- Different types of pond

The uniqueness of the Roque-Haute Reserve mainly derives from the great diversity of its 215 temporary ponds. Five different types have been defined, based on the vegetation present. But there are no two ponds which are identical : each has its particular hydrological system, and characteristic topography, flora and fauna.

Type 1 : Dried-out ponds

Generally small and shallow, they dry up rapidly.They are colonised by annuals and flowering plants like Lythrum (purple loosestrife).

Type 2 : Isoetes ponds

These are the most abundant. They are variable in depth, and contain water for 4 to 7 months of the year. It is here that the very rare aquatic ferns live : Isoetes (covering entire patches like a lawn), Marsilea and Pilularia.

Type 3 : Grass and rush ponds

This is a heterogeneous group which is hard to classify because the depths are variable, making measurements impossible. In the deeper basins, giant helophytes (reeds, etc…) are found while perennials colonize other sectors, along with the rare mentha cervinea and a few isoetes.

Type 4 : Giant helophyte ponds

These deep ponds are home to a range of water-loving plants, among them reeds (phragmites), and bulrushes (typhas and scirpus).

Type 5 : Deep ponds

There are a few ponds which are so deep that they hold water for a very long time. Here, typical aquatic plants are found e.g. ranunculaceae and helophytes.