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| 7ES012 |
Rias
de Ortigueira y Ladrido |
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| Coordinates: |
43º42'N
- 007º47'W |
Elevation:
0-117 m |
Area:2,920
ha |
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| Location:
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The
site is situated on the Atlantic coast, immediately north and west of
the town of Ortigueira, La Coruña province, in the autonomous region
of Galicia, in the extreme northwestern part of Spain. It is about 30
km northeast of the Laguna y arenal de Valdoviño
Ramsar site. |
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| Criteria:
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1a,
3b
The site consists of a rocky coastal inlet and an estuarine complex at
the mouths of the Mera and Ladrido Rivers. It is a typical 'elevated'
estuarine system with extensive intertidal flats. Wintering shorebirds
include Haematopus ostralegus, Pluvialis squatarola, Numenius arquata
and Calidris alpina, while the most numerous wintering Anatidae are Anas
penelope , A. platyrhynchos and A. clypeata. Mammals include the otter
Lutra lutra.
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| Wetland
Types:
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G,
A, E, F, Sp (dominant type listed first)
The area contains salty and brackish parts. It is composed of an elevated
estuarine system with two river mouths and large intertidal flats, and
a rocky coastal inlet. |
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Biological/
Ecological notes
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The
areas most influenced by freshwater inflow from the rivers support beds
of Phragmites and Juncus, while lower intertidal areas are colonised by
Zostera marina and Z. nana. Other parts of the site support typical sand
dune plants such as Ammophila arenaria and Pancratium maritimum. The most
inland parts of the dunes harbour Helichrysum picardi, Crucianella maritima,
Linaria polygalifolia, Ulex europaeus, Pinus pilaster and Eucalyptus globulus. |
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Hydrological/
Physical notes
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| Human
uses
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Of
the site, 1,633 ha consists water and intertidal areas. This part is therefore
owned by the state. The other 1,267 ha are private property. The area
is used for fishing, shell-fish harvesting and farming of other marine
products. There is some tourism too. |
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Conservation
Measures
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The
area has been designated a Reserve from Hunting (Refugio de Caza). It
is also an EU Special Protection Area for wild birds. In May 1989, the
site was included in the General Register of Natural Areas in Galicia
(Registro General de Espacios Naturales de Galicia) for possible designation
as a Generally Protected Natural Area (Espacio Natural de Régimen de Protección
General). However, almost all of the local authority development plans
which cover parts of the site show the area as urban land (Suelo Urbano).
A natural resources development plan is being drafted. |
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Adverse
Factors |
The
area is threatened by urban pollution. Some damage is caused by tourists.
The avifauna is occasionally disturbed too by activities on a local shooting-range. |
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| References |
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