FUNDACIÓN EDUCACIÓN CATÓLICA

COLEGIO SANTO TOMÁS DE AQUINO – LA MILAGROSA

Centro Privado Concertado con la Consejería de Educación y Ciencia de la

Junta de Comunidades de Castilla – La Mancha

WETLANDS IN CASTILLA – LA MANCHA

1. WHAT IS A WETLAND?

As proposed in the Ramsar Agreement, it is a zone of the earth surface which is temporarily or
permanently flooded, regulated by climatic factors and following a constant relationship with
living beings which dwell in it.

2. IMPORTANCE OF WETLANDS IN CASTILLA – LA MANCHA.

 Reserve for biodiversity and habitat for fauna and flora

 Retention of sediments and nutrients
 Recovery of underground water.
 Fight against Climate Change.
 Water treatment.
 Cultural Values.
 Recreational and touristic use.

3. WETLANDS IN THE PROVINCE OF CIUDAD REAL

 The following wetlands are specially important: National Park of Las Tablas de Daimiel;
Natural Park of Ruidera Lakes; Regional Natural Park of La Mancha Húmeda (Wet La
Mancha); natural Monuments associated to volcanic lakes (“maar”).
 Some wetlands, such as Las Tablas de Daimiel, are included in the Ramsar list
(International protection).
 La Mancha Húmeda (Wet La Mancha): reserve of biosphere (UNESCO).
 Natura 2000 Net.

4. FLORA IN WETLANDS OF LA MANCHA

In the wetlands we can find plants in the banks and in the water. Among the most representative
aquatic plants we can find ova [muskgrass, stonewort, muskwort] (Chara sp.) which live in
waters which are not polluted.
 Flora in fresh water lakes: Taray [salt cedar] (Tamarix Gallica), Carrizo [giant reed]
(Phragmites australis), enea [reed mace] (Typha latifolia), masiega [ Great Fen Sedge]
(Claudium mariscus), juncos [rush] (Juncus sp.) etc.
 Flora in saline lakes: albardín [esparto grass] (Lygeum Spatum), acelgas saladas
[saltmarsh lavender] (Limonium Dichotomum), salicornia [slender grasswort] (Salicornia
ramosissima), etc.

These plants are protected by an european directive.

C/ Socuéllamos, 16 Apdo. nº 36 Tomelloso – 13700 Ciudad Real Tfno. Y Fax: 926510213

 FUNDACIÓN EDUCACIÓN CATÓLICA
COLEGIO SANTO TOMÁS DE AQUINO – LA MILAGROSA

Centro Privado Concertado con la Consejería de Educación y Ciencia de la

Junta de Comunidades de Castilla – La Mancha

5. FAUNA IN THE WETLANDS OF CASTILLA - LA MANCHA

One of the main criteria to assess the importance of wetlands lies on diversity and abundance of
the community of birds which dwell in them. Wetlands of La Mancha have got an important
function as an area for resting and feeding during bird migration.
Among them there are endangered species such as Malvasía cabeciblanca [White-headed duck]
(oxyura leucocephala) or Cigüeña Negra [Black stork] (Ciconia negra). Other distinguished
species are grulla [crane] (grus grus), pato Colorado [red crested pochard] (Netta rufina), pato
cuchara [Northern Shoveler] (Anas clypeata) or cigüeñela [Black winged Stilt] (himantopus
himantopus).

6. ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS AFFECTING OUR WETLANDS

 Drought.
 Overexploitation of aquiferous deposits (this is the most important): illegal wells.
 Disappearance of Los Ojos del Guadiana (Eyes of Guadiana, source of Guadiana
River).
 Lack of water in Tablas de Daimiel (Aquiferous deposit number 23)
 Drying and transformation of farming lands.
 Irrigation Farming (Corn).
 Pollution due to sewage, farming fertilizers, cattle sewage or industrial sewage:
eutrofization.
 Fires (caused by setting fire of stubble and weeds)
 Illegal hunting and fishing (poaching).
 Salt extraction.
 Recreational and touristic exploitation (Ruidera Lakes)

7. MAN AND WETLANDS

 Economic activities: farming, ranching, crabs…

 Wetlands-related jobs…

8. FUTURE OF WETLANDS IN CASTILLA – LA MANCHA

The regional government (Junta de Comunidades de Castilla – La Mancha) has committed itself
to the preservation of wetlands, as key element in environmental, social and economic
development of the region (sustainable development). Proof of this is that the region has got a
Plan for Wetlands Conservation since 2002.

C/ Socuéllamos, 16 Apdo. nº 36 Tomelloso – 13700 Ciudad Real Tfno. Y Fax: 926510213