Ichkeul - Between the Desert and the Deep Blue Sea
Salty in summer and quite fresh in winter, the fertile waters of Tunisia's Lake Ichkeul form a vital focus for birds from two continents when they reach this largely desert country. There's rich feeding for tens of thousands of duck, geese and wading birds, and important breeding sites for marsh harriers, otters and wild boar.
But can a wetland survive in a dry country?
Although Ichkeul is threatened with drainage, surprisingly this particular story of the classic dilemma of conservation versus development may yet have a happy ending.
Written and narrated by Barry Paine
Photographed and produced by HUGH MILES
Film editor TOM POORE
Series editor PETER JONES BBC Bristol