The Deh Akro Wetlands Complex consists of 36 lakes and includes four major habitat types: desert, wetland, marsh and agricultural land. All lakes together cover an area of 50 sq. km, the largest one has a surface of 7.5 sq. km and the smallest lake a surface of 0.4 sq. km. The water of five lakes has drinking water quality, the water of the other 31 lakes is brackish water. The depth varies, the deepest lake is 15 m and the shallower lakes are between 2 and 3 m deep.
In the south-west of the Deh Akro Wetlands Complex, the landscape is dominated by agricultural fields. In the north-east, the Nara Desert borders the wetlands complex. In 1988, the wetland was declared as a Wildlife Sanctuary of international importance. On 5 November 2002, Deh Akro Wetlands Complex was declared as a Ramsar site. The whole complex extends over 205 sq. km. The wetland complex is a unique example of desert wetland ecosystem that hosts a variety of rare and endangered wildlife species. The fauna includes waterfowl, crocodiles, otters and fish.
Deh Akro-II wetland is home to more than 18 species of mammals, 16 species of reptiles, 14 species of fish and 101 different birds and regularly supports over 20,000 waterbirds. Also a small population of marsh crocodiles is found there. The wetland is an important feeding and spawning ground for several indigenous fish species. The desert is characterised by sand dunes with well developed herbs/shrubs and trees. The agricultural land comprises patches of irrigated agricultural fields lying adjacent to the desert.
Following are major threats to the ecological character of the area:
- Destruction and degradation of wetland habitat due to unsustainable use and over-exploitation of natural resources of wetlands by the local/indigenous communities
- Depletion of species abundance and diversity
- Water scarcity due to long dry spells
- Illegal Hunting
- Grazing
- Fuel wood collection
- Encroachment over sanctuary lands
