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S'Albufera, the largest and most important wetland area in the Balearics,
is a former lagoon separated from the sea by a belt of dunes, which for many centuries
- but especially in the last two as a result of human influence - has filled up with sediments
converting it into an extensive flood plain. The Natural Park affords protection to some 1708
hectares of marshes and dunes.
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S'Albufera's Saltwater marshes along Alcudia Bay
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The basis of S´Albufera´s ecological richness is water. The virtually permanent inundation of much of the Natural Park provides favourable conditions for vegetation growth and variety according to the depth of water, proximity of the sea and type of terrain. The range of plant species gives cover and food to a multitude of animals, which in turn are food for many more. Thanks to the abundance of water the diversity of living organisms (known as biodiversity by scientists) is very high, indeed S´Albufera's suite of ecosystems supports the greatest biodiversity of any site in the Balearics. |
Dunes of Es Comu
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S´Albufera derives a large part of its water from rain falling on some 640 square kilometres of north and central Mallorca, by way of seasonal streams ("torrents") and springs from subterranean aquifers, known as "ullals". A relatively small amount of seawater intrusion in summer nevertheless has a particular effect on the vegetation and fauna. The wetland is bordered by agricultural fields on its west and southwest flanks, while in the north, urban and tourist developments extend to the border of the park (figure 1). The lowland catchment is the most intensively farmed on Mallorca because of the year-round access to groundwater close to the surface, the organically rich soils and the general absence of winter frosts (Earthwatch, 1991). Cereals, potatoes, artichokes, onions and tomatoes are currently the principal cultivated crops. The crops are produced at small farms with a low input of machinery. The land use in the upland catchment (between Inca and Santa Maria) consists mostly of almond, olive and citrus orchards. |
Agriculture bordering the park
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Intense urban and tourist developments constitute the major socio-economic system along the north-east border of S'Albufera and shoreline of Alcudia bay, primarly in areas formerly occupied by coastal dunes. Since 1955 tourism has been in a constant state of growth in Mallorca, with 3 periods of rapid increase recognized as the trhee "tourist explosions"from 1955-1973, 1973-1989 and finally 1989-1999 (Salamanca and Rodriguez, 1999). The expansive Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadow found in the Alcudia Bay is well recognised for its role in sedimentary processes (Whittingham, 1999); the species is endemic to the Mediterranean and the meadows support a high primary production (Marba and Duarte, 1996). As a result of the role of the Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadow in sedimentary processes, the biotope provides an important hydrodynamic barrier, thus protecting the beaches and coastal dunes against erosion. |
Hotels allong Estany des Ponts
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In the catchment in which s'Albufera is situated expanding tourism and the intensification of agriculture place considerable pressure on freshwater resources and s'Albufera's coastal wetland ecosystem. These accumulating pressures may induce changes in ecological processes and biodiversity in coastal wetlands despite measures of protection and conservation. Leaf litter of Posedonia Oceanica also collects on the beach (when not removed by cleaning) acting as a further wave break during heavy seas (see picture). The problem here is the disequilibrium of this system through the removal of Posidonia litter from the beach, and the destruction of the Posidonia beds by boat anchors, pollution (from agricultural and tourism sources). |
Coastal zone protection by posedonia
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The biological description of vegetation must begin with the dominant reed (Phragmites australis), saw-sedge (Cladium mariscus) and reedmace (Typha latifolia), large emergent plants growing in the flooded areas. Also important are the species which live submerged in the canals, small lagoons (known as ´llisers´) and flooded marshes. Among the most notable we may find fennel pondweed (Potomogeton pectinatus), spineless hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) or duckweeds (Lemna sp.) The more brackish areas support rushes (Juncus species) and glassworts (Salicornia and Arthrocnemum species). The main trees are white poplar (Populus alba), elm (Ulmus minor) and tamarisk (Tamarix africana).
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We must not overlook the wide variety of fungi recorded: 66 species so far. One of these, the toadstool Psathyrella halofila, was discovered new to science in 1992 and is still only known from S'Albufera. We can also note the wealth of fish: 29 species, the majority marine in origin. The most numerous are the eel (Anguilla anguilla) and a variety of mullet species. Among the amphibians the marsh frog (Rana perezi) population stands out, and reptiles include the water snake (Natrix maura) and European pond terrapin (Emys orbicularis). The most abundant mammals are the rodents (rats and mice) and bats (8 species), including important rarities such as the Barbastelle bat (Barbasterella barbastrellus). The number and diversity of invertebrates is enormous. The most notable groups are the dragonflies, flies (including endemic species), spiders and, above all, the moths - of which more than 300 species are currently known. |
Picture by Biel Perello |
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However, the most celebrated and appreciated group is the birds. Birds which fly effortlessly between marshlands separated by hundreds or thousands of kilometres find food and shelter amongst the lagoons and canals. S´Albufera is the only site in the archipelago where over two-thirds the total number of species recorded in the Balearics have been seen - some 200 different species. The 61 species breeding in the Park comprise both sedentary species (remaining throughout the year) and summer visitors which migrate south once breeding is over. A third group comprises visitors from the north which come for the coldest months of winter. Large flocks of ducks (shoveler, wigeon, teal...), a range of heron species, starlings... Every winter the numbers of these main species comfortably exceed 10,000 individuals. Migrants are species which visit the Park in the course of their journeys, remaining in transit for just a few days. They include substantial numbers of garganey, ruff and other waders, hirundines... Lastly there are the vagrants, or occasional visitors, such as cranes, glossy ibis or spoonbills. The attached list gives the most interesting species for visitors and for nature conservation. |
Picture from Ditta Greguss
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S'Albufera Natural Park: official status
The Balearic Government declared S´Albufera a National Park on 28th February 1988,
constituting the first naturally protected area in the Balearics. This declaration authorises the
conservation and restoration of the Park´s natural and cultural values, the empowerment of educational
and scientific activities and contact between man and nature, as well as the Park'ss harmonisation in
the local and Mallorca-wide socioeconomic contexts, with its principal function the conservation
of nature.
S'Albufera de Mallorca. Special Protection Area for Birds
In 1979, the European Commission adopted the 79/409/CE Directive for the conservation
of wild birds. Based on the premise that birds are a Europe-wide heritage shared by all, the Directive
sets out to promote the conservation and suitable management of all wild birds living within the European Community.
Within it protection measures are defined, and restrictions applied for quarry species and the sale of wild birds.
In addition, the Directive identifies habitat protection as a prerequisite for species protection. At such sites,
known as Special Protection Areas for Birds (SPAs), measures are adopted to avoid any habitat deterioration or other
disturbance which may affect the birds. S'Albufera has been a SPA from the moment Spain became
a member of the European Community.
S'Albufera de Mallorca and the Ramsar Convention
On 5th December 1989 the Council of Ministers registered S´Albufera de Mallorca in
the list of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (with special reference to water
birds), better known as the Ramsar Convention (Iran 1971). The governments which ratified it committed
themselves to promote the protection and the balanced use of wetlands.
Map of S'Albufera Park Natural
Copyright © 2003 Please send questions and remarks to
Nick Riddiford