 


International: - IT 3270017 Site of Community Importance “Delta del Po: tratto terminale e delta 

Veneto” and IT 3270023 Special Protection Area “Delta del Po". 

National: - Site included in the Regional Park of Veneto Delta Po River; the southern part (44 

hectares) is included in “Veneto Coastal Botanical Garden” with a very high 

protection status. 

Main threats 

- Increase in salinity. 

- Silting up. 

181

Map 


The following priority habitats are also present: 2270 Wooded dunes with Pinus pinea and/or P. 

pinaster; 2130 grey dunes with dry grasslands; 2250 Coastal dunes with Juniperus sp. 



- Regione del Veneto: Servizio Forestale Regionale di Padova e Rovigo, Passaggio Gaudenzio 1, 35131 

Padova. tel. ++390498778212 fax. ++390498778227 e-mail: paola.virgilietti@regione.veneto.it. 

182 

Po delta area, Veneto Region, Italy

SENTINA REGIONAL NATURAL RESERVE MED – IT17 

Administrative region Italy (Marche Region, Province of Ascoli Piceno) 


Altitude 0 m 

Area 



This coastal IAP is located on the municipality of San Benedetto 

del Tronto and is a Regional Natural Reserve. Its morphology is 

typical of a coastal valley-floor environment, thus entirely 

characterised by recent alluvial deposits (Holocene) constituted of 

sand and clay. The area of interest is a sand bar with the 

morphology of a flat dune. Behind this are small strips of brackish 

wetlands and salty grasslands. The site still retains exceptional 

ecological value, whilst this habitat type has disappeared along 

almost the whole Adriatic Coast, degraded by anthropogenic 

impacts. 

The vegetation type is strongly connected with the presence of water and saline soil and, for this reason, 

the area is significant for its flora and biogeography in the Marche Region and, more widely, within the 

Italian Adriatic sector of the mid-South. Aside from the vegetation, the area plays a key role for migratory 

birds, thus representing a strategic element in a global ecological network. The site is an IBA (Important 

Bird Area). 



1150: Coastal lagoons (priority habitat). 

1310: Salicornia and others annuals colonising mud and sand. 


1420: Mediterranean and thermo-atlantic halophilous scrubs (Sarcocornetea fruticosi). 



Lepidoptera 

Berne 

Convention 

187 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

183 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism 

to Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Euplagia quadripunctaria An II 

Orthoptera 

Trigonidium cicindeloides VU – Italian red list 

Amphibians 

Source : www.riservasentina.it 


Hyla intermedia An II/III An IV NT LC DD – Italian red list 

Pelophylax lessonae bergeri An III An IV 

Pseudepidalea balearica An II An IV LC LC


Reptiles 


Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

The density of ponds depends on seasonal rains, sea storm and summer temperatures. Sometimes 

the number of ponds is very high. 

184 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Hierophis viridiflavus An II An IV 

Lacerta bilineata An II An IV 


Podarcis muralis An II An IV LC 

Podarcis sicula An II An IV LC 

Mammals 

Crocidura leucodon An III 

Crocidura suaveolens An III 

Eptesicus serotinus An II An IV LR – Italian red list 

Erinaceus europaeus An III 

Hypsugo savii An II An IV LR – Italian red list 

Martes foina An III 

Mustela nivalis An III 

Myotis daubentonii 

VU – Italian red 

An II An IV 

list 

Myotis myotis 

VU – Italian red 

An II An II, IV 

list 

Neomys fodiens An III 

Pipistrellus kuhlii An II An IV LR – Italian red list 

Suncus etruscus An III 

Tadarida teniotis An II An IV LR – Italian red list 

Birds 

Alcedo atthis 

Ardea purpurea 

Botaurus stellaris 

Egretta garzetta 

Larus melanocephalus 

Luscinia svecica 

Sterna albifrons 

Sterna hirundo 

Tringa glareola 

An II LC LC 

An II LC LC 

An II LC LC 

An II An I LC/NT NT 

An II LC LC 

An III LC LC 

An II LC LC 

An II LC LC 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An I Birds 

Directive 

An I Birds 

Directive 

An I Birds 

Directive 

An I Birds 

Directive 

An I Birds 

Directive 

An I Birds 

Directive 

An I Birds 

Directive 

An I Birds 

Directive 

An I Birds 

Directive




None. 


International: - Natura 2000 site « Litorale di Porto d’Ascoli (La Sentina) »; Important Bird Area. 

National: - Regional Natural Reserve. 

Main threats 

- Coastal erosion. 

- Water pollution. 

- Anthropisation. 

Map 


None. 


- Sentina Natural Regional Reserve. 

Contact: Stefano Chelli: stefano.chelli@gmail.com. 

185

STAGNI DELLA MERCARECCIA MED – IT18 

Administrative region Italia (Lazio, Provincia di Roma) 

Coordinates (latitude/longitude) 466849 N; 256021 E 


Area 



The area is an abandoned pit of volcanic tuff (fragments of 

rock from volcanic detritus), consisting of two water basins: a 

permanent pond, and a temporary one. Both are in a good 

state of naturalness. Pond substrate: pyroclastics (rocks 

composed solely or primarily of volcanic materials). 



3170 : Mediterranean temporay ponds. 



Reptiles 


Low: 2 ponds per km 2 . 



Berne 

Convention 

3 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

186 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 


Amphibians 



Birds 


Ixobrychus minutes 


Podiceps ruficollis 

Porphyrio porphyrio 

Tringa hypoleucos 

Tringa hypoleucos


The areas represent abandoned pits with the highest abundance of Triturus in the Latium Region, 

central Italy (Bologna & Vignoli, unpublished). 


International: - Site Nature 2000: Z.P.S. IT6030005 «Comprensorio Tolfetano-Cerite-Manziate». 

National: - Natural Regional Reserve «Monterano» of Park Systema of Latium. 

Main threats 

Map 

- Eutrophication due to pasture. 

- Introduction of alien species (Carpio sp., Trachemys scripta). 


Conservation action: Environmental restoration of permanent water basin, with reconstruction of banks 

and reintroduction of local plant species. 

Creation of ephemeral ponds for breeding amphibians. Eradication of alien species Trachemys scripta e 

Carpio sp. 

Actions for recreation activities: Building restoration - creation of an educational centre, laboratory and 

housing for researchers. 

Path building for disabled people and a birdwatching hut. 


- Natural Regional Reserve «Monterano» Rome, Italy. 

187

WESTERN SALENTO MED – IT19 

Administrative region Italy (Apulia, Province of Lecce) 



Area 



The proposed area is characterised by the presence of several 

temporary marshes and ponds of karstic origin, which host a 

diverse animal and plant biota. 

Some ponds are isolated from the others by small villages and 

tourist developments. Some protected areas are present in the 

area, but these were not established based on the occurrence of 

water bodies, nor do they constitute a continuous network of 

stepping stones for aquatic plants and animals. 






Plants 

Berne 

Convention 

1030 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

188 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Isoetes velata National Red List 

Pilularia minuta An I CR National Red List 

Ranunculus baudotii National Red List 


Birds 

Acrocephalus melanopogon An II NT NT 


Source: G. Alfonso 

Anas querquedula An III LC LC 



Circus pygargus An II LC LC 


Glareola pratincola An II LC LC 



Limosa limosa An II NT NT 

Philomachus pugnax An III LC LC


Birds 


Average density. Several isolated temporary ponds in a mainly pseudo-steppe area. 


None. 


None. 


International: - Natura 2000 site «Porto Cesareo» and «Palude del Capitano». 

National: - SIC «Palude del Capitano», code IT9150013. 

- SIC «Porto Cesareo», code IT9150028. 

- Regional Nature Reserve «Porto Selvaggio e Palude del Capitano». 

- Oriented Nature Regional Reserve «Palude del Conte e Duna Costiera – Porto 

Cesareo». 

Main threats 


- Coastal erosion. 


Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

189 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 




Regulus ignicapillus An II LC LC 

Sterna albifrons An II LC LC 



Tringa totanus An III LC LC 

Reptiles 


Amphibians 



Fish 

Aphanius fasciatus An III An II LC LC

Map 


None. 



190

SAN PAWL TAT-TARGA POOLS MED – MAL01 

Administrative region Malta (Naxxar) 

Coordinates (latitude/longitude) 35.926433 N; 14.440353 E 


Area 



This site comprises karst limestone bedrock of Oigocene age. 

Hollows in bedrock fill with rainwater during the wet season, 

forming temporary rockpools between October and April. The 

pools subsequently dry out completely during the dry season 

(May-September). A large ensemble of small pools colonised 

by hydrophytes, amphiphytes, terrestrial plants and small 

aquatic invertebrates is present at this site. Much of the 

surrounding land is either agricultural or urban. 






Wetland plants 


High, between 20 and 25 small pools per hectare. 




None. 

Berne 

Convention 

1.4 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

191 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Source: Sandro Lanfranco. 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Callitriche truncata Rare(RDB Malta) 

Elatine gussonei An II Rare(RDB Malta) 

Zannichellia melitensis Rare(RDB Malta) 

Damasonium bourgaei NT VU (RDB Malta) 

Amphibians 

Discoglossus pictus An II An IV LC LC VU (RDB Malta)



National: - Area of Ecological Importance & Site of Scientific Importance. 

Main threats 



- Encroachment from paths. 

Map 

Figure 1: Area of study at San Pawl tat-Targa, Naxxar, Malta. Points B1-B10 represent positions of individual pools. 

(Source: Google Earth). 


None. 


- Sandro Lanfranco, University of Malta, Malta. 

192

MOROMIŠ PONDS MED – MTG01 

Administrative region Montenegro (Central Part of Montenegro, Danilovgrad) 


Altitude 55 m 

Area 



This site, located near to the village of Martinice (13km from 

Podgorica) is located on the banks of the Bistrica stream which is a 

tributary of the River Zeta (one of the largest rivers in 

Montenegro). The Moromis Ponds IAP consists of several small 

ponds, most of which are temporary. 






Reptiles 

Berne 

Convention 

25 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

193 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Natrix tessellata An II 

Vipera ammodytes An II 

Birds 

Ardeola ralloides An III LC LC An I 

Egretta garzetta An II An I LC/NT NT An I 

Egretta alba An III An I 

Annas crecca An III An ii/1 ; III/2 

Circus aeruginosus An II LC LC An I 

Grus grus An II LC LC 

Galinago galinago An III LC LC An II/1 ; III/2 

Accipiter brevipes An III VU An I 

Hirudinea 

Hirudo medicinalis An III An V 

Hirudo verbana An III An V 

Reptiles 



Source: Photo V.Pešid


High, 7 ponds in 2.5km 2 . 




None. 



National: - Site proposed as a Natural Monument. 

Main threats 

- Eutrophication due in part to excessive grazing. 

Map 


Moromiš pond represents typical habitat for an endemic terrestrial mite Allothrombium clavatum Saboori 

and Pešid (in press), a species known only from this locality. 


Source: Google Earth. 

- Vladimir M. Pesic, University of Montenegro, Podgorica. E-mail: pesicv@t-com.me. 

194

ALBANIA MED – ALB01 

Administrative region Albania 

Coordinates (latitude/longitude) 41°20’N; 19°48’E (Tirana) 


Area 



Albania has a very rich network of wetlands and waterbodies. There is a typically Mediterranean climate 

along the coast with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. As altitude increases inland, 

temperatures decrease, with heavy rain over the mountains, turning to snow in winter. Over a third of 

the country is forested, divided into three ecoregions, Illyrian deciduous forests, Pindus Mountain mixed 

forests and Dinaric Alpine mixed forests. The main economy is traditional extensive agriculture which has 

allowed Albania to remain one of the richest countries in Europe for biodiversity. 

Identification of IAPs in Albania has been based on the identification of wetlands smaller than 50m 2 , using 

a buffer of 1200m around ponds to identify pond clusters. GIS data were sourced from the Albanian 

wetland inventory. This data has been produced in the framework of the project “Inventory of Albanian 

Wetlands”, which was conducted by the Environmental Centre for Administration and Technology (ECAT) 

and the Greek Biotope/Wetland Centre (EKBY) with the participation of Albanian and Greek scientists and 

the continuing support of the Albanian Ministry of Environment (MoE). The project was funded by the 

Hellenic Ministry for the Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works, under the Hellenic 

Development Cooperation Programme. 







High. 160 IAPs have been identified in Albania on the basis of pond density (see table). 




None. 



28 748 km 2 

C (density) 

195

Main threats 

- Development. 

- Loss of traditional farming practices. 

Map 


None. 


- Antonis Apostolakis. Wetland Center (EKBY) Head of GIS and Database department. 

Mihaniona 570 01 THERMI. e-mail : antonis@ekby.gr. http://www.ekby.gr. 

196

ID AREA PERIMETER IAP NAME MIN_ALT MAX_ALT MEAN_ALT CENTROID_E CENTROID_N 

0 5658351.566 8456.346 Grava 240.03 360.681 300.414 20.16905793 39.79026996 

1 5592056.959 8394.381 Divri 288.036 652.304 420.014 20.16048927 39.82751926 

2 5627641.98 8418.452 Llonqua 491.286 702.327 544.688 20.39458599 39.83540330 

3 5578981.739 8383.418 Leshnica 479.634 954.107 644.042 20.25243007 39.84676979 

4 5275579.883 8149.232 Kakavija 284.762 316.824 305.295 20.35663189 39.90225278 

5 5597729.641 8395.366 Peshkepi 210.462 689.806 346.192 20.30090367 39.95614348 

6 5306763.348 8169.042 Asim Zeneli 187.807 309.364 258.486 20.19913817 40.07486808 

7 5273076.443 8144.744 Labove 308.943 719.686 460.914 20.29463762 40.07901291 

8 5601311.714 8399.769 Merceni 256.028 618.139 363.186 20.50917298 40.15520537 

9 5215969.701 8098.418 Gjati 227.293 310.94 283.129 20.15302109 40.15446090 

10 5621855.637 8417.432 Lliar 281.907 458.817 318.354 20.46867579 40.17624704 

11 5142741.736 8042.452 Andon Poci 130.413 312.944 191.109 20.10572601 40.17896346 

12 5318145.606 8181.461 Radanji 894.762 1097.02 981.555 20.63942268 40.20042868 

13 5381017.647 8227.557 Terbaci 296.052 676.1 433.184 19.66941378 40.24926632 

14 5546221.528 8355.936 Nivica 832.84 1235.38 1035.84 19.87261826 40.25244320 

15 5451373.72 8285.326 Kosina 238.038 374.529 298.871 20.31465966 40.27026947 

16 5582125.904 8388.694 Barmashi 888.673 971.652 913.985 20.62999594 40.27960098 

17 5367422.334 8217.304 Polena/Piskali 934.366 1284.94 1198.9 20.54251038 40.31058958 

18 5629946.311 8418.958 Dukaj 340.966 964.999 583.146 19.95747177 40.31582947 

19 5722940.737 8497.308 Erseka 934.627 1074.31 999.772 20.67235676 40.33526305 

20 5630389.571 8421.887 Gorica 276.353 366.574 301.622 20.16746794 40.36271533 

21 5053441.299 7970.451 Frasheri 938.47 1232.71 1183.35 20.42348383 40.36827760 

22 5558160.645 8370.589 Gostivishti 848.739 922.831 903.189 20.63559614 40.37081994 

23 5489270.953 8318.402 Kreshova 711.538 1260.21 1054.89 20.34163755 40.37814274 

24 11971920.58 14051.5 Zhepova 550.32 1046.21 781.914 20.22763364 40.38808513 

25 8801390.908 11446.129 Muzheneka 496.035 965.768 717.076 20.32743041 40.40750132 

26 5284471.658 8152.983 Vercisht 769.657 1266.67 1042.06 20.43700861 40.41745983 

27 10037069.08 12711.262 Kaltanji 825.118 1281.76 1089.24 20.54264718 40.41993760 

28 5320899.505 8180.779 Shtika 1044.78 1227.17 1124.86 20.71993242 40.43622023 

29 6888745.408 9496.93 Koprencka 546.257 931.13 752.497 20.31855634 40.44614408 

30 5620363.257 8414.134 Lubonja 1221.56 1529.32 1382.69 20.57104783 40.45676426 

31 5379542.876 8231.505 Corushi 235.105 308.082 292.697 19.80032809 40.45142501 

32 5507690.826 8326.004 Vidohova 1171.52 1446.56 1235.38 20.94805821 40.47578051 

33 5491967.047 8315.006 Liqethi 528.523 934.216 728.984 20.21203749 40.47440419 

34 10250571.62 14379.964 Staravecka 595.045 1311.74 1029.56 20.41905229 40.47559929 

35 5511065.442 8330.002 Kosuli 295.763 306.152 303.63 19.65858443 40.47939181 

36 5327918 8187.887 Polena 705.478 945.985 886.099 20.30193645 40.48941976 

37 5313250.707 8175.746 Floqi-N 1210.86 1449.68 1280.96 20.71031797 40.49183442 

38 5556667.54 8365.732 Panariti 1134.5 1572.95 1346.76 20.45364684 40.49851939 

39 5364335.471 8216.537 Vithkuqi 1120.58 1591.36 1360 20.61086427 40.50378293 

40 5246018.734 8123.13 Koshnica 1059.55 1191.84 1127.08 20.92536493 40.52623606 

41 5408660.744 8251.446 Boboshtica 910.461 1165.02 1013.16 20.75014869 40.54819773 

