Aswan reservoir (6199)
Egypt, Africa

Site overview

KBA status: confirmed

Year of last assessment: 2001

National site name: Aswan reservoir

Central coordinates: Latitude: 24.0000, Longitude: 32.9000

System: freshwater, terrestrial

Elevation (m): 200 to 200

Area of KBA (km²): 14.65457

KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD

Legacy site: Yes

Site details

Site description: The Aswan reservoir is the segment of the Nile located between the old Aswan Dam (completed in 1920) and the High Dam. It is 7 km in length and ranges between 1.5 and 4 km in width. The shores are very steep and rocky, with many inundated desert wadis (khors), most of which are on the eastern side. Several small granite islands (part of the First Cataract) are found in the northern section of the reservoir. The water in the reservoir is maintained at a fairly stable level, allowing a narrow fringe of vegetation to grow. Ceratophyllum and Potamogeton are the dominant aquatic plants.

Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance because it meets one or more previously established criteria and thresholds for identifying sites of biodiversity importance (including Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, Alliance for Zero Extinction sites, and Key Biodiversity Areas)

Additional biodiversity: See Box for key species. Aythya nyroca winters in internationally important numbers. Over 6,000 waterbirds were counted in winter 1989/90, while c.3,000 were counted in February 1995. The most numerous birds were Anas penelope, Aythya ferina, Aythya fuligula and Fulica atra. Characteristic breeding birds include Gallinula chloropus, Vanellus spinosus and Ceryle rudis. Egretta garzetta and Ardeola ralloides breed in the vicinity of the reservoir.

Habitats

Land use: hunting | water management

Threats

Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Urban encroachment on neighbouring shores, and resultant pollution and disturbance, are threatening to diminish the value of this area as a waterbird habitat. Shooting of waterbirds, particularly by visiting European hunters, is reported to take place regularly during winter.

Additional information