parceled to private individuals. the perennial grasses grown are edible and easily digestible with botanical names of Echinochloa stagnina (a perennial plant) and Vossia cuspidata, and which grow in varying depths of water (). The crop variety, which is extensive, is of wild rice (Oryza longistaminata and bartti). Another plant species that acts as barrier to sand deposition is the Vetiveria nigritiana, when the water stages in the lake and the delta is high. The aquatic plants sustain varying levels of water in the lake and the soil types dictates the ecology of the region. The sloping banks of the lake have shrubs interspersed with grasses and vacant patches, and woody species, generally of acacia species. Akkagoun and Dentaka are the forested areas surrounding the lake and the delta, which are home for many water birds. Algal blooms are also reported from the lake which could result in reduction of the water transparency. Fauna The West African manatee is the most prominent fauna species in the lake which is reported as its last habitat in the world. Hippos are also reported from the lake (the hippo population is estimated at 40 to 60 individuals). Nile crocodile is also reported from the flood plains. Within the basin area of the lake and the delta mammal species reported include: roan antelope, dorcas gazelle, dama gazelle, red-fronted gazelle, whilst reptile species include Nile monitor and African rock python. The avifauna found within the lake area, which forms one of the major wetlands in the Sahel, is represented by species from both the Palearctic and Afrotropic ecozones. Over 1 million birds have been recorded as using the lake;, including a large number of migratory and resident species, such as sand martin and yellow wagtail, reed cormorant, glossy ibis, spoonbill, great white egret, purple heron, ferruginous duck, white-winged black tern, ruff and black-tailed godwit. However, a number of Afrotropical species such as the rare black crowned crane are dwindling. A sea side feeling is felt around the lake and the delta, as the air is filled with the sounds of water birds and gulls. As the lake is an important stopping place for migratory birds, UNESCO has classified it as a Ramsar zone under the title whole of Lake Walado Débo, which is part of the inner delta with 350 species of birds, including 118 migratory species. The Synodontis gobroni and the Gobiocichla wonderi are