The Site, the largest artificial reservoir in the Hauts Plateaux region, also includes permanent and seasonal rivers, streams and freshwater marshes. It is located 90 kilometres north of the city of Médéa, on the northern edge of the Sahara Desert. The Site has a semi-arid climate, characterized by halophilic herbaceous vegetation such as phragmites reeds. It provides a key stopover area for birds migrating across the Sahara: internationally important numbers of migrant and wintering waterbirds include two globally threatened species, marbled teal (Marmaronetta angustirostris) and white-headed duck (Oxyura leucocephala). It is also important as a water storage area for livestock. The main threats are related to livestock farming and ranching, and other human activities such as mining and quarrying. The Site hosts some research activities and also communication, education, participation and awareness (CEPA) activities.