• Summary
• Text account
• Data table and detailed info
• Map
• Reference and further resources

Site description (2001 baseline)
The Aswan reservoir is the segment of the Nile located between the old Aswan Dam (completed in 1920) and the High Dam. It is 7 km in length and ranges between 1.5 and 4 km in width. The shores are very steep and rocky, with many inundated desert wadis (khors), most of which are on the eastern side. Several small granite islands (part of the First Cataract) are found in the northern section of the reservoir. The water in the reservoir is maintained at a fairly stable level, allowing a narrow fringe of vegetation to grow. Ceratophyllum and Potamogeton are the dominant aquatic plants.

Key biodiversity
See Box for key species. Aythya nyroca winters in internationally important numbers. Over 6,000 waterbirds were counted in winter 1989/90, while c.3,000 were counted in February 1995. The most numerous birds were Anas penelope, Aythya ferina, Aythya fuligula and Fulica atra. Characteristic breeding birds include Gallinula chloropus, Vanellus spinosus and Ceryle rudis. Egretta garzetta and Ardeola ralloides breed in the vicinity of the reservoir.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Aswan reservoir (Egypt). Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/aswan-reservoir-iba-egypt on 22/11/2024.