A Ramsar-recognized desert wetland mosaic where freshwater lakes, dunes, and marshes meet in central Sindh.
Deh Akro-II Desert Wetland Complex
Deh Akro-II Desert Wetland Complex is a protected inland wetland and wildlife sanctuary in central Sindh, Pakistan, recognized internationally as one of the country's ten Ramsar sites. The complex sits within Shaheed Benazirabad District near Naushahro Feroze, forming a transitional landscape where sandy desert and freshwater wetlands coexist on a meaningful ecological scale.
The defining character of the site comes from the unusual closeness of arid and aquatic environments. Interdunal valleys between sand formations hold lakes fed by irrigation from the Indus River system and seasonal rainfall, producing an integrated mosaic of marshes, agricultural land, sandy desert, and shallow waterbodies. This juxtaposition of habitats supports a wide range of wildlife, from waterbirds and fish to crocodiles, otters, and desert-adapted mammals.
Beyond its ecological value, Deh Akro-II carries considerable conservation significance. It hosts vulnerable species such as the mugger crocodile and Indian hog deer, while also being recognized as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area. The landscape illustrates how a fragile hydrological balance, in which lakes have already decreased over recent decades, sustains both biodiversity and surrounding human settlements.
