Some of Spain’s wetlands are the Doñana National Park, the Gallocanta Lagoon, the Albufera Natural Park and the Ebro Delta Natural Park, among many others. Wetlands are ecosystems of vital importance for biodiversity and environmental balance, characterized by the presence of water, both sweet and salty, permanently or temporarily. These ecosystems, which include lagoons, swamps, deltas and marshes, play a fundamental role in water cycle regulation, flood protection, water purification and biodiversity conservation. In Spain we have a good amount of wetlands that, although they are now in danger because of the lack of water and climate change, house a large amount of biodiversity.
In this ecology article, we will teach you what some of the Wetlands from Spain better known, its characteristics and importance.
Map of the wetlands of Spain
These are The list and map of Spanish wetlands included in the Ramsar list Because of its international importance, although there is more. Below you can see them and here you can download the map of the wetlands of Spain of Ramsar.
Doñana National Park
Doñana National Park is one of the most emblematic natural spaces in Spain and throughout Europe. Located in the Guadalquivir river mouthin the provinces of Huelva, Sevilla and Cádiz, this park covers an area of More than 50,000 hectares and is home to a unique biodiversity.
One of Doñana’s most outstanding characteristics is its varied geology, which includes Marshs, dunes, forests and beaches. This diversity of habitats houses a large number of animal and plant species, many of them in Danger of extinction. Among the best known inhabitants of the Park are the Iberian lynx, the Iberian imperial eagle, the common flamenco and the Mora turtle, among others.
The importance of Doñana goes beyond its borders, since it plays a fundamental role in the conservation of biodiversity worldwide. Its inclusion in the list of sites of the Unesco World Heritage In 1994 he recognized his exceptional value and his need for protection.
Here you can read about what are the national and natural parks and their differences and the Flora and Fauna of Doñana.
Gallocanta lagoon
The gallocanta lagoon is a unique and surprising ecosystem located in the region of Daroca fieldin the province of SaragossaSpain. This endorrheic lagoon, that is, without waters out of the sea, is characterized by its large extension and importance as a rest and food area for migratory birds.
It is especially famous for being one of the main winter places for common cranes, which find an ideal habitat in its waters and surroundings to rest and feed during the coldest months of the year. Here you can learn more about migratory birds: names and photos.
This saline wetland, which is at an altitude of around 1,000 meters above sea level, also houses a great diversity of Water birdssuch as ducks, aades, flamenco and zampullines, among others. In this link you will see information about aquatic birds: characteristics, types and names.
In addition, it is home to various species of flora and fauna adapted to the particular conditions of salinity and moisture of the lagoon.
Lake of Caicedo-Yuso
Lake Caicedo-Yuso, also called Lake of Arreo-Caicedoit is a reservoir located in the Autonomous Community of the the Basque Countryin northern Spain. It is located in the municipality of Caicedo Yuso and is one of the main water resources of the region.
Its waters provide habitats for a variety of species of Aquatic fish and birdssuch as trout, tents, ducks and herons, among others. In addition, the forest areas that surround it are the home of a rich diversity of indigenous flora and fauna.
Albufera Natural Park
The Albufera Natural Park is a Natural reserve located in the Valencian Communityeast of Spain, near the city of Valencia. This enclave, with an extension of More than 21,000 hectaresincludes one coastal lagoon and a wide variety of aquatic habitats, such as marshes, dunes and beaches.
The lagoon and its surroundings provide vital habitats for a wide variety of species, including birds such as the Somormujo Lavanco, La Garza Real, El Cormoran and the Real Adess, among many others. In addition, the lagoon is an important Winterfell for migratory birds that cross Europe and Africa.
Estany de Banyoles
The Estany de Banyoles, located in the province of Gironain the Autonomous Community of Catalonia, it is the Greatest natural lake in Catalonia and one of the greatest of the Iberian Peninsula. Over the years, it has been home to a great diversity of plant and animal species, many of which are endemic to the region. In addition, its unique geological formation has generated a series of Underground Caves, Caves and Summits that contribute to their uniqueness.
