The Étang de Biguglia is the largest lagoon in Corsica, France, covering approximately 1,800 hectares. Recognized as a Ramsar Site, it is a critical habitat for diverse bird species, including 18 protected under the EU Habitats and Birds Directives. The lagoon’s aquatic meadows, consisting of Zostera, Ruppia, and Potamogeton, provide shelter for a variety of invertebrates and fish, supporting migratory and breeding waterbirds.
Among the key species found here are the Common Pochard, Tufted Duck, and Common Coot in winter, while in spring, the site serves as a crucial stopover for Audouin’s Gull. The lagoon also hosts one of Corsica’s two Purple Heron breeding colonies and a small Ruddy Pochard population. A past attempt to reintroduce the White-headed Duck, which once nested here, was unsuccessful, with the last recorded individual seen in 2002.
This Copernicus Sentinel-2 image, acquired on 23 November 2024, shows the lagoon from above.
Beyond its ecological significance, Étang de Biguglia plays a key role in flood regulation and groundwater recharge. Satellite data from Copernicus Sentinel missions aid in monitoring such vital ecosystems, ensuring the protection of their biodiversity.
Featured image credit: European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-2 imagery
