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| 7ES036 |
Lagunas
de Laguardia (Alava): Carralogroño, Carravalseca y
Prao de la Paul |
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| Coordinates: |
42º32'N
- 002º34'W |
Elevation:
548-564 m |
Area:42
ha |
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| Location:
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The
lagoons of Carralogro¤o, Carravalseca and Prao de la Paul are close to
the village of Laguardia in the Rioja Alavesa, in the autonomous region
País Vasco, northern Spain. |
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| Criteria:
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1a,
2a, 2b, 2d
The three lagoons are the northernmost mesosaline inland lagoons in Europe,
and in the region represent the last examples of this characteristic ecosystem.
Of special interest is the aquatic flora, in particular the extremely
rare Charophyte Tolypella salina. Of the terrestrial plant species, Narcissus
assoanus, Odontites eliassennenii and Thymus loscosii are endemic to the
Iberian peninsula, the latter being confined to the Ebro valley. A variety
of waterbirds uses the lagoons, including the nationally threatened Plegadis
falcinellus.
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| Wetland
Types:
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Ss,
2
The lagoons of Carralogro¤o and Carravalseca are natural mesosaline seasonal
wetlands. Prao de la Paul is an artificial impoundment built in a similar
wetland |
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Biological/
Ecological notes
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The
lagoons have a particularly interesting aquatic flora, with species like
Ruppia drepanensis and the algae Chara galioides, Lamprothamnium papulosum
and Tolypella salina, a species known from very few localities only. The
occurring halophytes Juncus maritimus, Puccinellia fasciculata, Scirpus
maritimus, Spergularia marina, and Hordeum marinum are rare in the region.
Many insects of the lagoons are typical for the Meditteranean coast and
are rare further inland. Breeding birds include Tachybaptus ruficollis,
Podiceps cristatus, Anas platyrhynchos, Aythya ferina, Rallus aquaticus,
Gallinula chloropus and Fulica atra. For Aythya ferina the site is the
only known breeding locality in Pa¡s Vasco. The site is also frequented
by Phalacrocorax carbo, Ardea purpurea and Nycticorax nycticorax. |
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Hydrological/
Physical notes
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The
lagoons are situated in the northernmost endorheic basins of Western Europe.
They only receive water from rainfed rivulets. The water in the lagoons
of Carralogro¤o and Carravalseca is saline, while the impoundment of Prao
de la Paul contains freshwater. |
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| Human
uses
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The
saline wetlands are not used, but the lake of Prao de la Paul is used
for recreation by the inhabitants of the village of Laguardia, 500 m away.
Although the impoundment was constructed to collect water for irrigation,
this has never been effected, and there are no plans to use it for irrigation
in the future. |
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Conservation
Measures
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The
site is declared a Protected Biotope (Biotopo Protegido) by País Vasco
law, where observation and research are the only activities permitted.
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Adverse
Factors |
The
lagoons receive agricultural wastewater from nearby fields, which may
be contaminated with fertilisers and pesticides. Around Carralogro¤o some
landowners have drained parts to extend their farms, and at these localities
there are some refuse dumps. Along the shores of Carravalseca vegetation
cover for waterbirds has been destroyed through overgrazing by sheep.
Recreational activities around Prao de la Paul disturb waterbirds. |
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| References |
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