Wadi Elrayan

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Coordinates: 29°08′52″N 30°23′33″E / 29.14778°N 30.39250°E / 29.14778; 30.39250 Wadi El Rayan: Is a unique natural Egyptian Protectorate in Faiyum Governorate, under the supervision of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA).

Geography

Waterfalls between upper and lower lakes in the Wadi el-Raiyan (Wadi el-Rayyan), Egypt

The valley of Wadi El-Rayan stretches on an area of 1759 km2, 113 km2 of which are the dominating water body of Wadi El-Rayan lakes. About 65 km southwest of Faiyum city and 80 km west of the Nile River. The Wadi has been used to contain man-made lakes from agricultural drainange which has made a reserve of the two separate Wadi El-Rayan Lakes. The reserve is composed of: A 50.90 km2-Upper lake, 62.00 km2-Lower lake, Waterfalls between the two lakes. In addition to springs, of which three are sulphur springs at the southern side of the lower lake, with extensive mobile sand dunes. Wadi El Rayan Waterfalls considered to be the largest waterfalls in Egypt.

Jabal Manqueer Al-Rayan at the south and southeast of the springs where marine fossils and archeological remains are found. Also, Jabal Madwera near the lower lake, which is known for its extensive dune formations.

Flora and fauna

The vegetation is confined to inter-dune areas around springs and at the base of large dunes. The vegetation cover is made of 13 species of perennial plants and a few individuals of Calligonum comosum and Zygophyllum album. Wadi El Rayan is also important because it accommodates one of the world's few remaining populations of the endangered Slender-horned gazelle. The Dorcas Gazelle is still found in the area in small numbers while both the Fennec Fox and Rüppell's Fox are scarce. There are 11 species of reptiles, 9 species of mammals, 13 species of resident birds, and 26 migrant and vagrant birds.

See also

References

    External links

    Wikimedia Commons has media related to Wadi el-Raiyan.
    National Parks of Egypt
    Protectorates


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