S'ALBUFERA NATURE RESERVE

 

Relevant protecting legislation: Nature Reserve (Decree 4/1998 by the Government of the Balearic Islands). Area of Special Natural Interest (Act 1/91 approved by the Balearic Parliament), Special Bird Protection Area (EEC Directive 79/409); Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Convention) Area: 1,687.65 hectares Location: In the northeast of Majorca, between Puerto de Alcudia and Can Picafort.

S'Albufera Natural Park. S'Albufera's wetlands are of international importance, because of the great abundance of waterbirds, among other reasons.

Physical environment The s'Albufera nature Reserve is the most important wetland in the Balearic Islands. It was formed about 100,000 years ago when the shore line came into being probably during the interglacial period. There have been various attempts made to drain it, with the main objective being to prevent malaria. The plots of land under cultivation (marjals) on the periphery are the result of a nineteenth century draining programme.

Flora Over 400 different species of flora exist in s'Albufera, which can be classified into two different systems: The dune belt. Apart from the full range of species typical of the first rows of dunes, such as marram grass, sea daffodils, and poly (teucrium polium) the dune system of s'Albufera is characterised by something unique to the Balearics, a belt occupied by prickly juniper (Juniperus oxycedrus ssp macrocarpa). Behind this barrier, there are pine woods, with mastic trees, rosemary and tree heath, which flowers in the autumn, in addition to sarsaparilla and the endemic species of shrub 'peu de milà' (Thymelaea velutina). The wet land itself. In parts with lesser marine influence there are reed beds and large areas of giant reed or cane, fen sedge (Cladium mariscus), Ravenna grass (Erianthus ravennae) and bulrushes. In the interior of the canal area, there is submerged pondweed (Potamogeton), common hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) and species of stonewort. In areas of stiller water, the surface is sometimes covered with lesser duckweed and watercress. The canal banks and paths are lined with trees such as elms and poplars, together with hawthorn, brambles, periwinkle, and cinquefoil, while halophiles predominate in areas with a higher saline concentration: saltwort, sea rushes and varieties of sea lavender. On higher pieces of land there are other varieties of reed, plantain and a goodly number of species of orchids, the very rare horsetail among them.

Fauna S'Albufera has a vital role as a feeding ground and sanctuary for birds. Over 230 species have been sighted there, which is 80% of all birdlife known in the Balearics. Of residents and those birds that nest among the reeds, there are about fifty breeds, perhaps the most common being mallard, coots, moorhens and little grebes. Although they do not nest in the area, little egrets and black-headed gulls are also common.

S'Albufera is a breeding ground for over 200 bird species, of the 300 known in the Balearics

Cormorants, wigeon, teal, spoonbill, and pochard are frequent winter visitors, whilst, in spring, night herons, sandpipers, plovers, curlews and black-tailed godwits are also common. Although rare, storks can also be spotted. As far as raptors are concerned, marsh harriers, peregrine falcons, kestrels and the osprey are of special interest.

The following reptiles can be found: the European pond turtle and the viperine snake 'Natrix maura'. The Iberian green frog and the Eurasian green toad are common amphibians.

Any section about the fauna of the reserve would not be complete without mention of the eel. They enter s'Albufera as elvers, and between eight to ten winters later they leave again to breed in the centre of the Atlantic Ocean. Fishing for eels has always taken place because of their gastronomic appeal, and their traditional place in the eating habits of the surrounding area.