42 5453954.277 8283.746 Turhani 604.873 628.425 614.064 20.02668115 40.55078628 

43 5654824.771 8445.214 Mollasi 851.745 1311.13 1101.37 20.23608428 40.55437023 

44 5520969.21 8333.255 Dersniku 899.843 1199.53 1020.74 20.68247844 40.56306352 

45 7323166.727 9775.943 Dumbarava 982.136 1083.84 1025.26 20.94174924 40.56482672 

46 5491414.762 8317.114 Tresteniku 913.261 933.864 918.581 21.03957237 40.57336054 

47 5749039.511 8518.851 Kashi 295.833 313.323 304.879 19.75249938 40.57877090 

48 8613013.959 10845.213 Poloska 909.816 980.209 939.141 20.96686096 40.58261881 

49 5209468.967 8093.591 Dukasi 252.169 368.221 318.573 19.73185818 40.60185073 

50 5190012.927 8078.885 Gjonomadhi 1221.89 1449.18 1315.24 20.65345026 40.64254019 

51 5721588.157 8494.112 Mbolani 445.115 748.429 571.016 19.89100383 40.64488807 

52 5669772.254 8458.104 Ngrancija 234.791 306.533 291.004 19.70699112 40.65638644 

53 5189299.05 8080.14 Shipcka 1109.17 1538.73 1267.44 20.58322986 40.66925152 

197


54 17288265.39 19173.351 Lenginasi 89.7419 252.188 182.918 19.60672997 40.67749141 

55 5412592.289 8256.378 Uznova 212.188 259.248 232.574 19.99288214 40.70182300 

56 15185644.75 17238.849 Peshtani 114.042 206.835 166.155 19.52611102 40.70077463 

57 5598346.342 8399.575 Berasi 908.016 1133.43 980.91 20.68255144 40.75653176 

58 5708788.83 8487.555 Vokopola 206.528 306.029 261.79 19.83405895 40.77704837 

59 5268802.411 8141.832 Sheqeza 253.243 281.154 266.436 19.96257789 40.79028553 

60 9212737.274 11649.657 Malas - Gropa 149.834 192.901 167.733 19.81505729 40.80888849 

61 12526115.43 14434.197 Grabovica 886.474 966.947 916.847 20.71631431 40.82569727 

62 9838094.934 12395.522 Kolonja 151.777 309.672 249.628 19.60237092 40.82460062 

63 5461115.775 8294.705 Plloces 888.644 1048.17 932.443 20.68928257 40.86067161 

64 5336946.6 8192.904 Deshirani 182.968 223.177 203.29 19.93907883 40.88623059 

65 5195845.588 8084.201 Kajani 191.974 200.801 195.673 19.90805177 40.91758357 

66 7252694.672 9660.899 Mullizes 184.335 194.341 190.224 19.86598006 40.93493986 

67 5159169.377 8055.333 Cervenaka 1164.24 1280.29 1234.28 20.60998467 40.94471215 

68 8126223.236 10654.739 Cepa 181.506 192.574 187.444 19.83519888 40.95176096 

69 5623776.855 8414.346 Udenishti 757.292 1248.22 1012.02 20.63556481 40.97890655 

70 42621756.2 40103.543 Gropa e Bardhe 196.555 303.662 224.787 19.94383497 40.95860773 

71 5283372.856 8152.902 Selca 569.14 941.477 754.598 20.54186387 40.98847756 

72 5166753.891 8060.674 Gjuzaj 181.054 206.764 189.209 19.76736409 40.98750182 

73 9874818.344 12719.724 Homezhi 993.748 1271.83 1214.69 20.59913890 40.99474528 

74 8986518.487 11244.397 Golemi 157.183 178.575 167.664 19.69800543 40.99303754 

75 26779945.98 26745.107 Xengu 52.3316 115.637 81.6099 19.57387669 40.96735153 

76 5516078.47 8334.724 Trashi 152.236 220.821 184.228 19.83889477 41.02579945 

77 5154076.325 8050.557 Qafe Thana 749.113 929 896.348 20.60910322 41.06465398 

78 5487377.488 8306.993 Kryezjarthi 206.417 249.183 223.379 20.08701085 41.07947280 

79 5341603.194 8199.363 Dardha 892.789 1401.96 1164.67 20.36066560 41.11897577 

80 5439374.895 8279.369 Bedeni 204.309 234.389 226.963 19.53409665 41.11534685 

81 5434075.253 8271.182 Vehcani 741.308 1277.64 1036.2 20.45752550 41.13556328 

82 6002366.724 8721.215 Vrapi 300.328 647.085 392.028 19.78514721 41.15670571 

83 5115551.304 8020.667 Hotolishti 358.87 888.682 606.998 20.40287990 41.16528588 

84 5426585.744 8266.919 Mameli 502.163 636.558 608.251 19.96515670 41.16811055 

85 9842662.962 12204.067 Shtodheri 41.3251 211.186 124.211 19.61160501 41.17375521 

86 5573109.463 8375.646 Qerreti 588.15 925.112 814.911 20.20075400 41.20875920 

87 5312821.41 8176.908 Librazhd - Katundi 736.621 1246.17 1013.88 20.38852144 41.21981493 

88 9803842.347 13251.595 Krraba 271.315 621.337 403.695 19.96450513 41.21940091 

89 5042486.252 7963.322 Mollagjeshi 564.969 1087.81 855.051 20.02687682 41.22223864 

90 7102191.249 9583.543 Shenkoll 223.865 297.829 260.814 19.84502591 41.23832983 

91 5449737.376 8287.89 Lugaxhiu 474.896 968.058 668.344 20.18671884 41.25084572 

92 5574097.632 8375.343 Tilaj 7.06264 36.005 21.2461 19.54766856 41.25495755 

93 5231786.111 8114.112 Floqi Lunikut 376.666 710.179 496.922 20.22300238 41.26257705 

94 5233582.942 8119.577 Stermasi 189.955 206.05 197.272 19.84547295 41.27647638 

95 5341184.457 8198.075 Fortuzaj 178.579 308.237 234.525 19.74700147 41.27758964 

96 12101399.44 14590.534 Bozanxhia 42.1213 124.465 70.8454 19.59521394 41.27934637 

97 5654668.715 8457.362 Selba 591.161 984.916 848.516 19.96290780 41.29743342 

98 5439977.157 8280.253 Cizmeli 94.7577 170.39 124.974 19.62492512 41.29501456 

99 5008800.516 7936.206 Priska 296.374 576.077 405.558 19.92774824 41.31754107 

100 5636863.992 8437.908 Sheteli 161.014 304.875 231.076 19.64467574 41.31523397 

101 5459888.377 8290.409 Arapaj 9.54645 67.9586 38.5721 19.52352966 41.31488353 

102 5434761.683 8272.357 Allgiata 232.308 307.875 286.652 19.70188125 41.32375448 

103 5640363.282 8440.457 Shkalla 754.071 1242.73 940.391 19.96603825 41.32795501 

104 5201246.893 8087.993 Lanabregasi 259.424 476.001 326.287 19.89898971 41.33551226 

105 5220899.701 8108.836 Nish Tulla 18.0279 43.0071 28.4014 19.49229465 41.33616748 

106 5601672.091 8400.995 Shtraza 122.336 169.024 139.651 19.61911760 41.34040114 

107 5152886.156 8051.48 Verria 944.813 1556.34 1270.11 20.11285940 41.34754199 

198


108 8268551.328 10638.034 Bregu I Lumit 127.239 222.809 167.298 19.74988222 41.34243071 

109 8972998.853 11175.909 Spitalla 0 13.399 5.41601 19.43839872 41.33773919 

110 12572199.38 13902.174 Gjepalaj 54.5533 163.986 104.401 19.58127086 41.34970312 

111 8270632.564 10538.771 Tufina 191.997 351.485 258.096 19.87197616 41.36023294 

112 5120894.78 8027.665 Zall - Herri 201.676 305.909 255.3 19.83266719 41.38236358 

113 5815364.402 8576.341 Karreci 188.638 238.907 211.291 19.61636148 41.38218818 

114 4970234.208 7905.168 Selita 446.307 572.545 509.142 19.95955650 41.39146411 

115 7437335.473 9864.876 Rada 201.733 264.797 231.951 19.60926092 41.41329635 

116 5437959.936 8281.578 Beshi 433.676 988.708 645.426 19.91214139 41.42220682 

117 5670817.194 8457.233 Tapiza 210.591 262.974 236.447 19.79177198 41.42041735 

118 5522799.47 8338.382 Palaqi 266.205 342.49 294.494 19.64674966 41.42959550 

119 5571905.893 8375.43 Zall - Bastari 302.043 516.645 387.111 19.93727784 41.44334051 

120 5130494.564 8033.764 Burani 248.345 356.528 285.953 19.81962072 41.45574674 

121 6031033.107 8745.358 Bejni 321.126 556.231 436.621 20.13091402 41.51133661 

122 5439259.812 8274.244 Kruja 262.421 421.222 314.631 19.77791851 41.50968615 

123 5918211.4 8648.968 Quafe Shtama 951.097 1277.34 1226.78 19.93619904 41.51774989 

124 5243787.891 8122.815 Plesha 269.51 356.63 298.994 20.09096900 41.53571418 

125 5441174.81 8274.817 Rripa 304.001 655.017 466.428 20.00144875 41.54844926 

126 5262630.416 8140.553 Bershini 251.442 320.66 283.763 20.06504823 41.55186681 

127 5411928.899 8250.891 Kurdarija 336.427 537.766 429.246 20.10674042 41.57870720 

128 10374483.86 14669.317 Cernena 504.497 770.906 594.49 20.47608156 41.58794253 

129 8570476.26 11205.14 Stushaj 603.78 930.779 771.88 20.40028107 41.59796273 

130 5556039.715 8366.311 Grazhdani 546.698 885.342 643.709 20.47487405 41.61425456 

131 5173158.828 8065.935 Burrelli 204.559 305.651 230.103 20.00641144 41.62493496 

132 5213096.974 8098.075 Greva 698.079 928.986 792.945 20.46134310 41.65215596 

133 5787995.471 8558.759 Cetushi 445.968 606.815 527.648 20.40794097 41.67147439 

134 6129126.863 8810.053 Derjani 275.772 614.624 405.438 20.04684389 41.67524719 

135 8986235.969 11327.85 Brezhdani 358.285 490.829 426.984 20.35787844 41.69098216 

136 5374070.756 8222.208 Staraveci 759.937 1195.72 930.547 20.44052711 41.70409698 

137 6144584.589 8817.983 Laci 221.37 339.301 263.97 19.99316352 41.71473904 

138 5210555.921 8098.923 Kastrioti 463.972 596.724 537.206 20.37483330 41.72278036 

139 5430872.709 8266.176 Uje Shtrezi 263.227 415.333 305.583 19.88660641 41.72248363 

140 5128736.086 8030.27 Limjani 672.17 1067.84 848.038 20.41617990 41.73165401 

141 5167490.994 8061.931 Patale 54.8881 272.273 170.483 19.66992031 41.79442081 

142 5704153.111 8482.995 Geziqi 210.992 316.689 282.979 19.93352765 41.82791098 

143 5254700.692 8135.815 Shistavechi 1258.69 1445.19 1365.3 20.59094582 41.97583384 

144 5083917.614 7995.388 Mamezi 226.662 640.423 458.428 20.38325059 42.04381252 

145 5270704.031 8140.707 Puka 630.207 922.262 766.79 19.89866755 42.04280107 

146 5185692.904 8077.198 Perbregu 267.469 418.035 315.899 20.47099060 42.07989779 

147 5085995.841 7997.375 Shtana 271.949 782.25 545.179 20.27057790 42.10214422 

148 11713120.42 13626.336 Tobel 125.091 774.409 445.034 20.33933902 42.13357751 

149 7080214.914 9547.845 Vranishti 308.175 885.935 480.518 20.38494780 42.17058394 

150 5540815.251 8352.151 Kosturi 143.499 667.964 359.399 20.24402833 42.20436622 

151 4962770.463 7899.612 Bogiq 87.5013 160.464 119.611 19.45062794 42.19807397 

152 5288114.329 8155.049 Berr 442.017 635.882 527.632 20.42123607 42.20806856 

153 7730954.442 10007.39 Helshani 298.485 638.113 511.137 20.28192083 42.22279166 

154 5104764.779 8014.657 Berisha 359.734 633.45 546.563 20.19077846 42.23887065 

155 13855057.6 14838.472 Golaj 381.689 845.262 539.418 20.39695842 42.24166421 

156 5324605.677 8186.339 Qarri 549.551 618.211 604.392 20.39002395 42.27571291 

157 5214750.245 8096.936 Zagora 388.107 646.119 486.325 19.51032083 42.29587146 

158 5510164.34 8329.229 Vlad 537.835 971.923 775.748 20.18746400 42.31582658 

159 5229491.02 8110.84 Zherka 569.399 923.464 719.241 20.23244618 42.31801759 

160 5371069.398 8220.993 Tropoje 414.102 549.064 475.571 20.17781396 42.39932278 

199

KAMPOS KARYSTOU PONDS MED – GR01 

Administrative region Greece (Sterea Ellada) 



Area 



A small coastal wetland with one artificial freshwater pond, 

created as a result of clay quarrying, and several very small 

brackish and freshwater spring-flooded pools near two rivermouths, 

behind a long sandy beach. Several of the coastal 

pools and ponds have been filled in using construction-site 

debris and built on, so the few surviving micro-wetlands are 

of increased biodiversity value. The wetland site is an 

important refuge for migratory birds, several reptiles, 

amphibians and fish. Formerly the site was included in the 

Natura 2000 site of “Mount Ochi” but it was later excluded 

due to landuse conflicts. Nearly all of the wetlands within the 

site are on private land. 







Reptiles 

Berne 

Convention 

c. 200 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

200 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Elaphe quatuorlineata An II An II/IV NT NT 

Fish 

Anguila anguila CR CR 

Birds 



Vidra Pond, a 40 year-old artificial clay pit. 

Photo : M. Vanhove, K.U.Leuven. 

An I 

(Birds Directive) 

An I 

(Birds Directive)


Between 5-10 ponds per km 2 . 


One site is important as a watering hole for livestock. 


None. 


None. 

Main threats 

- In-filling using construction-site debris and trash. Some sites are extremely vulnerable to this threat; 

since almost all are on private land and are threatened by land development. 

- Pollution (from dumping and agricultural runoff). 

- Poaching. 

Map 

Map of bay of Karystos and the delineation of the wetland of Kampos Karystou, lying immediately west of the 

town of Karystos. The delineation follows that proposed in the Specific Environmental Study commission in 1998 

by the Prefecture of Euboea (Dimopoulos et al. 1998). This area holds one artificial freshwater pond and several 

fresh and brackish coastal ponds (Map source adapted from: Google.maps.com). 


The area is of high conservation importance due to its biogeographical location in the semi-arid western 

Aegean ecoregion. The bird communities here are well studied and of regional and national interest, yet 

the site has been recently excluded from Natura 2000 due to landuse conflicts. Wetland and pond 

communities are not widely appreciated and most wetland areas are on private land (with the exception 

of the beach and riverine channels). Severe dumping, in-filling, road construction and building 

development began in the late ‘90s and will probably continue due to land speculation, second home 

construction and tourist developments. A local population of otters (Lutra lutra) was presumed extinct 

around 2008. The area is severely threatened by further wetland fragmentation and degradation. 

201



- Institute of Inland Waters – Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR). 

- Contact: S. Zogaris/ N. Koutsikos, Hellenic Center for Marine Research - Institute of Inland Waters, 

email: zogaris@ath.hcmr.gr. 

202

MOUNT OCHI AREA PONDS MED – GR02 




Area 



Insular mountain range and coastline dominated by schist and 

marble geology harbouring 10 streams with perennial reaches and 

several isolated spring-fed ponds located both in mountain areas and 

along the rugged coast of the Kafireas straight. Most ponds are 

connected to springs and intermittent stream river-mouths blocked 

by sand beaches. Some ponds belong to the Mediterranean 

Temporary Pond (3170) habitat type and are completely isolated 

from the stream systems. Several spring-fed ponds are nearly 

permanent and host a great variety of benthic fauna including 

endemic molluscs and other zoobenthos fauna. 






Amphibians 


Berne 

Convention 

Relatively low, between 2-5 ponds per km 2 . 


20 000 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

Some sites are very important as livestock watering-holes during the summer months; several upland 

ponds are maintained by shepherds for this purpose. 

203 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Bombina variegata An II An II/IV LC LC 

Mammals 


Reptiles 

Archampolis stream-mouth pools in summer. 

S.Zogaris/ HCMR 

Elaphe situla An II 

Mauremys rivulata An III An II/IV LC LC


Some sites are extremely vulnerable due to road building projects, the abandonment of management 

for livestock grazing (i.e. pond maintenance replaced with modern watering facilities for livestock). 


International: - Natura 2000 site « Mount Ochi and surrounding area ». 


Main threats 

- Water resources mismanagement and lack of restoration plan and application. 

- Over-exploitation of water resources for household and tourism use. 

- Local over-grazing pressure. 

- Road-building and quarrying pressure. 

Map 

Mount Ochi and surrounding area. This area holds approximately 15 important freshwater ponds, both in the uplands and 

near the river-mouths of small streams (Map source adapted from: Google.maps.com). 


Water management plan for the protected area has not yet been completed and is of urgent importance 

for pond communities. Wetland sites of the area are currently not widely appreciated. The area is of high 

conservation importance due to its biogeographical location in semi-arid western Aegean ecoregion, yet it 

is biologically poorly studied. Freshwater snail species have been described from collections made at 

these sites, including one presumed to be endemic 


- Institute of Inland Waters, Hellenic Center for Marine Research, Greece (S. Zogaris/ N. Koutsikos). 

