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| 7ES023 |
Embalse
de Orellana |
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|
| Coordinates: |
38º59'N
- 005º32'W |
Elevation:
318-353 m |
Area:5,500
ha |
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| Location:
|
The
site is located immediately east-northeast of the town of Orellana de
la Vieja, approximately 25 km east of the town of Villanueva de la Serena,
Badajoz province, in the autonomous region of Extremadura, west central
Spain. |
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| Criteria:
|
2a,
2c, 2d, 3a, 3b, 3c
The Embalse de Orellana's fish include several species and subspecies
endemic to the Iberian Peninsula (e.g. Barbus microcephalus). The reservoir
is of particular importance for nesting birds. The islands support a major
colony of Gelochelidon nilotica (500 pairs in 1991). Other notable species
include Himantopus himantopus, Glareola pratincola and Sterna albifrons.
Up to 65,000 waterbirds have been counted in winter, including Phalacrocorax
carbo (1,000), various Anatidae (20,000), Grus grus (18,000) and Laridae
(25,000). The area also holds significant post-breeding concentrations
of Ciconia nigra (>100).
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|
| Wetland
Types:
|
6
Embalse de Orellana is a vast artificial reservoir built to regulate the
Guadiana River in order to irrigate the agricultural zone of Las Vegas
Altas. |
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Biological/
Ecological notes
|
The
site includes a number of islands and is surrounded by Quercus and Pyrus
forests. The forest was cleared in the region of the dam wall and some
limited areas of non-irrigated agriculture have been developed. Apart
from waterbirds, there are high densities of raptors (e.g. Aquila chrysaetos,
Hieraaetus fasciatus and Bubo bubo). |
|
|
Hydrological/
Physical notes
|
The
level of the reservoir varies seasonally, with highest levels occurring
in early May, prior to the commencement of summer irrigation. Levels reach
a minimum in early winter. |
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| Human
uses
|
The
primary purpose of the impoundment is irrigation, but there is also fishing,
boating, and recreation. |
|
|
Conservation
Measures
|
In
1992 the area had no national protected status, but designation as a Natural
Reserve was in process. Hunting has been forbidden since 1991. The wetland
is an EU Special Protection Area for wild birds (part of Embalse de Orellana
y Sierra de Pela SPA, covering 25,000 ha). The Environment Agency (Agencia
de Medio Ambiente) of Extremadura and the Guadiana Hydrographic Confederation
have established a commission responsible for drawing up a management
plan for the reservoir. |
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Adverse
Factors |
Problems
reported from the site include illegal hunting, disturbance from fishermen
and boating, and a water level control which is directed only to agricultural
needs and does not take the preservation of the natural resources into
account. Tourism and recreation have increased substantially in recent
years |
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| References |
{a16} |
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