Wetlands of International Importance: Namibia, Orange River Mouth
Orange River Mouth Ramsar site. Low water levels, 21 January 2000
Same scene, 3 March 2000, with the highest water levels in 20 years.
Photos contributed by Holger Kolberg metreper@iafrica.com.na
Principal Conservation Scientist
Ministry of Environment and Tourism
Private Bag 13306
Windhoek, Namibia
Orange River Mouth. 23/08/95; 500 ha; 28º40’S 016º30’E. Transborder site with South Africa. The sole perennial river in the region, it forms a linear oasis (floodplain) of islands and sand bars through an arid region. The site provides habitat for a variety of endemic plants and during the summer is the sixth richest wetland in southern Africa, in terms of bird numbers supported. The abundance of three species exceed 1% of their respective global populations. Restricted recreation takes place within the park. In surrounding areas, activities include diamond mining, irrigation, and large-scale water abstraction. Ramsar site no. 744.
