Estuary, dune system, and saltmarsh where shifting dunes are isolating the estuary. Important as wintering, staging and feeding area for several species of breeding birds and locally migrant waterbirds. Provides habitat for various reptiles, notable crustaceans, and the sea horse Hippocampus . 01'S 032 48'E. Nature Reserve. Composed of four interconnected lakes subject to tidal influence, an estuarine channel, and three extensive swamps.
Fresh water is derived from three permanent rivers.
Principal habitats include swamp and mangrove forest, reedbeds , dune systems with associated woodland, and coastal grassland. Several birds, mammals, butterflies, and plants are endemic, threatened or endangered. Large areas of swamp forest have been subjected to non-sustainable slash and burn cultivation practices. Human activities include subsistence farming and fishing. A large variety of endangered or endemic species of reptiles, fish, birds, mammals and plants occur.