Popina Island
Popina Island is a Romanian island in the northern part of the Razelm Lake (Razim). The island spans 98 ha (240 acres) and it is a protected reserve, hosting an important nesting area for shelducks. Razelm Lake is the largest natural lake in Romania,[1] and the largest permanent water expanse in the Danube Delta, separated from the Black Sea by two long grinds, and flows into Lake Golovița through a 3.1 km (1.9 mi) channel to the south.
Fauna
[edit]Popina Island constitutes an important resting place for migratory birds and the nesting place for shelduck (Tadorna tadorna). In spring, one can find here swamp and forest birds like: nightingales (Luscinia megarhynchos), calandra larks (Melanocorypha calandra) and others. The invertebrate fauna comprises rarities like the European black widow (Latrodectus tredecimguttatus) and the giant myriapod (Scolopendra cingulata).
Geology
[edit]Geologically speaking, Popina Island consists of Triassic limestones which crop out over the island. Some parts are covered by loess.
References
[edit]Relevant literature
[edit]- Ungureanu, Daniel (2021). "Report of Paleontological Investigations in Popina Island". Academia.edu. Retrieved December 8, 2025.