Temporay ponds from Donana National Park: a system of natural habitats for the preservation of aquatic flora and fauna

Doñana National Park's temporary ponds, numbering over 3000 during wet years, serve as critical habitats for diverse aquatic flora and fauna. These ponds, characterized by their hydroperiod gradient—ranging from autumnal to summer persistence—support eight amphibian species dependent on them for breeding. Among the recorded taxa, coleopterans (56) and heteropterans (19) are notably abundant, alongside endemic zooplankton like Dussartius baeticus and Lecane donyanensis. The study also identifies 55 hydrophyte species, including endemics (Callitriche regis-jubae, Scorzonera fistulosa) and relic species (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae). The conservation value of these ponds is underscored by their role in preserving protected and rare species, facilitated by high pond abundance and connectivity. This research highlights the ecological significance of Mediterranean temporary ponds as priority habitats under the European Union Habitats Directive.

Carmen, D.-P., Fernández-Zamudio, R., Florencio, M., García-Murillo, P., Gómez-Rodríguez, C., Portheault, A., Serrano, L., & Siljeström, P. (2010). Temporay ponds from Donana National Park: a system of natural habitats for the preservation of aquatic flora and fauna. Limnetica, 29(1), 41–58. https://doi.org/10.23818/limn.29.04