The Austrian traveller Felix Kanitz described the Srebarna Lake as "El Dorado for marsh birds." The eponymous nature reserve is located 2 km south of the Danube and 16 km west of Silistra on an area of 600 ha. It is famous for being right on the migratory bird route from Europe to Africa — Via Pontica, as well as for the presence of unique and varied species of water birds. Srebarna's symbol is the Dalmatian pelican, which can be seen in its natural habitat. Because of its rare and endangered species, Srebarna Lake was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983. Srebarna is also included in the List of Important Bird Areas in Europe.