Great Island of Cenad
The Great Island of Cenad is a nationally protected area classified as an IUCN Category IV mixed nature reserve, situated in Timiș County within the administrative boundaries of Cenad commune. Along with Cenad Forest and Igriș Islands, it is part of the Mureș Floodplain Natural Park.
Location
The natural area, covering 3 hectares, is situated in the northwesternmost part of Timiș County, bordering Arad County and close to the Hungarian border. It lies within the right floodplain of the Mureș River, to the east of the village of Cenad and north of the town of Sânnicolau Mare.Description
The Great Island of Cenad was designated as a protected area under Law No. 5 of March 6, 2000. It constitutes a natural zone characterized by an island, a water body, and an alluvial meadow composed of sands and gravel deposits overlying clayey banks, supporting flora and fauna typical of wetland ecosystems.Biodiversity
The natural area supports a diverse range of arboreal vegetation, including willow and poplar, as well as grassy steppe vegetation. It offers essential nesting, feeding, and habitat conditions for various species of migratory and transient birds.Several bird species have been recorded within the reserve, including the purple heron, grey heron, squacco heron, night heron, great egret, black stork, white stork, great cormorant, red-throated loon, as well as various species of wild ducks and geese.