At present, Estany de Banyoles is an important tourist destination, both for those who seek to enjoy outdoor activities and for those interested in the history and culture of the region. The lake offers a wide range of recreational activities, such as boat rides, kayak, swimming and hiking, as well as the opportunity to discover the rich biodiversity and the story that surrounds it.
Ebro Delta Natural Park
The Ebro Delta Natural Park is a natural jewel located in the province of Tarragonain the autonomous community of CataloniaSpain. This river delta is one of the most important wetlands in Europe and constitutes a unique ecosystem.
Its great extension covers around 7,736 hectares of land, between emerged lands and flooded areas. This diverse landscape includes extensive marshes, rice fields, lagoons, dunes and beaches.
This Delta is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, many of them adapted to the changing conditions of salinity and humidity of the environment. Among the most emblematic species are Water birds such as the common flamenco, the royal and the royal bone, as well as fish, crustaceans and reptiles.
Daimiel Tables National Park
Located in the region of Castilla-La Manchain the province of Ciudad Real, this park is characterized by its wetlands and lagoons, formed by the confluence of the Ríos Guadiana and Gigüela.
These wetlands are home to a rich biological diversity, with a wide variety of species of Water birds, fish, amphibians and adapted vegetation to aquatic environments. Daimiel’s tables are also of great importance for the conservation of Endangered speciessuch as Malvasia Cabeciblanca and the Iberian Imperial Eagle. In addition, they are an important resting point and food for migratory birds that run through the European continent in its seasonal displacements.
You can discover more about the flora and fauna of the Daimiel Tables in this link.
Ses Feixes
Ses Feixes is a wet area located on the island of Ibizain the Balearic IslandsSpain. Although it is not a natural park in itself, but rather a Protected Area And a natural space of great ecological value, deserves to be mentioned by its importance for the island’s ecosystem.
This area includes a extensive flood plain which has traditionally been used for agriculture, especially for rice cultivation. However, in recent decades it has been the subject of intense urban and tourist pressure, which has endangered its conservation.
Ses Feixes is a crucial habitat for the Ibiza Avifauna, since it serves as a refuge and food area for numerous species of Water birdsmigratory and residents. Birds such as the common hammers, the common calamón, the common form and the common avetorillo, among others are found.
Mar Menor
Mar Menor is a coastal lagoon located in the region of Murciain southeastern Spain. It is one of the larger salty lagoons in Europewith an approximate extension of 170 square kilometers and an average depth of just a few meters.
Its lagoon nature and its low depth make its waters warmer than those of the surrounding sea, which contributes to the proliferation of a rich marine biodiversity. In addition, its high concentration of salts and its special chemical composition make the Mar Minor an environment conducive to the survival of numerous species of flora and fauna adapted to these extreme conditions.
Mar Menor is also an important habitat for Water birdsespecially during seasonal migrationswhen thousands of birds find refuge in their waters and coastal areas. It is a place for the reproduction and feeding of species such as the Audouin seagull, the common flamenco, the common charrán and the tridactyl correlimos, among others.
Laguna de Fuente de Piedra Nature Reserve
The Laguna de Fuente de Piedra Natural Reserve is in the province of Malagain the autonomous community of Andalusiasouth of Spain. This is the Larger salty lagoon of the Iberian Peninsulawith an extension of approximately 1,400 hectares.
Is known worldwide for being one of the main sites of Common flamenco breeding In Europe. Every year, thousands of flamenco travel from Africa to reproduce in the lagoon, making it an impressive show of nature.
In addition to Flamenco, the Stone Fountain Lagoon houses a wide variety of Water birdssuch as the royal &ar, the royal heron, the lagoon aguilucho and the common charran, among many others. These birds find an ideal habitat to feed, reproduce and rest.
Now that you know all these wetlands in Spain, we encourage you to read about wetlands: what are, types and characteristics and the natural wonders of Spain.
If you want to read more articles similar to Spain wetlands: map, names and importancewe recommend that you enter our category of ecosystems.