Reserva natural de Lagunas de Villafáfila, Protected wetland in Zamora Province, Spain
The Reserva Natural de Lagunas de Villafáfila is a wetland in Zamora Province that contains multiple lakes changing with the seasons. In winter these waters expand significantly, creating different habitats for wildlife throughout the year.
People have been extracting salt in this area since very ancient times. Later the salt production became a royal monopoly in the medieval period.
Traditional adobe dovecotes scattered throughout the reserve show how local people built and lived in the Zamora region long ago. These structures are still visible today and give visitors a sense of the area's rural past.
A visitor center called El Palomar offers information and maintains artificial ponds for watching wildlife. The best time to visit depends on which birds you want to see, as different species arrive with each season.
This area is home to one of Europe's largest populations of great bustards. These large birds are relatively uncommon and draw birdwatchers from elsewhere.
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