Email: zogaris@ath.hcmr.gr. 

204

OMALOS POND MED – GR03 

Administrative region Greece (Crete island, Chania Prefecture) 

Coordinates (latitude/longitude) 35°19’35”N; 23°53’25”’E 


Area 



Omalos polje is a mountain plain in Crete, forming a basin between 

mountains composed of triassic limestones and dolomites. The 

Omalos Plain extends for 6 km² and is the largest polje on Lefka 

Ori. The plain is filled with alluvium composed of limestone 

material that originates from the adjacent mountains, and of 

young air-borne quaternary deposits of fine-grained materials. 

Omalos pond is situated near the southwest margin of the Plain 

and its soil consists of silt, with a few fine skeletal components. 

The upper soil is acid, becoming calcareous and basic below 50 cm 

from the ground surface. The humus content is high in the uppermost soil layer but approximates to zero 

in layers below. Hydromorphic properties are visible throughout the soil profile. The pond holds water for 

10-11 months per year and is rain/snow fed. 






Plants 


1 main pond with maximum coverage of 0.16 ha. 


None. 

Berne 

Convention 

0.3 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

205 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 


Greek Presedential 

Decree, 67/1981


Omalos pond is well known among botanists for its rare wetland plants. The following occur in Crete 

(Kriti) in no other place but the Omalos pond: Antinoria insularis, Callitriche truncata subsp. 

occidentalis, Elatine alsinastrum, Montia arvensis, Ranunculus lateriflorus. Others, such as Trifolium 

filiforme, Ranunculus peltatus subsp. fucoides, Corrigiola litoralis, Isoetes histrix, and Spergularia 

rubra are known from a few but not more than 10 localities in Kriti. 


International: - Natura 2000 site « Lefka Ori» - GR4340008. 


Main threats 

- Tourism: impact from 4x4 vehicles crossover. 


- Overuse of ponds as a source of drinking water for sheep. 

Map 

www.life-medponds.gr 

206


None. 

Site proposed by an/or sources of information 


- Institute of Inland Waters – Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR). 

- Contact: DIMITRIOU Elias, Hellenic Center for Marine Research - Institute of Inland Waters. 

email: elias@ath.hcmr.gr. 

207

SCHINIAS MARATHON PONDS MED – GR04 

Administrative region Greece (Attiki) 



Area 



The site includes a large karstic spring pond (Makaria Pygi) and 

several shallow pools in brackish and freshwater marshes. All the 

ponds are temporary, with the exception of the spring fed pond. The 

wet phase of these ponds is primarily restricted to between 

November and July. This is an important site for environmental 

education, located 45 km from Athens. 



1410: Mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetalia maritime). 

1420: Mediterranean and thermo-Atlantic halophilous scrubs (Sarcocornietea fruticosi). 



Reptile 


Between 2 and 5 ponds per km 2 . 





Berne 

Convention 

c. 700 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

208 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Elaphe situla An II 

Mauremys rivulata An III An II/IV LC LC 

Fish 

Drakonera Pond, Schinias. S.Zogaris/ HCMR 

Anguilla anguilla CR CR 

Pelasgus marathonicus An III NT NT


International: - Natura 2000 site « Schinias ». 

National: - National Park «Schinias Marathon National Park ». 

Main threats 


- Over-exploitation of water for irrigation. 

- Poaching/illegal hunting. 

- Wetland in-filling and holiday home expansion. 

- Road development. 

Map 


Water management plan for the National Park has not yet been completed and is of urgent importance 

for the restoration of pool and pond communities. 




209

SPERCHIOS VALLEY PONDS MED – GR05 




Area 



This site is unique because of the high density of Karstic sink-hole 

ponds found there. About 30 such ponds have been identified 

south of the lower Sperchios main river channel, with an additional 

pond at Agia Paraskevi spring on the northern side of the lower 

Sprechios River. The ponds within this IAP are fed year-round by 

spring waters. The ponds are extremely important for biodiversity 

conservation, particularly because of the presence of endangered 

ichthyofauna. 






Amphibians 







Berne 

Convention 

c. 1 000 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

210 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Mauremys rivulata An III An II/IV LC LC 

Fish 

Deep permanent pond in floodplain. 

S.Zogaris/ HCMR 

Anguilla anguilla CR CR 

Pelasgus marathonicus An III NT NT 

Pungitius hellenicus An III CE CE


International: - Natura 2000 site « Sperchios river delta ». 


Main threats 

Map 


- Over-exploitation of water resources for irrigation. 

- Forestry. 

Map of Lower Sperchios River and delta, with roughly delineated area having special importance for its ponds. 

(Map source adapted from: Google.maps.com). 


Water management plan for the Sperchios Delta has not been completed yet and is urgently required for 

the conservation of these ponds, most of which are in agricultural areas. Many ponds, including some of 

the most important habitats for the critically endangered Pungitius hellenicus are not within the 

designated Natura 2000 protected area. Re-delineation of the protected area is urgently needed. 




211

OROKLINI LAKE SALTMARSH PONDS MED - CYP01 

Administrative region Cyprus (Larnaka) 


Altitude 0 m 

Area 



This IAP consists of shallow temporary ponds within a brackish 

coastal marsh on the south coast of Cyprus (east of Larnaka). The 

ponds are brackish and seasonally saline and are very similar to small 

coastal lagoons in structure, yet there is no clear connection with the 

sea. Native tamarisk woods, saltmarshes and rush-beds surround the 

shallow ponds which are a hot-spot for the Island’s wintering and 

migratory birds. Several locally rare bird species also breed here. 




1420: Mediterranean and thermo-Atlantic halophilous scrubs (Sarcocornietea fruticosi). 






Important site for birdwatching, ecotourism and potentially an important opportunity for education 

of the importance of wetlands. 



Berne 

Convention 

925 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

212 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Oroklini in Spring. 

Source : S.Zogaris/ HCMR 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Birds 


App I 

(Birds Directive) 


Vanellus spinosus LC


International: - SPA site « Lake Paralimni ». 


Main threats 

- Road development has recently fragmented this wetland area. 

- Urban sprawl - housing developments. 

- Eutrophication due to agrochemical and other pollution from run-off. 

- Mismanagement of water resources. 

- Lack of a water management plan. 

Map 


None. 

Map of location of Oroklini Lake, Cyprus (Map source adapted from: Google.maps.com). 



213

PARALIMNI LAKE PONDS MED - CYP02 

Administrative region Cyprus (Famagusta) 


Altitude 0 m 

Area 



This IAP consists of three semi-natural ponds within the degraded 

basin of a large brackish temporary lake, in the semi-arid South 

Eastern part of Cyprus. Ponds have been “enhanced” by deepening 

in the past to maintain live-stock watering holes but are no longer 

used for this purpose. This site is one of the only remaining areas 

where a documented population of the Cyprus grass snake (Natrix 

natrix cypriaca) survives. 



None. 



Birds 






Berne 

Convention 

10 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

Site is of vital importance for the protection of a wider SPA focused on a large temporary lake. 

214 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Hoplopterus spinosus LC LC 

Reptiles 

Paralimni in Spring. 

Source : S.Zogaris/ HCMR 

Natrix natrix cypriaca App II LC LC


International: - SPA site « Lake Paralimni ». 


Main threats 

- Tourism and recreation: disturbance by visitors and motocross motorcycles. 

- Eutrophication due to agrochemical run-off. 

- Road-building. 

- Feral cat predation affecting nesting birds and reptiles. 

Map 


Map of Paralimni Lake area, Cyprus (Map source adapted from: Google.maps.com). 

Site is imminently threatened by housing and recreation facility developments. 

Site proposed by/source of information 


215

BAB BERRED MED – MR01 

Administrative region Province of Chefchaouen, Morocco 

Coordinates (latitude/longitude) 35°0.779’N; 05°0.335’W 


Area 



The site of Bab Berred is located in the central Rif Mountains to 

the east of the city of Chefchaouen. It is characterized by a subhumid 

Mediterranean bioclimate with cold winters (rainfall 

exceeding 1000/year). The bedrock is composed of marls with 

intercalations of limestone and Cretaceous flysch. The 

landscape consists of forests (cork oak, yield trees), farmland, 

rivers and ponds (temporary and permanent). The pools of this 

IAP are concentrated between Bab Taza and Bab Berred and 

show variation in size, shape and depth. The flora in these 

ponds share similarities with those of Europe because of their 

common geological history. 








Plants 

Berne 

Convention 

364 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

216 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Agrostis tenerrima VU 

Alopecurus aequalis VU 

Apium inundatum VU 

Baldellia ranunculoides NT 


Genista ancistrocarpa EN 

Gratiola linifolia EN 

Gratiola officinalis VU 

Juncus bulbosus NT 


Littorella uniflora VU 

Menyanthes trifoliata EN 

Myosotis macrosiphon


Plants 


Within this IAP, 39 ponds have been recorded. 


The pools in the area of Bab Berred are widely used by locals for grazing and as a source of fresh 

drinking water for livestock and for harvesting medicinal herbs (e.g. mint). 




None. 

Main threats 

Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

- Road development. 


- Soil erosion within the catchment as a result of forest clearance. 

217 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Potentilla maura NT 

Ranunculus flammula VU 


Amphibians 

Alytes maurus NT 

Discoglossus scovazzi An III 


Salamandra algira An III VU

Map 


A program of reforestation in the degraded Rif Mountains has been launched by the High Commissioner 

for Water and Forests and the Fight Against Desertification (HCEFLCD). 


- Laila Rhazi, Mouhssine Rhazi, Er-riyahi Saber & Patrick Grillas. 


- Rhazi L & Grillas P. In press. The status and distribution of aquatic plants. In: García N, Cuttelod A and 

Abdul Malak D (eds.). The status and distribution of freshwater biodiversity in northern Africa. IUCN 

Species Programme, Cambridge, UK. 

- Dahlgren R & Lassen P. 1972. Studies in the Flora of Northern Morocco. I. Some poor fen 

communities and notes on a number of northern and Atlantic plant species. Botaniska Notiser 125: 

439-464. 

- Ennabili A & Ater M. 1996. Flore (Pteridophyta et Spermaphyta) des zones humides du Maroc 

méditerranéen : Inventaire et écologie. Acta Botanica Malacitana, 21: 221-239. 

- http://www.redlist.org/apps/redlist/search. 

218

BENSLIMANE MED – MR02 

Administrative region Province of Benslimane, Morocco 

Coordinates (latitude/longitude) 33°36.932’N; 07°7.374’W (Benslimane) 


Area 



Benslimane province is located between Rabat and Casablanca. 

It is characterized by a semi-arid Mediterranean bioclimate 

with warm winters (average rainfall: 450mm/year; average 

minimum temperature 7.5°C and maximum 29.5°C). The 

underlying bedrock is mainly composed of sandstone, quartz 

and shale with limestone outcrops in some places. From a 

geomorphological point of view, the province is located on the 

Atlantic lowland plains (


Plants 


Within this province, 635 temporary pools have been identified using satellite imagery (2001). 

Around Benslimane itself the density of ponds is between 10-15 ponds / km ². 


The pools in the province of Benslimane have important practical value for the local population who 

use them for grazing, as a source of freshwater for livestock, for washing, harvesting medicinal herbs 

(e.g. mint), recreation and also for agriculture. For a fraction of the population (less than 12%) some 

ponds are remembered from childhood and considered a gift from God, which increases the level of 

commitment they have to these habitats and therefore to their conservation. 




None. 

Main threats 

Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

The intensity of the threats varies depending on the pond and the nature of the landuse in the catchment 

(agricultural or forestry). The major threats are: 

- Drainage. 

- Drying out because of eucalyptus planting. 

- Infilling. 

- Eutrophication due mainly to their use for laundry by the local population. 

- Use of pesticides on agricultural land surrounding the ponds. 

- Urbanisation (the extension of the town of Benslimane and Bouznika). 

- Road developments. 

- Agriculture within the ponds (leading to a reduction in species richness as a result of habitat 

disturbance by ploughing). 

220 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 


Myriophyllum alterniflorum 


Sedum Jahandiezii 

Amphibians 


Crustaceans 

Cysicus bucheti 

Streptocephalus torvicornis 

bucheti 

 

Tanymastigites brteki

Map 


Some ponds in forested areas are located within two game reserves where their use for anything other 

than conservation has been excluded for some thirty years. 







- Rhazi L, Rhazi M, Grillas P & El Khyari D. 2006. Richness and structure of plant communities in 

temporary pools from western Morocco: influence of human activities. Hydrobiologia 570: 197–203. 

- Thiery A. 1987. Les crustacés Branchiopodes Anostraca Notostraca et Conchostraca des milieux 

limniques temporaires (Dayas) au Maroc. Taxonomie, Biogéographie, Ecologie. Thèse Université 

d’Aix-Marseille, 405p. 


221

MASSIF DU BOUHACHEM MED – MR03 

Administrative region Province of Chefchaouen, Morocco 

Coordinates (latitude/longitude) 35°11.013’N; 05°21.268’W 


Area 



The Bouhachem massif is located in the Western Rif, west of 

Chefchaouen. It is characterized by a humid Mediterranean 

bio-climate (rainfall exceeds 1500/year). The bedrock geology 

consists of Cretaceous siliceous sandstone. These sandstone 

beds include layers of clay. Solifluction within these beds 

facilitates the formation of clay lenses (sliding). These hold 

water and create ponds which are fed throughout the year by 

seepages and springs. 

The landscape is mainly forest: cork oak (Quercus suber), zene oak (Quercus faginea), tauzin oak (Quercus 

pyrenaica), maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) and cedar (Cedrus atlantica). This massif, like the entire 

mountain range of the Rif, is very similar biogeographically with Europe because of their common 

geological history. In most pools, this site hosts "bog" habitats, which are extremely rare in Morocco. 








Plants 

Berne 

Convention 

8 000 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

222 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Anagallis crassifolia NT 



Epilobium angustifolium VU 


Gratiola officinalis VU 


Myosotis macrosiphon 

Oenanthe pimpinelloides VU 

Pinguicula fontiqueriana VU 

Ranunculus tripartitus VU


Plants 


Within this site, 33 ponds and bogs have been identified. 


The ponds of the Bouhachem Massif are widely used by local people for grazing and watering 

livestock. 




International: - Part of the Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve of the Mediterranean (RIBM, 

declared by UNESCO in 2006) comprising the protected areas of northern 

Morocco and southern Andalusia. 

National: - Identified in the Plan for Protected Areas in Morocco (1996). 

- Identified as a site of biological and ecological interest (SIBE) Class 1. 

Main threats 

Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

- Increased trampling due to grazing. 

- Catchment deforestation due to fires and land clearance (soil erosion). 

223 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Sphagnum auriculatum 

Amphibians 





Map 


There is a project to establish a Bouhachem Regional Natural Park for the preservation of its natural 

wealth, while meeting the needs of the local population. 


- Gérard de Bélair, Laila Rhazi and Er-riyahi Saber. 





- Sauvage CH. 1958. Intérêt biogéographique du Bou-Hachem (Rif occidental). Société des Sciences 

Naturelles et Physiques du Maroc, T. 38 (1 er trimestre): 17-26. 



439-464. 


224

CASABLANCA MED – MR04 

Administrative region Wilaya of Casablanca, Morocco 

Coordinates (latitude/longitude) 33°36.198’N; 07°37.555’W (Casablanca) 


Area 



Casablanca IAP is part of the coastal Meseta. It is formed of a 

lowland plain bounded to the north and east by the province of 

Benslimane, south by the provinces of Settat and El Jadida and 

west by the Atlantic Ocean. The landscape is predominantly 

agricultural with plantations of eucalyptus and pine. The 

Casablanca IAP has a semi-arid Mediterranean bioclimate with 

correspondingly warm winters. The underlying bedrock is 

Pliocene-Quaternary (sandstone, sand, conglomerate and 

lacustrine limestone). The region is interspersed with numerous 

ponds of varying size. 








Plants 

Berne 

Convention 

31 300 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

225 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 



Callitriche lusitanica 

Crassula vaillantii NT 

Damasonium bourgaei NT 

Exaculum pusillum NT 

Lotus benoistii CR 


Amphibians 

Pelobates varaldii EN 


Crustaceans 


Tanymastix affinis


Within the Casablanca IAP, 44 temporary pools have been identified using satellite imagery (2001). 


The pools of the Casablanca region are heavily used by local people for grazing and agriculture, 

including watering livestock. They are also used for washing and for recreation. 




None. 

Main threats 

- Drainage and subsequent planting of crops. 

- Pond infilling. 

- Eutrophication from sewage. 

- Pollution linked to their use for recreation. 

- Urbanisation (extension of Wilaya, Casablanca and surrounding towns). 

- Road and motorway development. 

Map 


None. 

226







- Hammada S, Dakki M, Ibn Tattou M, Ouyahya A & Fennane M. 2002. Catalogue de la flore des zones 

humides du Maroc (Bryophytes, Ptéridophytes et Spermaphytes). Bul. Ins. Sci., Rabat. Série Sci. Vie, 

24 : 1-59. 





227

CHAOUIA MED – MR05 

Administrative region Province of Settat, Morocco 

Coordinates (latitude/longitude) 33°00.189’N; 07°37.061’W (Settat) 


Area 



Chaouia is a wide plain located in a synclinal basin. It is 

bordered by the provinces of Benslimane (to the east), 

Marrakech (to the south), El Jadida (to the west) and the 

Atlantic Ocean (to the north). The landscape is predominantly 

under agricultural with some plantations of eucalyptus and 

pine. Chaouia has a Mediterranean climate, semi-arid with 

warm winters (400mm/year average). The underlying bedrocks 

are Permian-Triassic (clay, salt, basalt) and Pliocene-Quaternary 

(sandstone, sand, conglomerate and lacustrine limestone). 

