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| 7ES037 |
Embalse
de Las Caņas |
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| Coordinates: |
42º29'N
- 002º24'W |
Elevation:
370 m |
Area:101
ha |
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| Location:
|
The
Embalse de Las Caņas is located in the municipality of Viana, in the region
known as Salobre, in the autonomous region of Navarra, close to the border
with the Rioja region. |
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| Criteria:
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3c
The most important breeding bird is Nycticorax nycticorax, with 470 pairs
in 1994. This is the largest colony of this species in the entire Ebro
valley. Other valuable breeding waterbirds include Ardea purpurea, Botaurus
stellaris and occasionally Porzana porzana, P. parva and P. pusilla.
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| Wetland
Types:
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Sp,
6
The site was originally a permanent brackish lagoon, but it has been converted
into an artificial impoundment. |
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Biological/
Ecological notes
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The
aquatic vegetation includes Chara spp., Polygonum amphibium, Ranunculus
aquatilis, Ranunculus fluitans and Potamogeton pectinatus, with Phragmites
australis, Typha angustifolia, Scirpus tabernaemontani and Scirpus maritimus
along the shores. The lake is surrounded by aromatic shrubs (matorral)
of the Sideritido-Salvion (Salvio lavandulifoliae-ononidetum fruticosae)
association, in a mosaic with steppe-like Ligeo-Stipetea pasture. The
lake is rich in amphibians. In terms of fauna values, the site is most
important for nesting waterbirds, especially various heron species like
Ardea purpurea, Nycticorax nycticorax, Bubulcus ibis and Egretta garzetta. |
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Hydrological/
Physical notes
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The
site is situated in a closed (endorheic) basin of 6,602 ha. The impoundment
was created and later enlarged for irrigation purposes, but has undergone
a considerable natural vegetation succession and is only marginally used
for irrigation. The lake receives its water from rainfed rivulets and
canals. Rainfall is irregular, and most of the annual average of 443 mm
falls in a few torrential showers. |
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| Human
uses
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The
site can only be visited peripherally. Information is posted along the
'Camino de Santiago' (pilgrims route to Santiago de Compostella) which
passes along the northern edge of the site. Fishing is permitted in parts
of the lake only. 'El BordĒn' visitors centre is situated near the Camino
de Santiago. |
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Conservation
Measures
|
The
site is a Natural Reserve (Reserva Natural), and is designated EU Special
Protection Area for wild birds. A management plan is being implemented.
The site is guarded by wardens who also provide information for visitors.
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|
Adverse
Factors |
The
original character of the wetland has been completely altered by the construction
of the dykes now holding the water. |
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| References |
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