Catahoula Lake. 18/06/91; Louisiana; 12,150 ha; 31°30'N 092°06'W. National Wildlife Refuge. A large, poorly drained depression subject to artificially controlled, seasonal fluctuations. The lake is fed by the Little River and numerous smaller water courses and is subject to back-flooding. Few plants are ecologically adapted to the extreme variations in water level, although annual grasses and sedges flourish. The most important inland wetland for waterbirds in Louisiana, with peak counts exceeding 400,000 birds. The endangered eagle Haliaetus leucocephalus occurs as a non-breeding visitor. The lake also supports sport and commercial fisheries. Long-term historical hunting at the site has led to a high density of lead pellets in the lake, the use of which is now illegal. The lake overlies an important oil field that has been commercially exploited for 40 years. Ramsar site no. 523. Most recent RIS information: 2005.