Poor drainage of surface waters (due to heavy clay soils - 

Vertisols) promotes the formation of numerous pools of 

varying size across this plain. 








Plants 

Berne 

Convention 

229 000 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

228 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 




Eryngium atlanticum NT 

Lythrum thymifolia 


Poa dimorphanta 

Amphibians 


Crustaceans 

Branchinecta ferox 

Cysicus bucheti


Crustaceans 


Within this IAP, 1613 pools have been identified from satellite imagery (2001). 


The pools of Chaouia are of great importance to the people who use them - for agriculture, irrigation, 

grazing, cutting rushes (used for making handicrafts), and as the main source of freshwater for 

livestock and for washing. 




None. 

Main threats 

Berne 

Convention 

- Drainage and subsequent planting of crops. 



- Transformation into landfill sites. 


- Development of roads and motorways. 


Habitat 

Directive 

229 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Leptestheria mayeti 



bucheti 

 

Tanymastigites brteki 

Tanymastix affinis

Map 


None. 









24 : 1-59. 





230

DOUKKALA - ABDA MED – MR06 

Administrative region Province of El Jadida and Safi, Morocco 

Coordinates (latitude/longitude) 32°44.117’N; 09°01.466’W (Essaouira) 


Area 



Doukkala-Abda is a vast plain cut by the deep valley of Oum Er 

Rbia. It is bordered by the provinces of Settat and Marrakech (to 

the east and north), Essaouira (to the south) and the Atlantic 

Ocean (to the west). The bioclimate is Mediterranean, semi-arid 

with warm winters (336mm/year average). The underlying 

geology is formed of primary rocks (shale, quartz and dolomite), 

covered by rocks from the Pliocene-Quaternary (sandstone, sand, 

silt, clay, conglomerates and lacustrine limestones). This plain is 

known for its farming due to the fertility of the soils (vertisols). 

These heavy clay soils shrink and crack in the dry season and remain sticky and impermeable in the wet 

season. The poor drainage, leads to the formation of numerous pools of varying size across the plain. 






Plants 

Berne 

Convention 

1500 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

231 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 







Reseda battandieri VU 

Amphibians 



Crustacea 





bucheti


Crustacea 


79 ponds have been identified within this region. 


The pools on the plain of Doukkala-Abda are of great importance to the local population, who use 

them for agriculture, irrigation, grazing, as watering holes and for laundry. 




None. 

Main threats 

Berne 

Convention 

- Drainage and subsequent planting. 


- Extraction of clay. 





Habitat 

Directive 

232 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 


Tanymastix affinis

Map 


None. 









24 : 1-59. 





233

ESSAOUIRA MED – MR07 

Administrative region Province of Essaouira, Morocco 

Coordinates (latitude/longitude) 31°30.470’N; 09°46.110’W (Essaouira) 


Area 



Located at the west end of the High Atlas Mountains, this region 

is formed of a series of terraced plateaus (Tamanar, Argana, 

etc.) but does not exceed 1000m in altitude. It is bounded to the 

north by the city of Essaouira, on the east by the province of 

Marrakech, south by the province of Agadir and west by the 

Atlantic Ocean. The landscape is dominated by arganeraie 

(Argania spinosa) with stands of red cedar (Tetraclinis 

articulata). The region of Essaouira has a semi-arid 

Mediterranean bioclimate with mild winters. The underlying 

bedrocks are formed of Upper Jurassic limestone anticlines and 

Cretaceous marls. 








Plants 

Berne 

Convention 

41 600 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

234 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 



Juncus bufonius mogadorensis EN 

Lythrum baeticum VU 


Mentha gattefossei NT 

Phyla nodiflora 

Amphibians 


Crustacea 


Tanymastigites jbiletica


Within Essaouira, 201 temporary pools have been identified. 


The pools in the Essaouira region are heavily used by locals for grazing and for watering livestock. 




None. 

Main threats 

- Drainage. 

- Overgrazing by goats. 


Map 


None. 

235









24 : 1-59. 





236

GHARB MED – MR08 

Administrative region Provinces of Kenitra and Larach, Morocco 

Coordinates (latitude/longitude) 34°18.278’N; 6°18.239’W (Sidi Yahia) 


Area 



The Gharb alluvial plain discharges into the Atlantic. It is framed 

by the large mountains it drains (the Northern Rif and Middle 

Atlas Mountains to the east). This plain is heavily cultivated 

because of the high fertility of its soil. Crossed by a major river 

system (Sebu Wadi, Beht, Loukkos, etc.), the Gharb is home to 

many wetland habitats, dominated by ponds and large areas of 

swamp. The bioclimate is sub-humid Mediterranean with 

temperate winters (600mm/year on average). The bedrocks are 

mainly Villafranchian or maghrebines (dune limestones and 

sandstones). 








Plants 

Berne 

Convention 

400 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

237 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 



Butomus umbellatus EN 


Damasonium polyspermum VU 




Fuirena pubescens NT 

Juncus tingitanus CR 

Lemna trisulca VU 


Ludwigia palustris NT 

Lythrum baeticum VU


Plants 


Within this IAP, 32 ponds have been identified. 


The ponds in the Gharb are used for grazing and watering livestock, harvesting medicinal plants (e.g. 

mint), cutting reed (used for making handicrafts) and agriculture. 




None. 

Main threats 

Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

- Drainage and subsequent cultivation. 



- Invasive species related to the expansion of rice fields that characterise this region. 


238 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Mariscus hamulosus VU 

Marsilea minuta CR 

Micropyropsis tuberosa An I AnII CR 

Nasturtium africanum 

Nymphaea alba VU 



Pulicaria sicula 

Pycreus polystachyos 

Rynchospora rugosa EN 

Sphagnum recurvum 

Utricularia gibba NT 

Wolffia arrhiza VU 

Amphibians 




Crustaceans 



bucheti

Map 


None 









24 : 1-59. 





239

HAOUZ-JBILETS MED – MR09 

Administrative region Provinces of Marrakech, Morocco 

Coordinates (latitude/longitude) 32°14.398’N; 07°57.121’W (Ben Guerir) 


Area 



Jbilet-Haouz is a complex of low mountains (Jbilet) and the 

alluvial plain of the River Tenssift (Haouz). This area is 

bounded on the south by the Atlas mountain ranges and 

north by the western Meseta. The landscape is dominated by 

natural steppe with sparse shrub vegetation typical of arid 

areas (Ziziphus lotus, Pistacia atlantica, Rhus pentaphylla, 

etc.). The bioclimate of Haouz Jbilet is arid Mediterranean 

with temperate winters (210mm/year on average). The 

bedrock geology mainly consists of Cambrian shales with 

some sandstone outcrops. The erosion of this shale results in 

the formation of a stony soil rich with impervious clay which results in the formation of numerous ponds. 

These are generally shallow with short periods of inundation. 








Plants 

Berne 

Convention 

800 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

240 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 



Limosella aquatica NT 



Reseda battandieri VU 

Amphibians 



Crustaceans 

Branchinella spinosa 

Cysicus bucheti


Crustaceans 




The pools of Haouz-Jbilet are mainly used by local people for grazing and watering livestock. 




None. 

Main threats 

Berne 

Convention 





Habitat 

Directive 

241 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Eocysicus saharica 


Tanymastigites jbiletica 

Tanymastix affinis

Map 


None. 









24 : 1-59. 





242

HIGH ATLAS MED – MR10 

Administrative region Provinces of Marrakech and Chichaoua, Morocco 

Coordinates (latitude/longitude) 31°03.423’N; 07°54.578’W (Jbel Toubkal) 

Altitude 3180 - 3800 m 

Area 



The High Atlas is a mountain range whose highest point 

reaches 4165m (Jebel Toubkal). It is located between the 

Middle Atlas and Anti Atlas. These mountains resulted from 

chain folds that raised the Hercynian basement. Ponds 

within the IAP are located on highlands composed of the 

Permian-Triassic red sandstones, alternating with pelitic 

clays. The landscape is dominated by forest vegetation on 

the slopes (green oak) and steppe on the high peaks 

(xerophytic thorny: Alyssum spinosum, Cytisus purgans, 

etc.). Bioclimate - the High Atlas is sub-humid to humid 

Mediterranean, with very cold winters (significant snow 

between December and March). 








Plants 

Berne 

Convention 

100 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

243 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Alopecurus aequalis VU 

Apium repens An I An II VU 

Blysmus compressus VU 

Callitriche truncata 



Eleocharis acicularis VU 

Epilobium atlanticum VU 

Epilobium obscurum NT 



Myosorus minimus


Plants 




The ponds and lakes of the High Atlas are of great importance to the local population who use them 

for grazing and watering livestock, harvesting of medicinal plants, hunting waterfowl and recreation. 





National: - Some ponds in the Middle Atlas are located in the National Park of Toubkal. 

Main threats 

Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

- Development of some tourist infrastructure. 


- Degradation of watersheds through forest clearance. 

244 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 


Ranunculus lateriflorus VU 

Utricularia minor CR 

Amphibians 



Crustaceans 



bucheti 

 

Tanymastix affinis

Map 


None. 









24 : 1-59. 




- Alaoui Haroni S, Alifriqui M & Ouhammou M. 2009. La diversité floristique des pelouses humides 

d’Altitude : Cas de quelques sites du Haut Atlas Marocain Acta Botanica Malacitana 34: 91-106. 


245

MAMORA MED – MR11 

Administrative region Province of Rabat-Salé and Kenitra, Morocco 

Coordinates (latitude/longitude) 34°15.506’N; 06°34.418’W (Kenitra) 


Area 



The site Mamora represents a vast forest of cork oak (Quercus 

suber) located between Rabat and Kenitra. The geomorphological 

landscape varies between a low plain to the west (Western 

Mamora), consisting of inland dunes and slightly higher landforms 

to the east (Eastern Mamora). 

The site is characterized by a sub-humid Mediterranean 

bioclimate, with semi-arid warm winters (average rainfall: 

523mm/year; minimum average temperatures of 8°C and 

maximum 28°C). The bedrock geology corresponds to the 

Pliocene-Quaternary characterized by sands on a bed of clay 

(Mamora red clay). This site is dotted with numerous ponds of 

varying sizes and hydroperiod. 








Plants 

Berne 

Convention 

151 000 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

246 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Agrostis tenerrima VU 



Elatine brochonii VU 


Glinus lotoides 


Mariscus hamulosus VU 

Oldenlandia capensis CR 


Pycreus polystachyos


Plants 


Within the Mamora cork oak forest, 249 temporary pools have been identified from satellite imagery 

(2001). Many small ponds of very small size were not counted because of the difficulty in identifying 

their location on the Landsat image. 


The pools of Mamora are heavily used by local people for grazing and watering livestock, but also for 

washing, harvesting herbs (e.g. mint) and for recreation. 






This is a Site of Biological and Ecological Interest (SIBE). 

Main threats 

Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

- Loss of pond habitat due to infilling. 

- Eutrophication mainly due to their use for laundry by the local population. 

- Pollution linked to their use for recreation. 

- Urbanization (extension of Salé and Kenitra). 


247 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 


Wolffia arrhiza VU 

Amphibians 




Crustacea 




bucheti 

 

Tanymastix affinis

Map 


The Mamora cork oak forest and associated water bodies have great ornithological value. Some areas of 

the cork oak forest (including pools) have been closed by the Forestry Service to allow regeneration of 

cork oak, which has been significantly degraded in recent years (frequency of droughts, fires, etc.). 







- Ould Mohamed Louleid SAC. 1991. Contribution à l’étude du fonctionnement du peuplement des 

macrophytes vasculaires des mares temporaires (dayas) de la Mamora sud-Occidentale (Région de 

Rabat, Maroc). Thèse ENS Takaddoum, Rabat, 220p. 





248

MIDDLE ATLAS MED – MR12 

Administrative region Provinces of Ifrane, Khenifra, Morocco 

Coordinates (latitude/longitude) 33°25.600’N; 05°13.300’W (Azrou) 

Altitude 1240 - 2000 m 

Area 



Located in central Morocco, the Middle Atlas mountain range is 

350 km long, oriented south-west north-east. It has two 

morpho-structural units (folded Middle Atlas and tabular Middle 

Atlas). The vegetation is characterized by a predominance of 

forests of oak and green cedar with spiny xerophytic steppe on 

the summits and grassy plains. The bioclimate is humid 

Mediterranean with cold winters (15-30 days of snow). The 

bedrock geology of the tabular portion, where ponds and lakes 

develop, is composed of limestone and dolomite of the Lower 

and Middle Lias. In addition, in the Timahdit, Jbel Hebri and 

Ifrane region, basaltic flows have formed large flat areas dotted 

with eruptive cones. 








Plants 

Berne 

Convention 

45 000 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

249 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 



Callitriche truncata 

Carex hirta 

Carex mairii NT 

Carex riparia VU 

Carum verticillatum 





Elatine macropoda NT


Plants 




Ponds of the Middle Atlas, are of great importance to the people who use them for grazing, as 

watering holes for livestock, harvesting of medicinal plants, hunting waterfowl, fishing and 

recreation. 





National: - Some ponds in the Middle Atlas are located in the National Park of Ifrane. 

Main threats 

Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 


- Leisure activities (skiing). 

- Pollution linked to recreational activities in the mountains. 

250 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Eleocharis acicularis VU 

Eleocharis uniglumis NT 




Myosurus minimus 





Ranunculus sceleratus 

Rorippa hayanica VU 

Amphibians 



Salamandra algira An III VU 

Crustaceans 


Lepidurus couesii 

Linderiella africana 


Tanymastix affinis

Map 


The ponds and lakes in this IAP are also valuable bird ecosystems. 









24 : 1-59. 




- Chillasse L, Dakki M & Abbassi M. 2001. Valeurs et fonctions écologiques des Zones humides du 

Moyen Atlas (Maroc) Humedales Mediterráneos, SEHUMED,Valencia (España). 1: 139 – 146. 


251

AIN ECH-CHAIR MED – MR13 

Administrative region Eastern Region, Morocco 

Coordinates (latitude/longitude) 32°12.176’N; 02°31.046’W (Ain Ech-Chair) 

Altitude 1004 - 1040 m 

Area 



The site of Ain Ech-Chair (west of Figuig), is located in the 

Eastern Region (which includes the provinces of Eastern 

Morocco). This site occupies the Tamlet plain (the southern 

edge of the eastern Highlands) located within a broad 

collapsed gravel basin bordered by Cretaceous and Jurassic 

rocks. The opening of this basin is to the south. These 

landforms significantly influence the climate resulting in 

Saharan steppe vegetation (Stipa tenacissima, Artemesia 

herba-alba and Fredolia aretioides). Tamlet Plain is dissected 

by numerous branched wadis. Ponds form at the edges of 

these wadis, but fill very infrequently (once every 4 or 6 

years). The bioclimate is Saharan Mediterranean with cool 

winters and low rainfall (


The Eastern region has many pond clusters, widely distributed and separated from each other, but 

they are still very similar biologically. Only a representative set of ponds in the Eastern Region were 

chosen for this IAP as they created a pond complex. 


The pools of the Eastern Region are mainly used by the population for grazing and watering livestock. 




None. 

Main threats 

- Overgrazing (goats and sheep). 



- Climate change (which could greatly reduce the frequency of these ponds holding water). 

Map 


None. 

253









24 : 1-59. 





254

CHERRAT WADI MED – MR14 

Administrative region Province of Skhirat-Temara, Morocco 

Coordinates (latitude/longitude) 33°32’-33°44’N; 06°50’-07°01’W 


Area 



The site of Cherrat Wadi is located at the eastern boundary of 

the province of Benslimane. It is characterized by a 

Mediterranean bioclimate, sub-humid with warm winters. The 

underlying bedrock consists mainly of sandstone-quartz and 

primary shales. From a geomorphological perspective, the site is 

located on the Atlantic Plain, dissected by major river valleys. 

The richness of this site is apparent in the variety of habitats 

found there (forests of cork oaks and cedar, farmland, ponds, 

vegetated riverbanks, gorges and cliffs). These habitats contain 

numerous pools, which are diverse in terms of size, depth, 

shape, origin, usage and catchment landuse (agricultural/forestry). 








Plants 

Berne 

Convention 

34 653 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

255 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 





Isoetes setacea CR 

Lythrum baeticum VU 





Amphibians 

Pleurodeles waltl An III NT NT


195 ponds have been identified from satellite images (2001). In some areas, pond density reached 5- 

8 pools/km ². 


The pools of Cherrat Wadi are heavily used by local people for grazing, watering livestock, washing, 

irrigation, harvesting medicinal herbs (e.g. mint and myrtle), recreation, agriculture and for timber 

production (there are plantations of eucalyptus in the ponds). They also have an indirect value for 

the local population through the role they play in flood control. 






- A Site of Biological and Ecological Interest (SIBE) because of its ornithological 

value, flora and fauna and the presence of many endemic rare and 

endangered species. 

Main threats 

The threats to these ponds vary depending on the nature of the catchment (agricultural or forestry). The 

major threats are: 

- Drainage. 

- Drying out due to planting eucalyptus. 


- Eutrophication mainly due to their use for laundry. 

- Pesticides use on agricultural land surrounding the ponds. 

- Urbanisation (extension to the city of Sidi Bettach and development of small towns in rural 

communities "Douars”). 


- Agriculture within the pools (reduced species richness and habitat disturbance by ploughing). 

- Opening of quarries (extraction of sandstone). 

