Nguru Lake (and Marma Channel) complex. 02/10/00; Jigawa, Yobe; 58,100 ha; 10°22'N 012°46'E. A sahelian floodplain and lake which qualifies under the representative Criterion (embodying all of the diverse flora and fauna of both the Sahel and Sudan), the 20,000 waterfowl Criterion for at least three species (Philomachus pugnax, Anas querquedula, and Dendrocygna viduata), and the fish Criteria (with some 20% of the fish variety of the Lake Chad Basin and about 1% of all fish caught in inland freshwater bodies in Nigeria; the "disc Tilapia" is thought to be endemic). Floods in the wet season play a critical role in recharging groundwater, upon which Nguru town and the string of settlements along the channel and lake are dependent. Some 200,000 people depend for their livelihoods upon the site, particularly for water supply. Educational research and ecotourism are practiced sustainably, but grazing, cultivation, and fishing are increasingly causing pressure. The spread of invasive Typha grass, taking over flood rice and cassava fields, blocking river channels, and undermining fisheries, is seen as a major problem. The IUCN-Hadejia Nguru Wetlands Conservation Project maintains research facilities and an information center and encourages ecotourism with boat rides. HNWCP's wise use guidelines for the site have been accepted by government as a working document. Ramsar site no. 1039. Most recent RIS information: 2000.