| FishBase | Complete | Literature | Reference | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Species | Families | Species | Families | |||
| Marine | 333 | 150 | Yes | Giaccardi, M., P. Yorio and M.E. Lizurume, 1997 | ||
| Freshwater | 2 | 2 | Yes | Vatova, A., 1975 | ||
| Total | 334 | 151 | No | |||
| Conservation | The following information is to be sought: - Status of knowledge of the freshwater fauna; - Existence of conservation plans; - Information on major aquatic habitats or sites within the country; - Current major threats to species; - Future potential threats to species; - Contact(s) for further information. |
| Geography and Climate |
Mauritania (surface area 1,030,400 sq. km.) can be divided into three distinct zones:
(a) a narrow southern belt along the Senegal River Valley which is relatively well vegetated;
(b) an intermediate central belt of broad sandy plains and dunes fixed with scrub grasses; and
(c) a northern desertic belt of rocky plateaus and sand seas.
The climate is extremely hot and dry with very little rainfall, which is confined to the south between July and August.
Mauritania is mainly occupied by nomadic people. Settled agriculture is confined to the valley of the Senegal River. Ref. Vanden Bossche, J.-P. and G.M. Bernacsek, 1990 |
| Hydrography |
Lakes: there are several lakes associated with the Senegal Floodplain system. These include Lake Rkiz (area of 12 sq. km. at high water) and Lake Iianbrank (area of circa 30 sq. km.). Lake Aleg is a small saline lake in the interior.
Rivers, floodplains and swamps: the only permanent rivers in the country are the Senegal, which forms the border with the Republic of Sengal for over 600 km, and the lower reaches of its tributary, the Gorgol, which drains the Massif de l'Assaba. Another tributary, the Garfa, is seasonal.
Reservoirs: there is one important reservoir: Foum-Gleita.
Coastal lagoons: there is one important lagoon/swamp: Toumbos. Ref. Vanden Bossche, J.-P. and G.M. Bernacsek, 1990 |