Nature at the reservoir
25 years after it was built, the reservoir has become a haven for nature.
grows on the shores,
wherever changes in water level so permit. Plants with roots or floating plants
are food for birds. Around the reservoir are reeds and bulrushes, typical in
silt areas. The presence of woods with local trees could be highlighted. They
are well preserved at the points where the rivers enter the reservoir, and are
often flooded when the water rises. There are plenty of willows, along with
alder and oak trees. The woods cover a surface area of over 50 hectares.
Some parts of the larger forest that once covered the area are still left.
They are now surrounded by farms, roads and pine or eucaliptus plantations.
The reservoir and its surroundings are a haven for many species of
. The characteristic plants
in Cecebre mean that it is especially interesting for aquatic birds.
Only a few species use the reservoir during the breeding season, such as the
mallard, the European coot and the little grebe. From the end of August to just
before spring, it is time for winter birds.
Cormorants and herons can be seen resting or fishing, some diving and others
using their beak as a harpoon. Mallards, teals, coots ... 20 different species
of ducks give life to the reservoir, as well as numerous smaller birds such
as the long-tailed tit, the reed bunting, the greenfinch, and birds of prey
like the goshawk, kestrel and common buzzard. The birds and plants are the source
of the reservoir's natural importance - 150 species can be counted in the
habitat.
There is not a great diversity of mammals, although the ones that do live there
are important in the food chain, both at the bottom - rodents and hedgehogs
- and at the top - the genet and the otter (there are a few couples who leave
their footprints around the reservoir).
The reservoir forms part of the list of places under General Protection.
The Water Cycle
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