Oasis du Tafilalet. 15/01/05; Errachidia, Goulmima; 65,000 ha; 31°17'N 004°15'W. Part of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Site of Biological and Ecological Interest. This site comprises a series of oases, the reservoir of one of the oldest dams in Morocco (Hassan Ad-Dakhil), small rivers, irrigation channels, and lacustrine and marsh areas. It is an important wintering site for migratory birds, especially sparrows and two endangered waterbird species, Tadorna ferruginea and Marmaronetta angustirostris. It also hosts remarkable populations of Ruppell's Bat (Pipistrellus rueppelli) and of the Sand Cat (Felis margarita), in addition to an endemic fish (Barbus figuiguensis). Agriculture is a common activity, with the main cultivation being alfalfa, cereals, henna, date palms and fruit trees. Sheep raising is also common, with the D'man race showing the best productivity rates. The dam's control of downstream water releases has meant that many river channels downstream only have water during certain times of the year, a phenomenon which is worsened by excessive water abstraction for agriculture and human consumption and the droughts that have become more common during the past two decades. Soil salinisation has also become a problem in many areas, due to the high rates of evaporation. Ramsar site no. 1483. Most recent RIS information: 2005.