El Fondo Natural Park, Protected wetland area in Elche, Spain.
El Fondo is a natural park with two main lagoons fed by the Segura River, featuring varying water depths and salinity levels across its area. The landscape consists of reed beds, open water, and banks that create different habitats for plants and animals.
The two lagoons were created in the 1920s when an irrigation company built reservoirs to store and distribute water for farmers. This early infrastructure shaped the region and inadvertently created a habitat for wildlife.
The park serves as a vital stopover for migratory birds and resident species that find food and nesting grounds here. Visitors can observe how the reed beds and open water attract various birds that depend on these wetlands for their survival.
The park has three marked routes for exploring: two walking paths and a bicycle trail offering different views of the wetland. Plan your visit during clear weather with good visibility when birds are easier to spot and observe.
The park is home to the Spanish toothcarp, a rare fish found only in Mediterranean regions with special salt water conditions. This tiny species has adapted perfectly to the specific conditions of these lagoons.
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