Water levels are artificially controlled. The terrestrial vegetation consists of Sahelian Tamarix and savannah with a ground layer of herbs and grasses in dry areas and various types of reedbeds in inundated areas. Internationally important numbers of various species of waterbirds use the site for breeding, staging and wintering, with up to 400,000 individuals present in January. Principal human activities are nature conservation and ecotourism. Surrounding areas are used for rice cultivation, livestock rearing, and hunting.
Low rainfall is the most serious potential threat.
Djoudj has been confronted with water quantity problems, which led to listing on the Montreux Record, but resolution of this problem through dams on the Senegal River led to removal from the Record. It was returned to the Record in 1993, however, due to infestations of Pistia stratiotes and Paspalum vaginatum . Subject of a Ramsar Advisory Mission in 1988 and another in 2000 . Ramsar site no. 138. Bassin du Ndiael.