Merja de Fouwarate

Merja Fouwarate
Merja Fouwarate
Merja Fouwarate
Merja Fouwarate
Merja Fouwarate
Merja Fouwarate

Merja de Fouwarate

  • Country: 
    Morocco
  • Site number: 
    2324
  • Area: 
    502 ha
  • Designation date: 
    12-01-2018
  • Coordinates: 
    34°14'N 06°31'W
Materials presented on this website, particularly maps and territorial information, are as-is and as-available based on available data and do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

Overview

The Site is a shallow swamp, which is believed to be a remnant of a large wetland complex that once covered the Gharb plain of northwestern Morocco. It provides nesting, staging and wintering habitat for about 60 species of waterbird, whose numbers may exceed 20,000 during wintering and passage periods. Its hydrology has greatly improved since the beginning of the 21st century, leading to the expansion of aquatic plants which now occupy up to 30% of the Site area and provide shelter for many waterbirds to nest. Tamarix, acacia and eucalyptus trees also attract breeders. Among the birds are several rare species including the endangered white-headed duck Oxyura leucocephala, the vulnerable marbled teal Marmaronetta angustirostris and the near-threatened ferruginous duck Aythya nyroca, black-tailed godwit Limosa limosa and Eurasian curlew Numenius arquata. The peri-urban location of the Site, and the associated drainage, backfilling and urbanization, and urban and agricultural pollution, have caused long-term losses in its area.

Administrative region: 
Région Rabat-Salé-Kénitra

  • National legal designation: 
    • Site d'Intérêt Biologique et Ecologique de priorité 3 - Oued Fouarat
  • Last publication date: 
    01-02-2018

Downloads

Ramsar Information Sheet (RIS)

Additional reports and documents