The Site is in central Hungary in the Danube river basin. Its continental saline ecosystems – marshes, grazing lands, sodic-alkaline meadows and terraces – and salt-resistant vegetation are characteristic and unique to the Pannonic biogeographic region. The Site is important for birds as a nesting, feeding and roosting ground and supports more than 20,000 geese, ducks and waders during migration periods. It hosts several plant and animal species endemic to the Carpathian Basin, which are important for maintaining the biological diversity of the region, and it constitutes one of the Hungarian strongholds for the great bustard Otis tarda and black-winged stilt Himantopus himantopus. The wetland plays an important role in the retention and storage of inland water and the regulation of groundwater levels. Land use is dedicated to traditional extensive farming and in particular domestic semi-nomadic animal grazing. The main threats derive from agricultural pollution and water regulation followed by falling groundwater levels. Wetland restoration programmes have been carried out.

Last publication date: 03-04-2017