Poe River Delta

"The Po Delta is the only delta in Italy and comprises the largest national reserve of wetlands, whose waters flow through ancient coastal dunes before meeting the sea. The delta plays a major role in conservation due to the diversity of environments, which include river branches . . . coastal dune systems and sand formations, sandbars, lagoons, fishing ponds, marshes, fossil dunes, canals and coastal pine forests, in addition to the vast and mainly brackish wetlands. The Po Delta hosts over 360 species of birds including the purple heron", spoonbill, glossy ibis, little egret, and pink "which number over 10,000." Additionally, the Po Delta is one of the most important habitats for the critically endangered European eel. Today, the Delta faces threats habitat loss due to pollution, drought, and climate change, which pose challenges to the delicate balance of this ecologically important area.