The Zaranik Protectorate (Arabic: محمية الزرانيق) is an international wetland site covering 250 km² to protect the hundreds of thousands of migratory birds that pass through during Autumn. Still, there are also 18 species of reptiles.
On the northern coast of the Sinai Peninsula lies the beautiful Zaranik Lagoon. This unique Zaranik Protectorate is a favourite location for migrating water birds. This amazing lagoon contains small inlets supporting dense vegetation. Bordering the eastern end of Lake Bardawil, the Zaranik Lagoon is a migratory haven for threatened bird species like the Corncrake and Pallid Harriers. Endowed protected status in 1985, this 230 km ² lagoon also hosts small populations of the endangered Egyptian Tortoise and the Loggerhead Turtle species.
Location of Zaranik National Park
The Zaranik Protectorate lies at the eastern end of Lake Bardawil on the Sinai Mediterranean coast. It is a significant bottleneck for migrating 270 recorded waterbirds due to its location and the Zaranik Lagoon.
Ecology of Zaranik Protectorate
Small islets in the Zaranik lagoon support dense halophytic vegetation. Bottle-nosed Dolphins are the most commonly observed marine animals, while Loggerhead Turtles (Caretta Caretta) nest on its Mediterranean shore.
Recently, a small population of the rare and endangered Egyptian Tortoise (Testudo Kleinmanni) has been found in the area. Several vulnerable or threatened birds, including Corncrake (Crex Crex) and Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus), migrate through the site.
Classified as a wetland and a vital bird destination, Zaranik was declared a natural protectorate in 1985 as one of the first of its kind. Lake Bardawil, a large body of coastal saltwater, lies at the protectorate’s western edge. At 250 square kilometres (roughly 70 per cent of its area is covered in saltwater, 30 per cent by land and dunes), Zaranik is also one of Egypt’s larger protectorates.
Historical Importance
Zaranik Protectorate is located along an important historical trade route linking Egypt with the East. Fascinating sites, pottery fragments and other remains are scattered throughout the area. On Felusyat Island, an ancient Roman fort and 3 Byzantine churches can be explored. Nearby, at El Khweynat, a tomb and the remains of a mosque dating back to the Islamic conquest can be found.
Threats
According to the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA)–the executive body of the Ministry of State for Environmental Affairs–the Zaranik Protectorate is confronted by several threats. The risks include uncontrolled bird hunting, unregulated tourism and recreation. In addition, the land use for livestock grazing and, most importantly, the presence of a salt-mining industry affect the protectorate and upset the natural balance of the protection. Thus, Zaranik Protectorate faces the loss of some species.
