The Ramsar Photo Gallery

Wetlands of International Importance: Namibia, Orange River Mouth

Orange River Mouth Ramsar site. Low water levels, 21 January 2000

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.

For further information about the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, please contact the Ramsar Convention Bureau, Rue Mauverney 28, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland (tel +41 22 999 0170, fax +41 22 999 0169, e-mail ). Posted 23 January 2001, updated 6 April 2001, Dwight Peck, Ramsar.