The reserve embraces 6 km² of protected area and a buffer zone of 5.4 km². The lakes depth varies from 1 to 3 m. There is a museum constructed, wher e a collection of stuffed species typical for the reserve is arranged.
FloraThere are hydrophyte species such as reed in and around the lake. The reserve is home to 139 plant species, 11 of them are in danger of extinction outside the territory of Srebarna.
FaunaA wide variety of fauna exists in the area. 39 mammal, 21 reptile and amphibian and 10 fish species inhabit the reserve, which is most famous for the 179 bird species that nest on its territory, some of which include the Dalmatian Pelican, the Mute Swan, the Greylag Goose, the Marsh Harrier, the Bluethroat, herons and cormorants.
In 1913, the whole of Southern Dobrudja was The area was proclaimed a incorporated in nature reserve in 1948 Romania, but was and is a Ramsar site since returned to Bulgaria in 1975. The reserve was 1940, when the area was recognized as World visited once again by Natural Heritage Site Petrov to examine the under the 1972 colonies of birds that Convention for the nest there. Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage and included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983.
There are several legends about the origin of the lakes name. A second one tells about a boat full of silver along the shores of the lake. According to a third one, which is regarded as most plausible, the name comes from the silvery reflections on the lakes surface during full moon.