Shkodra Lake it is situated in north-western Albania bordering Montenegro. This represents the largest lake in the Balkans and one very rich biodiversity site, particularly as regards to the avifauna and herpetofauna.
Shkodra Lake is a Protected Area at National Level, an Important Bird Area at International Level; a Global Key Biodiversity Area and a Wetland of International Importance. Therefore, this site is part of all national and international ecological networks that an area can have in Albania. Over 200 of bird species are recorded here and it is the only site in Albania to see colonies of the Whiskered Tern (Chlydonias hybrida).
Shkodra Lake is the 2nd richest site in Albania for the presence of herpetofauna. It is the site where the rare species of the Albanian Water Frog (Pelophylax shqipericus) can be found. In addition, there are a few species of lizards such as the Sharp-snouted Rock Lizard (Dalmatolacerta oxycephala), the Ruin Lizard (Lacerta sicula), and the Dalmatian Wall Lizard (Podarcis melisellensis) that have been reported in the last years almost only in the area of Shkodra Lake.
As regards mammals, Golden Jackal (Canis aureus) and European Otter (Lutra lutra) commonly occur here.