Stari Begej/Carska Bara Special Nature Reserve. 25/03/96; Serbia; 1,767 ha; 45°15'N 020°23'E. Special Nature Reserve. The site, a remnant of the once flooded area in the lower Begej River, is a mosaic of fishponds, swamp, marsh, forest, meadow, and steppe intersected by rivers, canals, and embankments. Vegetation consists of salt-tolerant communities, a rich aquatic flowering plant community, and steppe vegetation. Of the 250 recorded bird species, 140 species nest at the site and 100 pass through on migration. Notably, all eight European heron species and Anser anser nest at the site. The diversity of biotopes gives rise to high species diversity at the site and includes various rare, endangered, or vulnerable fish, birds, plants, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. Human activities include recreation, birdwatching, sport fishing, and some traditional agricultural. There is an important commercial fishery nearby. Ramsar site no. 819. Most recent RIS information: 1994.