- Invasive plants (Azolla filiculoides), probably due to the abundance of a major river system 

frequented by many species of migratory birds. 

256

Map 


The biological value of the pools in the Cherrat Wadi, as well as the streams and adjacent forests, should 

accelerate the establishment of “Fragile” protection status under SIBE, given the multitude of threats it 

faces. 







- Rhazi L, Rhazi M, Grillas P & El Khyari D. 2006. Richness and structure of plant communities in 

temporary pools from western Morocco: influence of human activities. Hydrobiologia 570: 197–203. 

- Titolet D & Rhazi L. 2003. Intérêt patrimonial d’un milieu associé aux subéraies: les mares 

temporaires des rives gauches et droites de l’oued Cherrat. Naturalia Maroccana 1(1): 109-114. 

257

PENINSULE TINGITANE MED – MR15 

Administrative region Provinces of Tanger and Tétouan, Morocco 

Coordinates (latitude/longitude) 35°46.010’N; 05°48.000’W (Tanger) 


Area 



The Peninsula Tingitana is within the western mountains of 

the Rif. It is bounded on the south by the province of Larache, 

east by the valley of Oued Lau and the province of 

Chefchaouen, to the north by the Mediterranean Sea and to 

the west by the Atlantic Ocean. It is characterized by a humid 

and sub-humid Mediterranean bioclimate (rainfall exceeding 

1000mm/year). The bedrock consists of Numidian sandstone, 

marl and calcareous marl. Beneath the sandstone, a layer of 

clay blocks rainwater that seeps through the sandstone, 

allowing the resurgence of water and the formation of ponds and bogs. The landscape consists of forests 

(Quercus suber, Quercus ilex and Quercus faginea), farmland, rivers, temporary ponds (with a clay base) 

and peat bog, a very rare habitat in Morocco. The ponds of this site vary in size and depth. Their flora is 

biogeographically similar to those found in Europe because of their common geological history and 

includes many European species which have limited range (Palaearctic relics). 








Plants 

Berne 

Convention 

100 000 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

258 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Agrostis curtisii 


Baldellia repens VU 

Carex mairii NT 

Drosophyllum lusitanicum 


Eryngium corniculatum VU 




Gratiola officinalis VU


Plants 




The ponds of Peninsula Tingitana are frequently used by local people for grazing and watering 

livestock. 




International: - The eastern half of the Tingitana peninsula, is part of the Intercontinental 

Biosphere Reserve of the Mediterranean (RIBM, declared by UNESCO in 2006) 

comprising the protected areas of northern Morocco and southern Andalusia 

(Spain). 

National: - Includes seven Sites of Biological and Ecological (SIBE). 

Main threats 

Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 


- Tourism. 



- Degradation of catchment following forest clearance. 

259 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Isoetes setacea CR 


Juncus tingitanus CR 

Lotus angustissimus 

Mentha cervina CR 

Molinia caerulea VU 

Myosotis macrosiphon 



Pinguicula lusitanica EN 



Sphagnum auriculatum 

Amphibians 




Map 


A program to reforest the degraded Rif Mountains has been launched by the High Commissioner for 

Water and Forests and the Fight Against Desertification (HCEFLCD). 









439-464. 

- Ennabili A & Ater M. 1996. Flore (Pteridophyta et Spermaphyta) des zones humides du Maroc 

méditerranéen : Inventaire et écologie. Acta Botanica Malacitana, 21: 221-239. 


260

ALGER MED – AG01 

Administrative region Algiers District, Algeria 

Coordinates (latitude/longitude) 36°44’54.2’’N; 03°02’38.7’’E (Algiers) 


Area 



The site is characterised by the Mitidja sub-coastal plain 

(Middle Quaternary) which comprises the majority of 

wetlands in the region. This plain (100km in length, 2- 

18km wide and 1300km² in area) is bordered to the north 

by the foothills of the Algiers Sahel (Pleistocene), south by 

the Tell Atlas and the mountains of Blida (Upper 

Cretaceous), remarkable for its Cedar Forest, in the east 

by the Boudouaou Wadi (Oligocene) and in the west by 

the Nador Wadi (lower and upper Cretaceous). This 

swampy plain is crossed by numerous wadis and has been 

in cultivation since the 1830’s (colonial period). The region is under a Mediterranean sub-humid climate 

with warm winters and an average rainfall exceeding 762mm/year. 








Plants 

Berne 

Convention 

350 000 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

261 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 




Callitriche hermaphroditica 




Ipomoea sagittata EN 

Isolepis pseudosetaceus 

Juncus striatus NT 

Juncus subnodulosus VU 

Lemna gibba


Plants 


15 pools and ponds have been identified within this region. This number is very small given the size 

of the IAP. It is likely that many ponds have been destroyed, mainly due to urbanization. 


Pools and ponds near Algiers are often used for agriculture, irrigation and as a source of drinking 

water for livestock. 




None. 

Main threats 

Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

- Urbanisation, linked to the expansion of the city of Algiers and other nearby coastal and inland cities. 


- Tourist developments along the coastal zone. 

- The destruction of streams and their banks by sand extraction. 

- Pollution from sewage. 

- Over abstraction of water. 

262 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Lysimachia vulgaris CR 

Marsilea minuta CR 



Ophioglossum vulgatum 

Orchis palustris 


Rumex algeriensis CR 

Schoenoplectus supinus NT

Map 


It seems that there has been no systematic study of the ponds and pools in the region of Algiers, since the 

publication of the Flora of Algeria (Quezel and Santa 1962-1963). Information provided on the species 

present was only based on this published data. It is therefore likely that many taxa have disappeared as a 

result of agricultural intensification and urbanization. 




- Rhazi L and Grillas P. In press. The status and distribution of aquatic plants. In: García N, Cuttelod A 

and Abdul Malak D (eds.). The status and distribution of freshwater biodiversity in northern Africa. 

IUCN Species Programme, Cambridge, UK. 

- Barry JP, Celles JC and Faurel L (1974). International map of vegetation and environmental conditions. 

Published by the Department of Ecology at the University of Algiers. Ed. S.H.N. Afr du Nord. 

- Maire R published posthumously (1952-1987). Flora of North Africa. Ed. Lechevalier, Paris, Vol. I-XVI. 

- Quezel P and Santa S (1962-1963). New flora of Algeria and the southern desert regions. Ed. C.N.R.S., 

Paris, Vol. I and II, 1170 p. 

263

JIJEL MED – AG02 

Administrative region Jijel District, Algeria 

Coordinates (latitude/longitude) 36°49’15.55’’N; 05°45’58.72’’E (Jijel) 

Altitude 25 m 

Area 



The eastern region of Jijel is occupied by a series of plains 

considered to be the wettest in Algeria. They are under a 

humid Mediterranean climate with warm winters (rainfall: 

1204mm/year, m: 14.3°C, M: 22.1°C). The surface of the 

plains forms a relatively narrow strip between the coastal 

dunes and the southern hills. These plains are criss-crossed 

by numerous wadis and their tributaries (e.g. El Kebir Wadi), 

forming many meanders and oxbows. Indeed, the coastal 

dunes are a barrier to drainage. The principle forest species 

(Quercus suber and Quercus lusitanica) are located on the 

hills. With maquis scrubland on the foothills, dominated by 

Olea europea and Pistacia lentiscus. The Jijel is notable (as in the Numidia) by the presence of many 

species of Afro-tropical origin. 








Plants 

Berne 

Convention 

75 000 ha (approx.) 



Habitat 

Directive 

264 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Alternanthera sessilis 


Eryngium pusillum 

Phyla nodiflora 

Ranunculus sceleratus 

Rumex palustris VU


The Jijel IAP has approximately 15 ponds and pools that were created following the fragmentation of 

the wadis and ravines by the construction of numerous dams. 


Most of these water bodies were developed or created for more or less intensive agriculture (as in 

the plain of El Kennar). They are also used as a source of drinking water for livestock. 




There is no protection afforded to the pools and ponds of this IAP. However, some wetlands (El Kennar 

marshes, 36 acres, Beni Belaïd Lake, 120ha of rare estuarine habitat) are classed as Ramsar sites. 

Main threats 

The water bodies of the Jijel are threatened by urbanisation (development along the coastal villages and 

small towns), road infrastructure, port infrastructure (Djendjen port), tourism infrastructure (along the 

beaches in Jijel Beni Belaïd), drying out from drainage (El Kennar marsh), pollution from sewage and overabstraction 

of water. 

Map 


None. 

265







- de Bélair G and Samraoui B (2000). The wetland complexes of Beni Belaïd: a nature reserve project. 

Science and Technology. University Mentouri Constantine, Algeria. N o 14, 115-124. 

- Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) (1998). Atlas of Algerian wetlands. MedWet, 46p. 

266

WESTERN NUMIDIA MED – AG03 

Administrative region Skikda District, Algeria 

Coordinates (latitude/longitude) 06°56’29.81’’E; 36°51’20.96’’N 


Area 



The Western Numidia is a vast plain overhung by 

massive coastal dunes. It is located in SW Algiers, east of 

the Edough massif and west of Lake Fetzara, east of 

various mountains, including that of Filfil and south of 

the Djendel Azzaba plain. The Guerbès-Senhadja plain is 

crossed by a series of rivers (El Kébir Wadi, El Aneb Wadi 

and Maboun) and these along with impeded drainage 

caused by the presence of dunes, is responsible for 

creating the lakes, ponds and pools here. Other ponds 

and pools have arisen upstream of small mountains that 

surround the Guerbès-Senhadja. The main plant 

communities are composed of Quercus coccifera, Olea 

europaea, Pistacia lentiscus and Chamaerops humilis. 








Plants 

Berne 

Convention 

70 805 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

267 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 




Ceratophyllum submersum 

Illecebrum verticillatum 


Lemna gibba 


Nymphoides peltata CR 

Paspalidium obtusifolium 

Polygonum amphibium VU


Plants 


Within the western Numidia 77 pools and ponds have been identified (including both natural and 

artificial ponds). 


The ponds and pools of the western Numidia have great economic value for the local population. 

They are used to irrigate various crops (mainly vegetables), as a source of natural resources (e.g. 

bulrush (Typha angustifolia) used to build the roofs of traditional houses), grazing and to provide 

drinking water for livestock. 




International: - The western Numidia has enjoyed Ramsar status since 2001. 

National: - The site is currently included in a restoration project for 2009-2010, coordinated 

by the National Directorate of Forestry (Algeria), together with the PNUD and 

WWF. 

Main threats 

Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

The threats to the ponds and pools of this region are becoming more and more pronounced. They relate 

mainly to: 

- Opening of sand quarrying within the dunes. 

- Over-abstraction of water. 


- Excessive trampling by livestock. 

- An increase in their accessibility to the local population. 

268 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Potamogeton crispus 

Potamogeton lucens 

Rorripa amphibia EN 

Rumex palustris VU 

Utricularia vulgaris subsp. 

major

Map 


None. 




- Rhazi L and Grillas P. In press. The status and distribution of aquatic plants. In: García N, Cuttelod A and 



- Samraoui B and de Bélair G (1997). The Guerbès-Senhadja wetlands (NE Algeria). Part I: An overview. 

Ecology. 28(3): 233-250. 

269

EASTERN NUMIDIA MED – AG04 

Administrative region Provinces of Annaba and El Tarf (El Kala), Algeria 

Coordinates (latitude/longitude) 36°54’03.16’’N; 7°45’20.54’’W (Annaba) 


Area 



Eastern Numidia is located in north-eastern Algeria. It is 

bounded to the north by the Mediterranean Sea, south by 

the mountains of the Medjerda, east by the Tunisian- 

Algerian border and west by the Seybouse Wadi and the 

Massif Djebel Edough. Many wadis sting out across the 

plain (East El Kebir Wadi, Bou Namoussa and Seybouse). 

Restricted drainage to the sea and the high rainfall 

(ranging between 600 and 900mm/year on the plains and 

1200mm/year over the mountains), favours the formation 

of numerous pools and ponds. The bedrock geology 

consists mainly of the sandstones and clays. The main 

vegetation types are Quercus coccifera, Pistacia lentiscus and Calycotoma villosa within dune habitat, and 

Quercus suber (in small stands) and Pteridium aquilinum in inter-dune depressions. The flora of the 

Numidia is marked by the presence of a number of taxa of Afro-tropical origin at the limit of their range. 








Plants 

Berne 

Convention 

129 078 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

270 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 


Bellis prostrata NT 


Ceratophyllum submersum 






Glinus lotoides 

Illecebrum verticillatum


Plants 


Within the Eastern Numidia, 89 pools and ponds have been inventoried. The highest concentration of 

ponds is located in the dunes of Bouthelja (NW El Tarf), east of Annaba, on the shores of Lake 

Oubeïra, on the southern shore of the Mkrada marsh and the foothills of the Massif Edough (west of 

Annaba). 


These water bodies play an essential role in providing drinking water for livestock (20% were created 

by farmers) and for the irrigation of crops (vegetables and peanuts). 




International: - This park contains seven Ramsar sites (Lake Tonga, Lake Oubeïra, Lake Mellah, the 

Lake of Birds, Mkrada marsh, Ayn Kiar alders and Black Lake Bog). 

National: - About 60% of the eastern Numidia is part of the National Park of El Kala. 

Main threats 

Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

The level of threat facing the ponds and pools in this region is variable depending on the proximity and 

density of housing and agriculture. The main threats are: 

- Cultivation (related to the fertile black soil characterizing these ponds). 

- Eutrophication mainly due to their use for irrigation. 

- Oil pollution from pumping engines. 

- Enrichment from animal dung. 

- Road developments. 


- Drainage for Eucalyptus plantations. 

- Fires, a favoured management technique used in pine tree plantations within this region. 

271 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Juncus bulbosus 


Myriophyllum alterniflorum NT 

Oldenlandia capensis 

Pilularia minuta CR 

Ranunculus flammula An I CR 

Rumex palustris VU 

Salvinia natans VU 

Schoenoplectus corymbosus An I VU 

Solenopsis bicolor 


Wolffia arrhiza NT

Map 


None. 







- de Bélair G (2005). Vegetation dynamics of temporary ponds in North Africa (eastern Numidia, NE 

Algeria). Ecol. Medit., 31: 83-100. 

- Samraoui B and de Bélair G (1998). The wetlands of eastern Numidia. Summary (Rev. Sc. and Techn. 

Univ. Annaba) 4: 1-90. 

272

KROUMIRIE MED – TN01 

Administrative region Jendouba, Tunisia 

Coordinates (latitude/longitude) 36°46’252’’N; 08°04’043’E (Aïn Draham) 


Area 



Located in the north-west of Tunisia, Kroumirie is an area of low 

mountains (500 to 900m) and culminates at the Algerian border 

at 1203 m (Jbel Ghorra). This is the wettest region of the country 

(humid Mediterranean bioclimate, average rainfall: 1000- 

1500mm/year). The geological bedrock is sandstone, with pools 

forming on the hills within clay lined depressions. The Kroumirie 

is mostly covered by forests of cork oak (Quercus suber) and oak 

(Quercus canariensis). This area hosts several important wetlands 

communities (a bog, peat swamps, semi-permanent lakes and 

temporary ponds). 






Plants 

Berne 

Convention 

30 000 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

273 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Alopecurus bulbosus NT 


Anagallis minima 

Anagallis tenella 



Blechnum spicant 

Dactylorhiza elata NT 




Hypericum afrum NT 


Isoetes duriei 


Myosotis debilis NT


Plants 


Within the Kroumirie IAP, a peat bog (Dar fatma), 6 peat swamps (Aïn Zouama, 18 th Source H, 18 th 

Source B, 18th Camp, Legba track and the Mérij), 3 semi-permanent lakes (Majen Barbit, Majen el 

Ouez 1, the Mouajène) and 4 temporary ponds (Sraï el Majen, Majen el Ma, Majen Sghaïer, Majen el 

Ouez 2) have been identified. 


The site of this IAP (except the bog Dar Fatma) is used for pasture, as a source of drinking water for 

livestock. 


In addition to its flouristic value, the Kroumirie IAP was selected because of the rarity of Sphagnum 

peat, bog, swamp and pond habitat in Tunisia. 


International: - Ramsar site “Dar Fatma Bog” (07/11/07). 

National: - Dar Fatma Bog Nature Reserve (Order of Minister of Agriculture 12/18/1993). 

Main threats 

- Tourism. 

- Water abstraction. 


Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

274 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 


Osmunda regalis 


Solenopsis bicolor NT 

Sphagnum auriculatum

Map 


None. 


- Ghrabi-Gammar Z, Daoud-Bouattour A, Muller SD, Ferchichi-Ben Jamaa H, Ben Saad-Limam S, Bel Haj 

Jilani I, Rhazi L & Saber E. 


- Ghrabi-Gammar Z, Daoud-Bouattour A, Ferchichi H, Gammar AM, Muller SD, Rhazi L & Limam-Ben 

Saad S (2009) Flore vasculaire rare, endémique et menacée des zones humides de Tunisie. Revue 

d’Ecologie Terre et Vie, n°64, pp. 19-40. 

- Nègre R (1952) Note phytosociologique sur quelques mares et tourbières de Kroumirie. Bulletin de la 

Société botanique de France, 99, pp. 16-22. 

- Pottier-Alapetite G (1951) Note préliminaire sur l’Isoetion tunisien. Sessions extraordinaires de la 

Société botanique de France, n°79, pp. 4-6. 




