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| 7ES031 |
Albufera
de Adra |
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| Coordinates: |
36º45'N
- 002º57'W |
Elevation:
0 m. |
Area:75
ha |
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| Location:
|
Albufera
de Adra is located on the Mediterranean coast, within the municipality
of the town of Adra, in the extreme southwest of the province Almería,
in the autonomous region of Andalucía, southwest Spain. |
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| Criteria:
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1a,
2a, 2d, 3b, 3c
The lagoons hold significant populations of the fish Aphanius iberus,
which is endemic to the Iberian penisula and is currently in danger of
extinction. The site is also important for the globally endangered duck
species Oxyura leucophala which nests and winters in the lagoons, and
the threatened species Marmaronetta angustirosris which occurs as a passage
migrant. Other nesting waterbirds include Podiceps cristatus, Ixobrychus
minutus, Aythya ferina and Netta rufina, whilst A. ferina, A. fuligula
and Fulica atra are the most numerous wintering species.
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| Wetland
Types:
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J,
H, Sp, 3 (dominant type listed first)
The site includes intertidal marshes, coastal lagoons, permanent brackish
pools, and irrigated ricefields. The most important parts are two large
lagoons, the Albufera Nueva (29 ha) and Albufera de Adra (13 ha). |
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Biological/
Ecological notes
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The
Albufera Nueva has an abundant macrophyte flora. The predominant species
growing on the shore are Phragmites australis, Arundo donax, Typha angustifolia,
Scirpus litoralis and Scirpus maritimus. There are extensive beds of Typha
latifolia around the outermost parts of the lagoon. The submerged vegetation
is dominated by Najas marina. Albufera Honda has lower salinity and nutrient
levels, and its macrophyte vegetation is even richer than that of Albufera
Nueva, with several additional species, including Cladium mariscus. The
Albufera de Adra is considered a wetland of national botanical importance. |
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Hydrological/
Physical notes
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The
Albufera Nueva and Albufera de Adra are endorheic lagoons within the eastern
part of the delta of the Río Adra. |
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| Human
uses
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Traditional
use of the marshes included fishing, hunting, and irrigated agriculture.
Since the 1950s, cultivation under plastic has spread into the area. Within
the reserve boundaries, all activities except those of a scientific or
educational nature, are now prohibited. |
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Conservation
Measures
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The
site is a Natural Reserve (Reserva Natural). A management plan is being
implemented. Planned actions include the establishment of scientific facilities,
research programmes to direct management of the area, wardening, interception
of waste materials from surrounding agricultural land, fencing of one
of the lagoons, and purchase and restoration of farmland. The lagoons
also benefit from Regional and Municipal conservation measures. |
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Adverse
Factors |
The
lagoons are subject to agricultural pollution, causing considerable die-back
of aquatic vegetation. |
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| References |
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