Gălățui is an artificial lake located in Călărași County, in the Muntenia region of Romania, near the Danube. The surface of the lake is approximately 814 hectares, being fed with water from the Danube and from underground natural sources. The lake is used for agricultural irrigation and fishing.
The site received Natura 2000 protection status in accordance with Government Decision no. 1284/2007, revised by GD no. 971/2011. The area is home to a significant number of protected bird species.
In the site, 16 bird species are protected according to annex II of the Birds Directive and 61 migratory species included in the annexes of the Bonn Convention. In addition, three of the bird species at this site are globally threatened.
Species such as ruddy duck, little heron, white-cheeked grebe, merganser, blue gull and grebe make their nests in this area. During migration periods, species such as curly pelican, yellow heron, little cormorant, little egret and egret sea are found here, the site is home to over 20,000 waterfowl. The area has been designated to protect bird species such as the osprey and dozens of other avifaunistically important species. Species such as mallard, spoonbill, mallard, white stork, starling and curly pelican are among the list of protected species in this site.
The site has a crucial role in maintaining the biodiversity of birds in this part of the country.
Sursa: www.natura2000oltenita-chiciu.ro