275

MAJEN COUCHA MED – TN02 

Administrative region Bizerte, Tunisia 



Area 



Majen Choucha is an acidic freshwater semi-permanent pond 

surrounded by a forest of cork oak (Quercus suber) with a 

degraded understorey. The waterbody dries up completely only 

in unusually dry years. It is located in the Mogods Mountains in 

the northwest of Tunisia and is characterized by a humid 

Mediterranean bioclimate. It is located on the summit of a 

sandstone hill (south of the Garâa Sejenane) on soils which are 

mainly silt. The depth of the water may exceed 1m in wet years. 








Plants 

Berne 

Convention 

0.6 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

276 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 








Myosotis sicula NT 

Myriophyllum alterniflorum




The pond at Majen Choucha has important value for the local population and is used for pasture, to 

provide drinking water for grazing livestock. The pond is inhabited by leeches, and thus the site is 

visited by local people for bloodletting. 


In addition to its flouristic value, Majen Choucha (a mountain pond) was selected as an IAP because 

of the rarity of this habitat type in Tunisia. 


None. 

Main threats 

- The site is threatened primarily by climate change (drought) and overgrazing. 

- The associated risk with this degradation would be the loss of the Myriophyllum alterniflorum and 

Elatine alsinastrum plant community, which is very rare in Tunisia. 

Map 


The site is part of the forest estate, but it is not included in a reserve or protected area. Access to the 

pond by the local population and their stock is not controlled. 

277





- Ferchichi-Ben Jamaa H, Muller SD, Daoud-Bouattour A, Ghrabi-Gammar Z, Rhazi L, Soulié-Märsche I, 

Ouali M & Ben Saad-Limam S. 2010. Structures de végétation et conservation des zones humides 

temporaires méditerranéennes : la région des Mogods (Tunisie septentrionale). C. R. B., 333: 265– 

279. 

- Ghrabi-Gammar Z, Daoud-Bouattour A, Ferchichi H, Gammar AM, Muller SD, Rhazi L & Ben Saad- 

Limam S. 2009. Flore vasculaire rare, endémique et menacée des zones humides de Tunisie. Revue 

d'Ecologie, Terre et Vie, Vol. 64: 19-40. 

- Pottier-Alapetite G. 1951. Note préliminaire sur l’Isoetion tunisien. Sessions extraordinaires de la 

Société botanique de France, n°79, 4-6. 




278

MAJEN CHITANE MED – TN03 

Administrative region Bizerte, Tunisia 



Area 



Majen Chitane is a small, shallow, semi-permanent, acidic 

freshwater pond. It is in the region of Sejenane, about 1 km from 

the north coast of Tunisia (Mogods Mountains). Water is held 

within a clay lined depression, at an altitude of 150 m on the 

northern slope of a sandstone massif, the Jbel Chitane. The 

bioclimate is within the humid Mediterranean zone with warm 

winters. The pond is fed by rainfall (800-1000mm/year) and 

three small freshwater springs. Two of them are permanent and 

run through a Pteridium aquilinum bog which overlooks the 

pond (50m above) and is almost entirely cultivated. The pond is situated in the middle of an oak wood 

(Quercus suber) and contains one of two relict populations of white water lily (Nymphaea alba). 








Berne 

Convention 

Approx. 3 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

279 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Plants 









Sparganium erectum




The pond at Majen Chitane has important value for the local population and is mainly used for 

irrigation of crops located near (upstream) of the pond. 


In addition to its floristic value, Majen Chitane (a mountain pond) was selected as an IAP because of 

the rarity of this habitat type in Tunisia. 


International: - Ramsar site since 2007. 

National: - Majan Chitane Nature Reserve since 1993. 

Main threats 


- Disturbance of the pond hydrological regime due to water abstraction for irrigation. 

- Climate change (drought). 

- The risks associated with its degradation have already resulted in the loss of aquatic species such as 

Myriophyllum alterniflorum and Nitella opaca, and the amphibious Isoetes velata plant community. 

- Continued cultivation of the bog will inevitably lead the death of the pond in the very short-term. 

Map 

280


The site is part of the forest estate. Access to the pond by the local population and their stock is normally 

prohibited. 





- Daoud-Bouattour A, Muller SD, Ferchichi-Ben Jamaa H, Ghrabi-Gammar Z, Rhazi L, Gammar AM, & 

Ben Saad-Limam S (2009) Majen Chitane, a threatened acidic lake in Tunisia, in: Fraga P, Arguimbau I 

(eds.), International Conference on Mediterranean Temporary Ponds, Proceedings & Abstracts, 

Consell Insular de Menorca, Recerca, 14. Mao´, Menorca, Spain, p. 429. 


Ouali M & Ben Saad-Limam S (2010) Structures de végétation et conservation des zones humides 

temporaires méditerranéennes : la région des Mogods (Tunisie septentrionale). Comptes Rendus 

Biologies, 333, pp.265–279. 


Saad S (2009) Flore vasculaire rare, endémique et menacée des zones humides de Tunisie. Revue 

d’Ecologie – Terre et Vie, n°64, pp. 19-40. 

- Muller SD, Daoud-Bouattour A, Amami B, Ferchichi-Ben Jamaa H, Ferrandini J, Ferrandini M, Ghrabi- 

Gammar Z, Grillas P, Pozzo di Borgo M-L, Rhazi L, Soulié-Märsche I & Ben Saad-Limam S (2009) 

Interest of historical data for conservation of temporary pools. In : Fraga P, Arguimbau I (eds.). 

International Conference on Mediterranean Temporary Ponds, Proceedings & Abstracts, pp. 339-351. 

Consell Insular de Menorca, Recerca, 14. Maó, Menorca, Spain. 

- Pottier-Alapetite G & Labbe A.] (1951) Sur la flore des eaux acides de la Tunisie septentrionale. In : 

70e congrès AFAS Tunis, n°1, pp. 95-98. 

- Rhazi L & Grillas P. In press. The status and distribution of aquatic plants. In: García, N., Cuttelod, A. 

and Abdul Malak, D. (eds.). The status and distribution of freshwater biodiversity in northern Africa. 


281

GARÂA SEJENANE MED – TN04 

Administrative region Bizerte, Tunisie 



Area 



This site includes the lake Garâa Sejenane itself, and extends 

further east towards Guetma. It is located in the region of 

Mogods and is characterized by a humid Mediterranean 

climate with mild winters (average rainfall 600-900mm). The 

soils are hydromorphic and mainly composed of siliceous 

sands, silt and clay. The Garâa Sejenane was described even in 

the 1950s, as a lake of 15 km², bordered by a wide belt of 

Isoetes velata and found at the centre of a Schoenoplectus 

lacustris marsh. Currently, Garâa Sejenane is largely drained, 

grazed and cultivated. At present it is a mosaic of marshes, 

temporary pools and seasonally flooded farmland, with some 

peat habitat at the boundary of the site. 








Plants 

Berne 

Convention 

2500 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

282 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 










Hypericum afrum NT 


Juncus heterophyllus NT


Plants 


At least 6 ponds and a small area of bog habitat exist within the IAP. 


Garâa Sejenane has important practical value for the local population, used mainly for grazing, 

watering livestock, agriculture (summer crops) and for the extraction of clay which constitutes the 

raw material of the traditional pottery industry. 


In addition to its floristic value, Garâa Sejenane was selected as an IPA for the rarity of this habitat 

type in Tunisia (ponds and bog habitat). 


None. 

Main threats 

Berne 

Convention 


Habitat 

Directive 

- In recent decades the site has experienced significant degradation due to disruption of the 

hydrological regime mainly through drying out due to drainage for summer crops. 

- These activities have resulted in the disappearance of habitats and rare species in Tunisia (Butomus 

umbellatus, Polygonum amphibium, Utricularia gibba, Utricularia vulgaris, Myriophyllum 

alterniflorum, Nymphea alba, etc.). 

- The continual drying up of the garâa has lead to a loss of function and loss of value of the site and 

even its disappearance in the short term. 

- In addition, the site is subject to other threats such as the development of the road network, 

overgrazing, eutrophication and the arrival of invasive plants (Crassula helmsii) that could ultimately 

exclude more important species (such as Pilularia minuta). 

283 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 


Mibora minima 


Ophioglossum lusitanicum 


Rumex tunetanus CR 

Solenopsis bicolor NT

Map 


None. 





- Daoud-Bouattour A, Muller SD, Ferchichi-Ben Jamaa H, Ghrabi-Gammar Z, Rhazi L, Gammar AM, 

Karray MR, Soulié-Märsche I, Zouaïdia H, de Bélair G, Grillas P & Ben Saad-Limam S (2009). Recent 

discovery of the small pillwort (Pilularia minuta Durieu, Marsileaceae) in Tunisia: hope for an 

endangered emblematic species of Mediterranean temporary pools? C.R. Biologies 332 (2009) 886– 

897. 


Ouali M & Ben Saad-Limam S (2010). Structures de végétation et conservation des zones humides 

temporaires méditerranéennes: la région des Mogods (Tunisie septentrionale). Comptes Rendus 

Biologies, 333, pp.265–279. 


Saad S (2009). Flore vasculaire rare, endémique et menacée des zones humides de Tunisie. Revue 

d’Ecologie Terre et Vie, n°64, pp. 19-40. 

- Muller SD, Daoud-Bouattour A, Ferchichi H, Ghrabi-Gammar Z, Limam-Ben Saad S & Soulié-Marsche I 

(2008). Garâa Sejenane (northern Tunisia): an unknown and threatened biological richness. European 

Pond Conservation Network Newsletter, No 1, Summer 2008: 7-8. 

- Pottier-Alapetite G (1958). Intérêt phytogéographique de la région de Sedjenane en Tunisie, 

Vegetation 8 176–180. 




284

NILE MED – EG01 

Administrative region Al-Minya, Gouvernorat of the Red Sea, Egypt 

Coordinates (latitude/longitude) 28°00’272’’N; 30°51’108’’E (Al Matahirah Ash Sharqiyah) 


Area 



The Nile Valley, along with numerous African countries, plays an 

important role in the economic, social, agricultural and religious 

activities of Egypt. The discharge of the Nile is variable during 

the year, flooding with regularity each summer. This contributes 

greatly to soil fertility, from the deposition of black alluvial silts. 

This has resulted in intensive cultivation of the river banks (rice, 

cotton, citrus fruits, etc.). The flow of the Nile is also disrupted 

at several points by many small islands and rocks. Ponds are 

formed primarily on the banks of the Nile and on these islets. 

The surrounding landscape is dominated by intensively 

cultivated alluvial plains, sedge marshes and some palm trees. The climate of the Upper Nile is 

Mediterranean semi-desert; rainfall is low (about 185mm/year) decreasing steeply towards the south 

where the climate is Saharan. 






Plants 

Berne 

Convention 

45 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

285 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 




Limosella aquatica NT 



Lythrum tribracteatum 


Oldenlandia capensis CR


30 ponds have been identified within this IAP. They are mostly located on islands within the Nile; 

very few are formed on the banks of the river. 


Ponds located on the banks of the Nile Valley are used for agriculture and for watering livestock. 


None. 


None. 

Main threats 




- Establishment of invasive plants (from tropical Africa). 

Map 

286


The islands on which these ponds have formed are also of high ornithological value. 




- Boulos L (1995). Flora of Egypt, Checklist. Al Hadara Publishing, Cairo, Egypt, 283 pp. 




287

BRICHAT SECHER POOL MED – IS01 

Administrative region Israel (Mount Carmel) 



Area 



Brichat Sekher, translated from Hebrew to English means 

“Dam Pool”. It lies near the Mount Carmel ridge in the Wadi 

Sekher and within the Mt Carmel Biosphere Reserve. It was 

likely a small pool prior to being dammed. It was walled 

originally with stones during the Roman occupation 

sometime between the second and fifth century. To increase 

water-holding capacity, it was cemented further and until 

about 60 years ago, it was used as an irrigation source for 

local agriculture. The Eastern wall collapsed at least 40 years 

ago providing livestock, mostly goats with access to the 

water. The pond is ‘semi-permanent’: it usually holds water 

until into mid to late summer but during some years but it is permanent all year. The pond is eutrophic 

and houses three locally endangered amphibian species – the banded newt Triturus vittatus vittatus, the 

fire salamander Salamandra infraimmaculata, and the tree frog Hyla savignyi. The banded newt was 

introduced artificially from a more northern population. 



None. 




Berne 

Convention 

In a 4 km 2 area with Brichat Sekher as the centre, there are 8 ponds – i.e. 2 per km 2 . 


~0.06 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

Used to provide irrigation for local crops and a drinking station for goat herds. 

288 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Amphibians 

Hyla savignyi LC 

Mediterranean 

and Near East 

VU 

Salamandra infraimmaculata NT 

Mediterranean 

and Near East 

EN 

Triturus vittatus vittatatus LC Mediterranean CR


This pond is part of a cluster of ponds for which there is limited inter-breeding site dispersal for a 

Salamandra infraimmaculata metapopulations. 



National: - No designation, but site is within the Mt Carmel biosphere reserve. 

Main threats 

- Privately owned. Road about 100 meters away probably hinders metapopulation inter-breeding site 

dispersal. 

Map 

289 

Map of Israel and Palestinian 

Territories shown on small map, with 

red indicating Mount Carmel. Mount 

Carmel on enlarged map is indicated by 

the yellow periphery. Blue dot 

indicates location of Brichat Sekher. 

White dots indicate other known ponds 

or pools.


None. 

Site proposed by an/or sources of information 


- Leon Blaustein. Community Ecology Laboratory, Institute of Evolution and Department of 

Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Haifa. 

290

BEKAA MED – LB01 

Administrative region Governorate of Bekaa, Lebanon 

Coordinates (latitude/longitude) 33°35’487’’N; 35°41’287’’E (Deir Ej Jaouze) 


Area 



Bekaa corresponds to a vast alluvial plain known for its fertile 

land. It is located in eastern Lebanon, between the mountain 

chains of Mount Lebanon (west) and the Anti-Lebanon (east). 

This high plain of 4000km 2 (over a third of the area of Lebanon), 

is traversed by two rivers Nahr Al-Asi (Orontes) and the Litani. 

The geology is mainly limestone and the climate is continental 

Mediterranean with precipitation ranging between 

600mm/year (south) and 200mm/year (north). This rainfall 

gradient generates a steppe landscape in the northern part of 

the Bekaa and large areas of wetlands in the south, which has 

lead to the development of many ponds and marshes. The plain is cultivated due to the richness of its soil 

(grain, fruit crops, etc.), which increases the threat of destruction of the ponds and wetlands in this area. 






Plants 

Berne 

Convention 

17 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

291 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 








nobilis


Within this IAP, 129 ponds of various sizes have been identified. 


The pools of Bekaa are heavily used by local people for pasture, watering livestock, as a place of 

recreation and for harvesting medicinal herbs (e.g. mint). 


None. 


None. 

Main threats 


- Drainage. 



Map 

292


None. 




- Mouterde P. 1966-1970, Nouvelle flore du Liban et de la Syrie. Dar El-Machreq (imprimerie 

catholique), Beyrouth. 




293

AL JABAL AL-AKHDAR (CYRENAIQUE) MED – LYB01 

Administrative region Municipality of Al Jabal Al-Akhdar, Libya 

Coordinates (latitude/longitude) 32°45’598’’N; 21°44’300’’E (Al Bayda) 


Area 



Al Jabal Al-Akhdar is a low altitude mountain (the highest point is 

878m) in north-east Libya, in Cyrenaica. The area is the result of 

tectonic movements which affected the coastal plain and is 

characterized by significant physiographic variation resulting in a 

diversity of habitats (such as the extensive sand and salt 

intrusions from the coast, sand dunes, sand cliffs and hills, inner 

plateau, wadis, ponds, etc.). The vegetation is mainly maquis, 

Juniperus phoenicea, Pistacia lentiscus, etc. Al Jabal Al-Akhdar, 

hosts many endemic plants and contributes significantly to the 

floristic richness of Cyrenaica, identified by many as a hot spot of biodiversity within the Mediterranean. 

The bioclimate of Al Jabal Al Akhdar is semi-arid to sub-humid Mediterranean, with rainfall between 300- 

600mm/year. 






Plants 

Berne 

Convention 

188 000 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

294 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 





Isoetes velata 


Lotus conimbricensis 

Lythrum borysthenicum 



Ranunculus paludosus 

Ranunculus trichophyllus


Within this IAP, delineated by a major river system, 24 ponds have been identified. They are mostly 

located close to the Mediterranean coast. 


The ponds are used by local people for pasture, watering livestock and for hunting waterfowl. 


None. 


None. 

Main threats 


- Catchment degradation through deforestation and fires. 

- Development of tourism. 

Map 


None. 

295




- Ali SI, Jafri SMH & El Gadi A (eds.) 1989. Flora of Libya. Al Faateh University. Tripoli. 

- Al-Sodany YM, Shehata MN & Shaltout KH. 2003. Vegetation along an elevation gradient in Al-Jabal 

Al-Akhdar, Libya. Ecologia mediterranea, 29 (2): 125-138 

- Brullo S & Furnari F 1981. Phytogeographical considerations on the costal vegetation of Cyrenaica, 

Anales Jardin Botanico De Madrid, 37 (2): 765-772 

- JAFRI SM & EL-GADI A. 1978. Flora of Libya. Vols. 25-144. Department of Botany, El-Faateh Univ., 

Tripoli. 

