Las Tablas de Daimiel wetlands see improved water levels and bird reproduction
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The Las Tablas de Daimiel National Park in Ciudad Real, Spain held 523 hectares of flooded land as of September 1st, representing 30.16% of its floodable area.
The Guadiana Hydrographic Confederation reported the park entered autumn in better condition than recent years, despite a decrease in flooded hectares from 1,500 at the start of spring. Water levels rose primarily because the Gigüela River released water into the wetland for the third consecutive year.
The park traditionally relies on surface water from the Gigüela and Guadiana rivers, as well as underground water from the Mancha Occidental I and II aquifers, which have been overexploited since the 1980s. The presence of water during spring and summer directly benefitted the park’s wildlife. Recent censuses showed a recovery in aquatic bird populations, including threatened species like the white-headed duck, marbled teal, and ferruginous duck.
This year, park officials confirmed the first successful breeding of flamingos within Las Tablas, with approximately 200 breeding pairs and 100 chicks observed, alongside 1,350 to 1,400 pairs of red crested pochard and 90 to 95 pairs of white-headed duck.
