Azraq Oasis. 10/01/77; 7,372 ha; 31°49'N 036°48'E. Added to the Montreux Record, 4 July 1990. Waterbird Reserve. A formerly permanent, spring-fed wetland and extensive (6,127ha) seasonally-flooded mudflat of a large drainage basin. Under natural conditions, the lush oasis supported reed and sedge communities restricted to Jordan and Azraq. It is a valuable staging area for migrating birds and serves as an important water supply for local communities, as well as the main water source for the capital city, Amman. Placed on the Montreux Record in 1990 because unsustainable groundwater extraction led to the almost complete desiccation of the site. In February 1998 it was reported that phase one of the physical rehabilitation was almost complete, and the next phase involving addressing the social and economic concerns of the people living in the site vicinity would begin. Subject of a Ramsar Advisory Mission in 1990. Ramsar site no. 135. Most recent RIS information: 1998.