- Médail F & Quézel P. 1997. Hotspot analysis for the conservation of plant biodiversity in the 

Mediterranean Basin. Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden, 84 




296

HOMS MED – SR01 

Administrative region Province of Homs, Syria 

Coordinates (latitude/longitude) 34°42’306’’N; 36°42’279’’E (Homs) 


Area 



Homs is located on a vast plain extending as far as Alep in 

northern Syria. It is surrounded by mountain ranges oriented 

north-south (Jebel Druze to the east and the Alaouites 

Mountains which extend to the Anti-Lebanon and isolate a 

narrow coastal plain to the west). Located in central Syria, the 

plain is primarily limestone with a continental climate. It is 

bisected by the Oronte Valley. Along the tributaries of this river, 

there are wetlands such as ponds, marshes, etc. The 

precipitation (about 500mm/year on average) and fertility of 

the soils give this plain a large agriculture-based economy, 

which threatens wetland habitats in the short-term. 






Berne 

Convention 

20 900 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

297 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 

Plants 

Callitriche truncata subsp. 

truncata 

 





Isoetes olympica CR 





Ranunculus lateriflorus VU


Within this IAP, 23 ponds have been identified. 


The pools of in the province of Homs have significant practical value for local people who use them 

for pasture, watering livestock and for agriculture. 


None. 


None. 

Main threats 


- Drying out as a result of drainage. 


- Groundwater abstraction for irrigation. 


- Pollution related primarily to the oil refinery located west of the city of Homs. 

Map 


None. 

298


- Laila Rhazi, Mouhssine Rhazi, Er-riyahi Saber & Grillas Patrick. 


- Mouterde P. 1966-1970 - Nouvelle flore du Liban et de la Syrie. Dar El-Machreq (imprimerie 

catholique), Beyrouth. 

- Musselman LJ. 2002. The only quillwort (Isoetes olympica A. Braun) in Syria is threatened with 

extirpation. Fern Gazette 16(6/7/8): 324-329. 

299

LAC DES SAISIES ALP – FR01 

Administrative region France (Rhône-Alpes, Savoie 73) 

Coordinates (latitude/longitude) 45°44'11''N; 06°28'32''E 


Area 



Located near the village of Queige, in the massif of 

Beaufortain, this tarn is hidden away in the forests. This site 

is one of only three peat bog lakes in the French Alps, along 

with “lac du Luitel” and “lac Praver” (Isère). It hosts a 

remarkable array of dragonflies typical of these wetlands. 

The “lac des Saisies” forms part of a marshy complex with a 

full range of peat bog successional habitats. 







Low, single pond. 




Presence of a remarkable assemblage of dragonflies: Aeshna juncea, Coenagrion hastulatum, 

Leucorrhinia dubia, Libellula quadrimaculata and Somatochlora alpestris ; Cordulegaster bidentata 

(due to proximity of water course). 


16 ha 

E (other) 

International: - Natura 2000 site « Tourbière et lac des Saisies ». 

National: - ZNIEFF type I « Tourbière des Saisies ». 

- ZNIEFF de type II « Ensemble des zones humides du Beaufortain ». 

300 

Source: http://farm4.static.flickr.com

Main threats 


Map 


Proximity to the Olympic site for cross country skiing. 



- Association Sympetrum, France. 

http://www.rhone-alpes.ecologie.gouv.fr/. 

http://geoportail.fr 

301

ZONES HUMIDES DES LACS DE LA TEMPETE ALP – FR02 




Area 



Located in the massif of Beaufortain, near the village of 

Arêches Beaufort, this site is composed of a group of mountain 

lakes and ponds, some with extensive stands of submerged 

aquatic plants. The “lacs de la Tempête” is named because of 

prevailing winds blowing in the valley where they are situated, 

which is open to the west. This chain of five lakes, linked by a 

stream was formed during the passing of an ancient glacier 

10,000 years ago. It includes “lac Vert” as well as 2 other 

waterbodies of modest size and the “lacs des Besaces”, 

situated in the northern side of the massif of Comborsier. This 

beautiful landscape is well known to hikers and the lakes and 

small wetlands (slope bogs and ponds) are of great biological 

interest. 






Amphibians 



Berne 

Convention 


Tourism (site renowned for hiking). 

266 ha 

B (species), D (socio-economic), E (other) 


Habitat 

Directive 

302 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Source : CPNS 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 


Mesotriton alpestris An III LC LC 

Rana temporaria An III LC LC


Presence of cold stenothermal species: Sparganium angustifolium and Leucorrhinia dubia. 



National: - ZNIEFF type I « Plateau des lacs de la Tempête et le Grand Mont », « Vallée de la 

Grande Maison ». 

- ZNIEFF type II « Beaufortain ». 

Main threats 

None. 

Map 


None. 


Source: http://geoportail.fr 


- Conservatoire du Patrimoine Naturel de Savoie (CPNS), France. 

- Conservatoire National Botanique Alpin Gap-Charance (CNBA), France. 

303

ZONES HUMIDES DES MENUIRES ALP – FR03 




Area 



The Menuires and Méribel-les-Allues is located on the 

top of the ski domains of St Martin of Belleville and 

includes several small lakes, temporary ponds and 

wetlands (notably transitional moors). This landscape is 

characterized by soft slopes and includes vast mountain 

pastures, lawns and moors which were created by 

livestock grazing. The site contains many areas of 

biological interest: the peat bogs of the “Teppes Noires”, 

“Praz Pétaux” and “Plan de l’Homme”, the “lac du Plane” 

(rich in aquatic vegetation) and its marshy surrounds, as 

Source : CPNS 

well as the ponds on the “Plateau des Encombres”. 

Threats from high levels of tourism (access facilitated by the presence of several ski-lifts) and pressure 

from winter sport installations resulted in the site’s inclusion into the Natura 2000 network. 






Amphibians 




Tourism (winter sports, proximity of ski resorts). 


Berne 

Convention 

1343 ha 

B (species), E (other) 


Habitat 

Directive 

Presence of cold stenothermal species: Leucorrhinia dubia and Somatochlora alpestris. 

304 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 




International: - Natura 2000. 

National: - ZNIEFF type I « Lacs et tourbières de Praz Pétaux », « Lac et tourbières du Plane et 

des Teppes Noires », « Tourbière des Allamands ». 

- Inclusion in the Vanoise National Park. 

Main threats 

- Drainage. 

- Close proximity to several ski resorts. 

Map 


Important area for tourism. 

Presence of blanket peat bogs (EUR 7130), transition mires (EUR 7140) and fens (EUR 7210). 






305

ZONES HUMIDES DU COL DES ENCOMBRES ALP – FR04 




Area 



Located in the massif of Vanoise, the wetlands of “col des 

Encombres” is a complex of springs, blanket peat bogs, and high 

mires on gypsum and schis substrates. This site was drained at 

an earlier age by land restoration measures in mountain areas 

(RTM). 






Amphibians 




Extensive sheep grazing. 


Presence of cold stenothermal species: Ranunculus trichophyllus eradicatus. 


Berne 

Convention 

658 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 


National: - ZNIEFF type I « Vallée des Encombres ». 

- ZNIEFF type II « Massif du Perron des Encombres ». 

- Accession to the Vanoise National Park. 

306 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Source : CPNS 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 


Main threats 

- Degradation due to drainage. 

- Future extension of the ski resort. 

Map 


Presence of blanket peat bogs (EUR 7130), transition mires (EUR 7140) and fens (EUR 7210). 

Presence of the butterfly species small Apollo, Parnassius phoebus, classed as Vulnerable on the IUCN red 

list. 






307

LACS DES GORGES DU DORON DE TERMIGNON ALP – FR05 




Area 



This complex of mountain lakes and ponds (“lac de 

Bellecombe, lac Blanc, lac du Lait”, etc.) is located in the 

Vanoise National Park, north of the village of Termignon. The 

waterbodies , are lined up along about 3 km, on shelves 

overhanging a deep gorge through which flows the “Doron de 

Termignon”. The site, under the summits of “Grand Roc Noir”, 

faces the glaciers of “Dôme de l’Arpon” and “Dôme de 

Chasseforêt” (3600 m). The ponds and lakes are of particular 

interest for their remarkable Odonata assemblages, 

characterized by high altitude species. 






Amphibians 






Berne 

Convention 

30 ha 

B (species), C (density), E (other) 


Habitat 

Directive 

Presence of cold stenothermal species: Leucorrhinia dubia and Somatochlora alpestris. 

308 

IUCN Europe 

Source: http://www.destination-termignon.com 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 





International: - Natura 2000 site « Massif de la Vanoise ». 

National: - ZNIEFF type I « Gorges du Doron de Termignon ». 

- Vanoise National Park (Core Area). 

Main threats 


Map 







309

ZONES HUMIDES DU LAC POTRON ALP – FR06 




Area 



This mountain site, situated under "la Croix de Fer" pass, in the 

massif of "Grandes Rousses", is comprised of blanket peat bogs 

and 6 ponds, including “Lac Potron”, “Lac Guichard” and “le 

Laitelet”. Access to these waterbodies is facilitated by the 

proximity of a road (RD926) and by the village of St Sorlin 

d'Arves. This results in a high level of tourism in this area (hiking, 

fishing, etc.). 






Amphibians 




Tourism (winter sports, ski resorts, hiking, fishing). 

Grazing. 


Berne 

Convention 

390 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

Presence of cold stenothermal species: Sparganium angustifolium. 

310 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Source: CPNS 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 





National: - « Site inscrit Abords des cols du Glandon et de la Croix de Fer ». 

- ZNIEFF type I « Tourbière sous le col de la Croix de Fer », « Tourbière Pierre 

Aigüe », « Sources du ruisseau Blanc ». 

- ZNIEFF type II « Massif des Grandes Rousses ». 

Main threats 

- Drainage. 

- Ski lift equipment and ski slope daming. 

Map 


Presence of blanket peat bogs (EUR 7130) and fens (EUR 7210). 





http://www.rhone-alpes.ecologie.gouv.fr. 

311

LACS DU PLATEAU DU TAILLEFER ALP – FR07 

Administrative region France (Rhône-Alpes, Isère 38) 


Altitude 1600 - 2300 m 

Area 



The northern part of the “massif du Taillefer” between Livet-et- 

Gavet and Ornon presents a variety of wetland habitats (open 

water, bogs and transitional marsh). The largest waterbody, the 

“Lac Fourchu”, is prominent in the landscape. It is located south of 

Grand Galbier plateau, which has more than fifty ponds and lakes 

(“Lac Canard, Lac du Petit Pré, Lac du Grand Pré, Lac de 

Beauregard”, etc.). To the west of the “Lac Fourchu”, there are 

mires of and sources of tuff. The south of the plateau is also of 

note, because of the presence of a small complex of bog pools 

within forest habitat, which includes the “Lac Punay” and the “Lac 

du Poursollet”. This set of ponds support a very rich flora and fauna, 

particularly Odonata. 






Amphibians 





Berne 

Convention 

1000 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

312 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Source : dinootoo.com 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 





Presence of cold stenothermal species: Sparganium angustifolium, Aeshna juncea, Coenagrion 

hastulatum, Leucorrhinia dubia and Somatochlora alpestris. 


International: - Natura 2000 site « Landes, tourbières et habitats rocheux du massif Taillefer ». 

National: - ZNIEFF type I « Tourbières et lacs du versant du Fourchu », «Lacs et tourbières du 

plateau du Poursollet », « Bas marais et forêt du versant de la Jasse ». 

- ZNIEFF type II « Ensemble formé par le massif du Taillefer, du Grand Armet et du 

Coiro ». 

- Accession to the Ecrins National Park. 

Main threats 


Map 








313

DORMILLOUSE PONDS ALP – FR08 

Administrative region France (Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Alpes de Haute-Provence 04) 


Altitude 1600 - 2400 m 

Area 



The plateau and lakes of the “Col Bas” Mountain are high 

altitude sites, located on the villages of Méolans-Revel, 

Seyne, Lauzet-sur-Ubaye and Montclar (some kilometres 

south of the Lake of Serre-Ponçon). The geological substrate 

of the site consists mostly of Tertiary Annot sandstones, 

edged on the West with secondary limestones and marnolimestones. 

These beds are partly covered with glacial 

stones and scree from the Quaternary. Depressions are 

occupied by an important complex of lakes and ponds. The 

area is used for hiking in summer and skiing in winter. The 

plateau is partly accessible by chair lift from Montclar. 





3150: Natural eutrophic lakes with Magnopotamion or Hydrocharition. 



Plants 




Landscape and tourism interests. 


None. 

Berne 

Convention 

925 ha 

A (habitats), B (species), C (density), D (socio-economic) 


Habitat 

Directive 

314 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 


Amphibians 

Source: Lionel Quelin, CEEP 

Mesotriton alpestris An III LC LC


International: - Natura 2000 site « Dormillouse – Lavercq ». 

National: - « Site inscrit Plateau de Dormillouse ». 

- ZNIEFF type I « Plateau et lacs de la montagne du Col Bas - vallons du Loup, de 

Provence et de l'Ambouin » 

- ZNIEFF type II « Massif de la montagne de la Blanche - vallon de la Blanche de 

Lavercq - tête de l'Estrop - montagne de l'Ubac - haute vallée de la Bléone ». 

Main threats 

- Tourism: Impact of the ski station (trampling, erosion, etc.). 


- Forestry. 

Map 


None. 




- Conservatoire-Etudes des Ecosystèmes de Provence / Alpes du sud (CEEP), France. 


315

GOUILLES DES CHAUX DES PLANARDS ALP – CH01 

Administrative region Switzerland (Valais) 



Area 



Some kilometers away from the Franco-Swiss border, near 

Bourg-St-Pierre, the Comb of Planards is a wild place with 

numerous watercourses and ponds overhung by Mounts Tellier. 

The biggest waterbody, “Gouille du Dragon”, is 1310 m 2 . This 

very deep lake collects snow melt waters streaming from the 

summits which encircle it (Pointe des Planards, Pointe des Plans 

Sades and Pointe des Gros Six). The different outlets from the 

pools meet to form the torrent of Ebrets, which flows 

downstream into the Lake-reservoir of Toules. 






Amphibians 


High, approximately 10 ponds per km 2 . 






Berne 

Convention 

170 ha 

B (species), C (density) 


Habitat 

Directive 


National: - District Franc Fédéral "Val Ferret / Combe de l'A". 

316 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Source: Minssieux E 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 


Main threats 


Map 

0 300 600 1'200 m 


None. 


Source: Swisstopo CN25000 


- Centre Suisse de Cartographie de la Faune (CSCF), Switzerland. 

317

GLACIER DE TRANSFLEURON ALP – CH02 




Area 



The site “Glacier de Transfleuron”, in the massif of Diablerets 

(Savièse), straddles threecantons: Vaud, Bern and Valais. Near 

the pass of Sanetsch, the glacier has sculpted a wild and desert 

landscape. At the proglacial margin appears a glacio-karstic 

plateau presenting outcrops of folded rocks as well as an 

immense field of lapiaz. Water, running out from the glacier on 

this amazing vegetation free geological structure, forms a 

remarkable network of pools and puddles. Easily approachable 

by ski and chair lift, the glacier is strongly influenced by 

tourism. 









318 

Source: http://www.panoramio.com/ 

Tourism (hiking, flying, etc.). 

“Glacier 3000” attractions open all year-round (downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, surf park, 

bobsleigh track and dog sled ride, etc.). 




172 ha 

C (density), D (socio-economic) 


National: - Proglacial margin of National Importance. 

- Part on the Federal Inventory of Landscapes “Diablerets-Vallon de Nant- 

Derborance (Partie est)". 

- Area of landscape protection.

Main threats 


Map 

0 125 250 500 m 


None. 




319

LÖTSCHBERG ALP – CH03 




Area 



This set of crystalline mountain ponds hangs on the south side of the Lötschberg (Ferden). They flow out 

into the Färdanbach up to the Lötschental. The ponds are located on a historical path which guides the 

hikers from Kummenalp to the Lötschepass. In the ground beneath, a railway shuttle transports all 

vehicles across the Lötschberg every 30 minutes between Kandersteg and Goppenstein, circulating in the 

famous Lötschbergbasitünnel. 









Tourism (hiking). 




123 ha 



National: - Inventory of Historical Traffic Routes in Switzerland. 

320 

Source: http://www.ueliraz.ch

Main threats 


Map 

0 125 250 500 m 


None. 




321

GRIMSELPASS, TOTESEE ALP – CH04 




Area 



Located near the village of Oberwald, Totesee (or “lake of 

deaths”), a small natural lake of 1.8 ha, is part of a group of 

glacial lakes (Grimselsee, Oberaarsee) located downstream 

of several glaciers. These include the famous Rhône Glacier 

(Rhônegletscher), where the river of the same name takes its 

source. It is located at the Pass of Grimsel (Grimselpass), on 

the dividing line between the Rhine and Rhône catchments 

and until the 19 

Source: http://www.kalenderbild.ch 

th century one of the main Alpine passes. 

South of Totesee, above the historical road dating from 1894 

which joined the Alpine road network in Gletsch and was 

recently transformed into an expressway, is a wetland 

composed of about twenty small pools, the biggest not exceeding 200 m 2 . The region is the seat of 

scientific experiments, studying the underground stocking of radioactive waste (Grimsel Test Sites). 









Tourism (winter sports, ski tours). 


Presence of cold stenothermal species: Aeshna juncea and Somatochlora alpestris. 


123 ha 

C (density), D (socio-economic), E (other) 


National: - Part on the Inventory of Historical Traffic Routes in Switzerland “Obergesteln – 

Meiringen ; Grimselpass”. 

- Part on the Federal Inventory of Landscapes "Rhônegletscher mit Vorgelände". 

322

Main threats 


Map 

0 150 300 600 m 


None. 





