Climate

Because of: geographical position - 45° North latitude, the vicinity of the Black Sea, the landscape diversity with prevalence amphibian medium, the climate is temperate – continental with pontical influences.

The values of the min climatic parameters are: the lowest nebulousness in the country (under five tenths); 70 days with blue sky: 2500 hours/year of sun shining; 125-135 kcal/cm2 / year sun radiation (the biggest from all over the country); between 11-11,4° the average yearly temperature ( -1 and -1,5° in January, 21-22° in July); precipitations between 400-450 mm/year in the west and 300-350 mm/year in the east(in Sulina in 1920 have been recorded the smallest quantity of precipitations 132,7 mm, and in C.A.Rosetti on Letea top of a bank ridge in August 29, 1924 the biggest quantity of water in 24 hours – 690,6 mm, have been recorded.) Although is situated near by the sea and there are widespread wetland and surfaces of water, in its interior the continental character of the climate is very well pronounced. If to the poor quantity of precipitations we add the big evaporation of the water (950-1000mm/year) – process favorized and amplified by strong and frequent winds, result long periods of drought during summer time. Especially, during spring and autumn time there are frequent storms because of the northwest winds, which affect the sea – shores by abrasion.

Flora

The characteristic flora is rich and interesting, Cromophyta being represented by more than 950 species. On a relatively small territory about one third of the total number of higher plants known in Romania can be found. Threatened species are as follows: Alyssum borzaeanum, Centaurea jankae, Centaurium spicatum, Medigaco marina, Trachomitum venetum. Some rare species have found a good shelter in this area, such as: Ephedra distachya, Convolvulus persicus, Dianthus bessarabicus, the liane Periploca graeca (met in two forests, Letea and Caraorman). Centaurea jankae, Centaurea pontica and Elymus athericus ssp. deltaicus are typical endemic species for Danube Delta. The delta is being dominated by marsh vegetation, covering about 78% of the area. Salt-marshes occur in the eastern extremity, on saline soils.

Fauna

More than 3.500 species stand for the fauna; so far, 3.006 invertebrate species have been identified(425 species of worms, 82 mollusks, 115 crustaceans, 168 arachnids, 8 myriapods, 2.208 species of insects), and 454 vertebrates(85 species of fish, 10 amphibians, 11 species of reptiles, 325 bird species and 42 mammals). As for reptiles are worth mentioning as protected species the turtle Testudo graeca ibera, and the viper Vipera ursinii renardi – the latter can be found nowhere else in Romania but in the Danube Delta.

More than 325 species of birds have been identified within the Danube Delta, accounting for more than 81% of the Romanian bird fauna. Here one can find the largest European population of white pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus) and Dalmatian pelican(Pelecanus crispus), both species being natural monuments, more than 60% of the world population of pygmy cormorants (Phalacrocorax pygmaeus), and more than one half of world population of red-breasted goose(Branta ruficollis), which comes over here in winter (is being placed on the Red list of the globally threatened birds). There also can be mentioned Alcedo atthis and Phalacrocorax carbo. As for mammals there are two non-indigenuous species: the muskrat (Ondatra zibethica) and the racoon-dog(Nyctereutes procyonoides).

Habitats and Ecosystems

The world's largest compact surface covered with reeds is located here, hosting 30 types of ecosystems, hosting 30 types of ecosystems, most of them being aquatic. A special item, typical foe these ecosystems, is the red bed floating islet, made up by a thick layer(more than 1m) of roots (reed and other aquatic plants)mixed with organic matter and soil. Pardina polder was created by ’70 and nowadays is it partially cultivated.

Landscape

From west to east two typical landscapes occur: channels and lakes, bordered by red beds, belts of willows and small patches of woods; water surface is wrinkled by flocks of birds or partially covered with compact blankets of water lily; Letea and Caraorman barriers come up with an astonishing variety of sights, wherein long sand dunes alternating with strips of woody vegetation – so called “hasmacuri” – or forests with luxuriant vegetation.

Protected Areas within the Park

• Rosca – Buhaiova (9.625 hectares) • Letea Forest (2.825 hectares) • Raducu – Lake (2.500 hectares) • Nebunu – Lake (115 hectares)