Flora and Fauna of the Daimiel Tables

The characteristics of the flora of the Daimiel tables through which these species stand out are the following:

• Aquatic vegetation: These ecosystems are populated by a wide variety of aquatic plants, such as swords, reed and yellow lily. These species adapt to seasonal water level fluctuations and provide vital habitats for aquatic fauna. Know here the aquatic plants: names and characteristics.
• Endemic species: Some plants are endemic to this habitat, which means that they are only found in this specific region. This includes species such as the papyrus of the Daimiel tables (Cyperus elongatus), a characteristic plant of the wetlands of the Iberian Peninsula. Here you can read about endemic species: definition and examples.
• Ribera vegetation: Throughout the edges of the rivers and streams that cross the wetland, there are communities of riverside vegetation, composed of poplars, willows and straightenings. These plants stabilize the margins of the bodies of water and provide refuge and food for various animal species. Know in this other post about the riverbank: what is, flora and fauna.

As for fauna, these are its main characteristics:

• Water Birds: Daimiel’s tables are an important habitat for migratory and resident aquatic birds. Among the species that can be observed are the royal bone, the royal heron, the common flamenco and the common foch. These birds find food and refuge in the bodies of water and the Carrizales. Here you can learn better about water birds: characteristics, types and names.
• Fish: Although these ecosystems have experienced contamination and loss of habitat loss in the past, they still house various species of fish, such as barbo, tent and lucio. These species adapt to the changing conditions of the water and play a crucial role in the food chain of the ecosystem. In this bonds you can know this type of animals better: classification of fish and their characteristics.
• Terrestrial mammals: Although less visible than birds and fish, Daimiel’s boards are also the home of a variety of terrestrial mammals, such as fox, rabbit and will. These animals depend on riverside habitats and adjacent grasslands for survival.

Some of the most representative flora species are the following:

• Daimiel’s papyrus (Cyperus elongatus): This plant is endemic to the wetlands of the Iberian Peninsula and is mainly found in stagnant water or slow flow areas. The papyrus dense groups of cylindrical stems that emerge from water, providing refuge and food for various species of birds and fish.
• Swords (Typha Latifolia): Also known as “fox tail”, the swords is a perennial plant that grows in shallow aquatic environments. Its large floral spikes are features of the wetlands and provide reproduction habitats for aquatic birds and shelter for small mammals.
• Reed (Phragmites Australis): This perennial plant is one of the dominant species in the wetlands of the Daimiel tables. Their high and dense stems form extensive cañaverals that provide refuge and food for a variety of species of birds, insects and mammals.
• Yellow lily (Iris pseudacorus): Also known as aquatic lily or water lily, this perennial plant is found on the margins of water bodies and in shallow water areas. Its striking yellow flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, while their roots provide habitats for small fish and crustaceans.

Now that we know the flora, we will give way to some of the best known species of fauna:

• Royal Garza (Arrdea Cinerea): This elegant aquatic bird is among the largest herons in Europe. Inhabits swampy areas where it feeds on fish, frogs and small mammals. Its gray plumage and its long neck make it easily distinguishable while stealthily move between the vegetation.
• Real aad (Anas Pathyncos): Also known as Pato Real. It feeds on aquatic vegetation, insects and small fish, and is easily recognizable for its colorful plumage and its characteristic craz. Here we tell you what the wild ducks eat.
• Common flamenco (Phoenicopterus roseus): This impressive aquatic bird is known for its pink distinctive and its curved beak. They feed on small crustaceans and algae that find in the shallow bodies of water. Here you can discover the types of flamenco.
• Common Focha (Fulica attract): This species of aquatic bird is characterized by its black plumage, its white peak and its red front shield.
• Barbo (Barbus Barbus): It feeds on insects, larvae, algae and plant matter, and is important in the food chain of the aquatic ecosystem.

We encourage you to discover this other post about the birds of Spain.

Although we are in a protected natural space, there are species of flora and fauna in danger of extinction. The most important are:

• Water lily (Nymphaea Alba): This aquatic plant, also known as white waterruf, is in danger of extinction in much of its distribution area. The loss of habitat and water pollution are the main threats to this species. Its floating white flowers make it easily recognizable.
• Spartillo (Lygeum Spartum): This perennial plant similar to a herb is one of the species in critical danger of extinction in Spain. Its natural habitat is threatened by the change in the use of land and soil degradation. The Spartillo is found in dry and semi -arid areas, often on saline land, and its disappearance would have a significant impact on the biodiversity of the Daimiel tables.
• Fartet (Aphanius Iberus): This little endemic fish of the Iberian Peninsula is critical of extinction. Previously, it was common in Spanish wetlands, but habitat degradation and the introduction of invasive species have drastically reduced their population.
• Iberian imperial eagle (Aquila Adalberti): Although it is not exclusive to the Daimiel tables, this protected area provides important habitats for its food and reproduction. The loss of habitat, poaching and poisoning by pesticides are some of the main threats facing this emblematic species.

You have already discovered all these interesting data on the flora and fauna of the Daimiel Tables, so we now encourage you to know the flora and fauna of Spain.

If you want to read more articles similar to Flora and Fauna of the Daimiel Tableswe recommend that you enter our biodiversity category.