323

STEISEE AM SUSTENPASS ALP – CH05 

Administrative region Switzerland (Berne) 



Area 



This site is located near the village of Gadmen, south of 

Sustenstrasse, and in a spectacular morainic landscape west of 

the glacial lake Steinsee, in the downstream part of the glacier 

Steingletscher. The complex of peat bogs, ponds and small lakes 

(the biggest, Seedodensee, is 200 m 2 ) supports several species 

of amphibians. The famous salamander Salamandra atra, well 

adapted to altitude ecosystems, has also been recorded nearby. 

This site was until recently used extensively for mountaineering, 

but has now been classified as a nature reserve and will soon 

benefit from better protection. 






Amphibians 






Berne 

Convention 

102 ha 

B (species), C (density), E (other criteria) 


Habitat 

Directive 

324 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Source: http://www.trail.ch/ 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 


Rana temporaria An III LC LC 

Presence of cold stenothermal species: Aesnha caerulea, Aeshna juncea and Somatochlora alpestris.



National: - Inventory of Historical Traffic Routes in Switzerland “Meiringen - Wassen; 

Sustenpass”. 

- Part of the Federal Inventory of Landscapes "Rhônegletscher mit Vorgelände". 

- Marshes of national importance. 

- Part of the Peat-bog of National Importance "In Miseren". 

- "Naturschutzgebiet Miseren / Hublen (Steingletscher, Susten)". 

Main threats 

- Extensive grazing (erosion, trampling, etc.). 

Map 


None. 

0 150 300 600 m 





325

RINDERSTOCK PLATTISEE ALP – CH06 

Administrative region Switzerland (Uri) 



Area 



This site belongs to the village of Spiringen, overhanging the 

Obersulztal, and is composed of three parts: a first plateau 

with two ponds, then a lower plateau including 13 small pools 

very close to one another, and finally Lake Plattisee (1657m 2 ) 

below these. 









Tourism (summer hiking). 




None. 

Main threats 

None. 

81 ha 


326 

Source: http://www.panoramio.com

Map 

0 150 300 600 m 


None. 




327

HINTER-SILBERENALP, SILBERENSEE ALP – CH07 

Administrative region Switzerland (Schwyz) 



Area 



Hinter-Silberenalp (Muotathal) is located east of the vast karstic 

plateau of Silberen (included in the Federal Inventory of 

Landscapes and Natural Monuments of National Importance) and 

to the north of lake Silberenseeli. The site is composed of 

approximately thirty small, more or less temporary pools. The 

zone is known as one of the vastest speleological systems of the 

world (the " Hölloch "). According to the numerous archeological 

investigations, the cave of the Dragon in the West of the area was 

occupied for at least 10,000 years ago, since the retreat of the 

glaciers. 






Amphibians 




Tourism (winter sports, ski tours). 


Berne 

Convention 

204 ha 

B (species), C (density), D (socio-economic), E (other) 


Habitat 

Directive 

328 

IUCN Europe 

Source: www.alpine-wandergruppe.de 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 


Presence of cold stenothermal species: Aeshna caerulea, Aeshna juncea, Leucorrhinia dubia and 

Somatochlora alpestris.



National: - Part of the Inventory of Historical Traffic Routes in Switzerland “Muotatal/Sand– 

Illgau”. 

- Federal Inventory of Landscapes “Silberen”. 

- Part on the District Franc Fédéral “Silbern-Jägern-Bödmerenwald”. 

Main threats 

None. 

Map 

0 200 400 800 m 


None. 





329

HÜENDERBÜEL MUTTSEE ALP – CH08 

Administrative region Switzerland (Grisons) 



Area 



This group formed by about twenty pools is high above 

Muttsee (0.42 km²). This lake, which is the highest lakereservoir 

in Europe, was incorporated into the hydro-electrical 

network of Linthal 40 years ago. Stored water is used for the 

production of electricity in peak consumption periods. In the 

middle of the site, the famous Muttseehütte, a lodge for the 

Alpine Club Switzerland, offers 65 beds to mountain lovers. 

The site is accessible from Tierfed, by cable car from the hydroelectrical 

plant Linth-Limmern and then the gallery which leads 

to the dam. 









Tourism (hiking). 




None. 

Main threats 


154 ha 

C (density) 

330 

Source: http://www.muttseehuette.ch/fotos.htm

Map 

0 150 300 600 m 


None. 




331

PASSO DEL SAN BERNARDINO ALP – CH09 




Area 



This site is a few kilometres away from the Italian border, at the San 

Bernardino pass (Mesocco), in the valley between “Piz Ucello” and “Piz 

Moesola”. The road leads to an enigmatic landscape with spectacular sets of 

small ponds and glacial grooves, before approaching the splendid “Laghetto 

Mesola”. East of this mountain lake is a valuable wetland that includes the 

pond complex “Laghit d'Ardei”. This pass was already in use during the 

Roman period; nowadays, a tunnel (6.6km long at 1600m altitude on 

expressway 13) passes under the site guaranteeing a north-south link all year 

long. 






Amphibians 




Tourism (hiking and winter sports). 



Berne 

Convention 

261 ha 

B (species), C (density), D (socio-economic) 


Habitat 

Directive 

332 

IUCN Europe 

Source: http://www.panoramio.com 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 




National: - Mire Landscape of National Importance "San Bernardino". 

- Federal Inventory of Landscapes “Quellgebiet des Hinterrheins und San 

Bernardino-Passhöhe”. 

- In part on the Raised and Transitional Bogs of National Importance "Sass de la 

Golp (Lucomagno)". 

- Landscape protection area “Passo San Bernadino” and “Val Vignun und Val 

Curciusa”. 

- Protected natural objects “Sass de la Golp”. 

Main threats 


Map 

0 250 500 1’000 m 


None. 





333

PRADASCHIERER ALP ALP – CH10 




Area 



This site is found overhanging Pradaschier, one of the largest 

holiday resorts in the Swiss Alps. It contains around 15 ponds, 

on an undulating and grassy plateau, within an area of one and 

a half kilometres. Less than 2km to the West of a place named 

“Glattenböden” this is the Low Marsh of National Importance 

“Alp dil Plaun” with records of both the common frog (Rana 

temporaria) and the Alpine newt (Mesotriton alpestris). 






Amphibians 




Tourism (winter sports, outdoor family leisure). 




None. 

Berne 

Convention 

213 ha 

B (species), C (density) 


Habitat 

Directive 

334 

IUCN Europe 

Source: http://www.mountainbiker.ch 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 



Main threats 

- Proximity to the tourist complex of Pradaschier. 

Map 

0 250 500 1’000 m 


None. 





335

GOLF SAMEDAN ALP – CH11 




Area 



The Samedan golf course, opened in 1891, and is the oldest golf 

course in Switzerland. It is surrounded by seven hundred-year-old 

larches and ponds, inhabited by the alpine newt (Mesotriton 

alpestris) and the common frog (Rana temporaria). 






Amphibians 




Tourism (golf resort). 




Berne 

Convention 

139 ha 

B (species), C (density), D (socio-economic) 


Habitat 

Directive 


National: - Part on the Federal Inventory of Landscapes “Oberengadiner Seenlandschaft und 

Berninagruppe". 

336 

IUCN Europe 

Source: http://www.graubuenden.ch 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 



Main threats 

- Human impacts (trampling, etc.). 

- Maintenance of the golf course (mowing, fertilization, etc.). 

Map 

0 185 370 740 m 


None. 





337

PASSO DEL BERNINA ALP – CH12 




Area 



This Mire Landscape of National Importance 

is located at the level of the Alpine pass of 

Bernina. In the east, the railway runs 

alongside the “Lago Bianco” (it is the highest 

railway in Europe crossing the Alps and one 

of the steepest in the world). In the south, 

the road “Berninastrasse” joins Italy. The 

current reservoir was formed by the two 

dams Scala and Arlas on the site of two 

smaller natural lakes (“Lago Bianco” and 

“Lago della Scala”). The marsh is fed by small 

braided watercourses which meander 

Source: www.naturamediterraneo.com 

between Rundhöckern. The adjacent areas 

are used for fodder production, but the protection afforded to the site means it is not threatened by this 

landuse. 






Amphibians 






Berne 

Convention 

273 ha 



Habitat 

Directive 

Presence of stenothermal species: Somatochlora alpestris. 

338 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 



International: - None 

National: - Federal Inventory of Landscapes "Oberengadiner Seenlandschaft und 

Berninagruppe" 

- Landscape protection area “Paesaggio palustre Bernina” 

- Mire Landscape of National Importance "Val da Campasc/Passo del Bernina" 

- Protected natural objects (Palu Granda, Lagh da Campasc) 

- District franc Fédéral "Campasc" 

- Federal hunting reserve 

Main threats 


Map 

0 250 500 1’000 m 


None. 





339

LAIS DA MACUN ALP – CH13 




Area 



The site named “Lais da Macun” or “Lakes of Ibexes” rises to 

more than 2600 m within a hilly semi-circle, which opens to the 

north. In 2000 this lake plateau was included in the central zone 

of the Swiss National Park and as such benefits from complete 

protection measures. It comprises of more than 36 both 

temporary and permanent ponds, fed by numerous sources and 

linked by a network of watercourses. More than 50 species of 

macroinvertebrates are found in this high altitude ecosystem. 









Biodiversity monitoring site. 

Landscape and tourism. 


Presence of stenothermal species: Acrophylax zerberus (Trichoptera), Hydroporus foveolatus, 

Hydroporus sabaudus (Coleoptera-Dytiscidae) and Micropsectra oxoniana (Diptera-Chironomidae). 


International: - Biosphere Reserve "Nationalpark Graubünden”. 

National: - Swiss National park. 

- Federal Inventory of Landscapes "Schweizerischer National park und Randgebiete. 

Main threats 


360 ha 

C (density), D (socio-economic), E (other) 

340 

Source: ©Reymond, A.S.

Map 


None. 




341

PLATIZER JOCH ALP – AT01 

Administrative region Voralberg, Bludenz-Bregenzer Wald 



Area 



The plateau of Platzi (Tschagguns, Vandans) is delimited to 

the north and to the west by the Zaluandabach and the 

Schattenwald forest and to the southeast by the crest of 

the Latschatz. Its center is occupied by about ten ponds of 

different depths and sizes (all smaller than 3500 m 2 ), the 

smallest ones being temporary. On their outskirts north 

and east are located several marshes and a protected peat 

bog (Österreichischer Moorschutzkatalog "Platzisalpe"). 














National: - Protected landscape “Rellstal and Lunerseegebiet”. 

Main threats 


17 ha 

C (density) 

342 

Source: www.bergfex.at

Map 

0 225 450 900 m 


None. 




343

VALLÜASEEN ALP – AT02 

Administrative region Voralberg, Bludenz-Bregenzer Wald/Tirol, Tiroler Oberland 



Area 



Located between Tirol and Voralberg, this site is situated near the Vallüasee, north of Mount Vallüla in 

southern Montafon. It includes about one hundred ponds and pools created by the action of glaciers on 

the impermeable substratum. 






Amphibians 








None. 

Main threats 


Berne 

Convention 

250 ha 

C (density) 


Habitat 

Directive 

344 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 



Map 

0 375 750 1’500 m 


None. 



- Zoology Institute, Salzburg University. 


345

WIDDERSBERG ALP – AT03 

Administrative region Tirol, Innsbrück 


Altitude 2400 - 2600 m 

Area 



This site is located on a plateau in the Kalkkögel Mountains (Sellrein). This high altitude amphitheatre is 

surrounded on 300° by a 2700 meter high ridge composed of the Kastengral, Roter Kogel and 

Arweswände, and open to the north-east. There are about twenty temporary and permanent ponds 

interconnected by watercourses which form three principal hydrological chains. These eventually join 

together to give rise to the Almindbach brook. The Kalkkögel have been declared a “Ruhegebiet” (literally 

a “quietness area”) and thus are protected from any further development. 














National: - Ruhegebiet Kalkkögel. 

Main threats 


400 ha 

C (density) 

346

Map 

0 250 500 1’000 m 


None. 




347

SCHAFLAKEN ALP – AT04 

Administrative region Tirol, Tiroler Unterland 



Area 



East of the town of Stummerberg, at a place called "Kühsteinalm" at the foot of the Speikspitze, this 

plateau of mountain pasture with herbaceous vegetation shelters a small group of around fifty ponds 

more or less temporary (the biggest one is no more than 0.1 hectares). Very close to each other, they are 

distributed in an homogenous manner on a little more than 150 hectares. 













None. 

Main threats 


160 ha 

C (density) 

348

Map 

0 250 500 1000 m 


None. 




349

SIEBEN-MÖSER-GERLOSPLATTE ALP – AT05 

Administrative region Salzburg, Pinzgau-Pongau 



Area 



This raised bog site in the north-west of the town of 

Krimml is composed of about fifteen ponds. The ponds are 

very near to one another and all are smaller than 1000 m 2 . 

The water bodies are surrounded by roads and ski resorts, 

but are buffered by a forest belt. The site is part of the 

Natura 2000 network. 













International: - Natura 2000 site Nr. AT3204002 “Sieben-Möser/Gerlosplatte“. 

National: - National park “Hohe Tauern”. 

- Naturschutzgebiet Nr. 0002 “Sieben-Möser/Gerlosplatte“ 

- Landschaftschutzgebiet 

Main threats 


29 ha 

C (density) 

350 

Source: http://www.alpenfreaks.sohosted.com

Map 

0 125 250 500 m 


None. 




351

SEEN IM RAURISER URWALD ALP – AT06 

Administrative region Salzburg, Pinzgau-Pongau 



Area 



The “virgin forest” of Rauris is a typical near natural slope 

forest, composed of spruces more than 300 years old and 

centennial larches covered by characteristic lichens. The 

site is part of the national park "Hohe Tauern" and 

contains more than 80 peat bog ponds. Only a dozen are 

of sufficient size to be mapped including the largest, 

Fiebingersee. An educational nature trail including 

interpretation boards placed across the forest and a small 

museum provides visitors with information about the 

site’s remarkable geology, fauna and flora. 









A valuable education resource. 




International: - Natura 2000 site “Hohe Tauern, Salzburg”. 

National: - National park “Hohe Tauern”. 

Main threats 


43 ha 

C (density) 

352 

Source: http://www.bucheben.at

Map 


Environmental education. 



Source: BEV DLM 50© 

353

KLAFFERKESSEL SEEN ALP – AT07 

Administrative region Steiermark, Liezen 


Altitude 2100 - 2300 m 

Area 



This high alpine area, in upper Styria (Rohrmoos, 

Michaeleberg), is a formerly glaciated area situated in the 

Schladminger Tauern mountains. This massif is considered 

to be the richest in lakes in the eastern Alps. The site of 

Klafferkessel has three lakes of more than 2.5ha 

(Rauenbergsee, Oberer and Unterer Klaffersee) and about 

twenty ponds in an area of little more than one km 2 . 






Amphibians 








Berne 

Convention 

108 ha 

C (density) 


Habitat 

Directive 


National: - Naturschutzgebiet NSG XI “Klafferkessel“. 

- Europaschutzgebiet Nr. 38 – Niedere Tauern. 

354 

IUCN Europe 

Source: http://www.andreasresch.at/ 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 



Main threats 


Map 


None. 



- Zoology Institute, Salzburg University. 


355

GOLD-LACKEN AND TRATTENSCHARTE ALP – AT08 

Administrative region Steiermark, Liezen 



Area 



The Schladminger Tauern massif is as an archäan massif 

extremely rich in mountain lakes and ponds. Located within the 

commune of Rohrmoos, Pruggern and Kleinsölk, this site is 

formed by two plateaus linked together by a pass and 

surrounded by summits up to 2700 m at the highest point 

(Hochwildstelle, Hohes Schareck and Berg Himmelreich). The 

Goldlacken ponds are situated in the north-east, Trattensee and 

its surroundings in the south-west. 














National: - In part on the Naturschutzgebiet Nr. XII and Nr XI. 

- Landschaftsschutzgebiet Nr. 11. 

- Europaschutzgebiet Nr. 38 – Niedere Tauern. 

- In part on the NaturPark Sölktäler. 

Main threats 


110 ha 

C (density) 

356 

Source: ©2004 by AlpenYeti

Map 


None. 




357

STAGNI MALGHE DEL PIELTINIS ALP – IT01 

Administrative region Friuli Venezia Giulia, Provincia di Udine 


Altitude 1600 - 1900 m 

Area 



This mountain site in the “Alpi Carniche” is situated North of 

the villages of Sauris and just south of the Pesarina Valley. 

Around the Peltinis mountain ponds there is a small plateau 

with both natural and artificial ponds formerly used and/or 

managed for provision of freshwater to cattle. Today the 

ponds support one of the biggest metapopulations of several 

amphibian species in the region, including alpine newt 

(Mesotriton alpestris), common toad (Bufo bufo) and common 

frog (Rana temporaria). The site is also rich in dragonflies, 

water beetles, crustaceans and freshwater plants. 



358 

Source: Bressi, N. 





Amphibians 


Low, between 1 and 1.5 ponds per km 2 . 


Tourism (site for summer hiking). 

Mainly cattle watering since the late Middle Ages. 


Berne 

Convention 

2000 ha 

A (habitat), B (species), D (socio-economic), E (other) 


Habitat 

Directive 

IUCN Europe 

Endemism to 

Europe 

Species richness of dragonflies, water beetles, crustaceans and aquatic plants. 

Other status 

B1.I # B1.II # B2.I # B2.II # B3 # B4 # 





None. 

Main threats 

- Eutrophication partly due to the disappearance of traditional alpine grazing systems. 

Map 

0 500 1'000 2'000 m 


None. 



- Trieste Natural History Museum, Italy. 


359

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