Spain's Doñana National Park

Doñana National Park protects 543 square kilometers at the Guadalquivir River delta, creating one of Europe's most important wetlands. This UNESCO World Heritage Site serves as a crucial stopover for millions of birds migrating between Europe and Africa. The park's diverse habitats from marshes to mobile dunes support exceptional biodiversity despite surrounding agricultural pressures. The park provides critical habitat for the endangered Iberian lynx (world's most endangered cat) and Spanish imperial eagle. Over 300 bird species include massive flamingo flocks, purple gallinule, and marbled teal. Wild boar and red deer thrive alongside introduced fallow deer. The marshes transform seasonally from flooded wonderland to parched plains. Conservation faces challenges from water extraction, agriculture, and climate change. Restoration projects reconnect water flows and remove invasive species. Lynx breeding programs show remarkable success. Sustainable tourism provides economic alternatives to agriculture. Despite pressures, Doñana remains vital for European biodiversity through adaptive management.

Water Features

Marshes, streams, temporary ponds

Ecosystem

This destination features a wetlands ecosystem.