Lake Chad Wetlands in Nigeria. 30/04/08; Borno; 607,354 ha; 13°04'N 013°48'E. In northeast Nigeria, bordered by Niger to the north, Chad to the northeast, and Cameroon to the south. The site comprises a disjointed complex of permanent freshwater marshes (formerly inundated as part of Lake Chad), some rivers and their deltas, and the remaining part of Lake Chad. The main feature, Lake Chad, is an historically large, shallow lake whose size has varied greatly over the centuries. The major vegetation types include grasses, sedges, floating macrophytes, and shrubs, which form important habitats for a great variety of Palearctic migrating waterbirds, including the vulnerable Marbled Teal. The lake supports some indigenous fish species and is economically important, providing water, fish and other resources to the surrounding populations. Agriculture is also greatly practiced around the wetlands. Threats to the site include recession of lake waters due to climatic influence and upstream dam construction, and the consequent continuing desiccation of the wetlands. The only element of management in the area is provided by the Kanuri traditional rulers, who see to the sale of fishing rights in ponds and stretches of water as well as farming rights on the receding lakebed. Ramsar site no. 1749. Most recent RIS information: 2008.