À la découverte du delta de la Dranse (Haute-Savoie)

The Delta de la Dranse National Nature Reserve is a nature reserve located to the east of the commune of Thonon-les-Bains, on the shores of the Leman lake. It covers a small area of 53 hectares. Offering a rich botanic biodiversity, the site was declared a national nature reserve in January 1980 and declared a special « zone of protection » in September 1986.
The beach of the last river delta along the Leman Lake is constituted of alluvium, sand, stones, and pebbles. The sandy beaches and small islands are constantly being formed by the path of the rising torrential river, which has resulted in the expansion of a rich diversity of flora and wildlife. More than 200 species of birds, including breeding Red-crested Pochards or Common Terns, have been recorded. Numerous reptiles and amphibian species are equally represented and European Beavers are well established along the banks. Jean-Jacques Beley proposes us a description of the reserve.