THE PRUT FLOODPLAIN POTENTIAL RAMSAR SITE. CURRENT SITUATION AND PERSPECTIVES

Gina Radu, Iuliana Ticalo, Dan Buruiana
Regional Environmental Protection Agency  Galati, Prut-Barlad Water Basin Administration, A.I.Cuza University of Iasi, Romania

Abstract

The Prut River Floodplain is a representative near-natural wetland located in trans-border position, between Romania and the Moldavian Republic. Although there is a dam along the river (at about 50 - 150 m distance from the shore) this wetland plays an important hydrological and ecological role in the functioning of the Prut River (one of the most important tributary of the lower Danube basin).
The boundaries of proposed Ramsar site overlap the boundary of Lower Prut Floodplain Natural Park in Galati county (according with Government decision no. 2151/2004) and the boundary of ROSCI Prut River - Site of Community Importance (according with Government decision no. 2387/2011). The total area is approximately 20500 ha.
The micro delta features, with inner lakes, canals and dead river branches support high diversity of plant and animal species. The natural hydrologic range of the wetland was changed by anthropogenic activities which substantially disturb the bird populations connected with wetlands. Nevertheless, recent ornithological inventories certify the presence of more than 227 species inhabit in the site, breeding, nesting, wintering or in migration.
Being a component of the East-Elbic migration route, the Prut Floodplain represents an important staging area for most of migratory species. During migration in spring and autumn, over 20000 birds can be recorded.