Publications
Groundwater overexploitation drives freshwater turtle declines in Doñana National Park
Groundwater overexploitation in Doñana National Park has driven significant declines in freshwater turtle populations over three decades. The Mediterranean pond turtle (Mauremys leprosa) and the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) have seen dramatic decreases in abundance—56.9% and 74.1%, respectively—and their distribution has contracted sharply, particularly for E. orbicularis. Both species are now concentrated in a shrinking subset of long-hydroperiod ponds, indicating severe loss of functional habitat at the landscape scale. The study used a snapshot resampling design with standardized fyke nets to survey the park's pond network in 1991–1994 and 2021–2024, quantifying abundance through capture–mark–recapture methods. These findings underscore that legal protection alone is insufficient without addressing basin-scale hydrological pressures. Urgent reductions in groundwater withdrawal, restoration of the pond network, and hydrologically explicit monitoring are necessary to reverse these declines and prevent local extinctions.
A Semi-Automatic Remote-Sensing-Based System for the Early Detection of Cyanobacterial Blooms: The Case of the Doñana National Park (Spain)
A semi-automatic remote-sensing system demonstrates significant potential for the early detection of cyanobacterial blooms, offering a rapid and efficient tool for monitoring water quality. The study, conducted in Doñana National Park from 2020 to 2023, combines in-situ hyper-spectral measurements with satellite data from Copernicus Sentinel-2, revealing that while satellite observations are more sensitive to general phytoplankton biomass, they provide critical spatial insights for assessing ecosystem health. In-situ hyper-spectral data, however, enable precise detection of cyanobacteria concentrations. The research also introduces an automatic processing chain and user-friendly interface to streamline data exploitation, making it accessible for monitoring teams in national parks.
Bone weathering in a Mediterranean climate region: An experimental case study from Doñana National Park (Spain)
Bone weathering progresses more slowly in Mediterranean climates, with larger animals exhibiting even slower rates. This study, conducted over six years at Doñana National Park (Spain), found that horse tibias reached only stage 1 weathering, aligning with previous findings on body size effects. Unlike tibias, wild boar skulls showed distinct modifications due to structural differences. The research also characterized local meteorological and soil conditions, contributing to the calibration of weathering scales in Mediterranean contexts—a critical gap given the region's abundant fossil assemblages.
Groundwater/Surface Water Temperature Variations and Hydrogeological Implications in Doñana National Park
A recent study on Doñana National Park reveals significant groundwater and surface water temperature shifts during a dry-warm period (2020–2023), marked by reduced precipitation and rising air temperatures. While shallow piezometers (~15 m depth) showed increased annual mean water temperatures, deep piezometers recorded a decrease in water temperature and reduced variability. A phase shift between groundwater temperature extremes and air temperature variations was also observed, with its magnitude depending on sensor depth. These findings highlight the sensitivity of Doñana's wetlands to global environmental changes and provide insights into aquifer recharge and discharge dynamics at local and regional scales. The research analyzed eight hydrometeorological years (2016–2024) using temperature data from sand-dune ponds and piezometers, offering a comprehensive assessment of flow variability under extreme climatic conditions.
Using Satellite Remote Sensing to Estimate Rangeland Carrying Capacity for Sustainable Management of the Marismeño Horse in Doñana National Park, Spain
A six-year satellite-based study reveals critical seasonal patterns in vegetation productivity and grazing suitability within Doñana National Park, essential for the sustainable management of the endangered Marismeño horse. The research, utilizing Landsat 8 and Sentinel-2 data, identified strong seasonal cycles with peak biomass and nutritive value in spring, followed by sharp declines in summer. Ecotonal zones like La Vera y Sotos served as vital refuges during drought-induced resource shortages, highlighting their importance for the horse's survival. The study demonstrates the reliability of a multi-sensor approach for fine-scale mapping of forage dynamics, offering a scalable tool to support biodiversity conservation and the resilience of Mediterranean rangeland ecosystems under increasing climate variability.
Environmental factors affecting phenology and distribution of Tentyria species (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) in Doñana National Park (Southern Iberian Peninsula)
Extreme temperatures may significantly constrain the spatial distribution of Tentyria species (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) in Doñana National Park, potentially impacting biodiversity under future climate change scenarios. The study, based on 20 years of data from a comprehensive inventory project, identified four Tentyria species with distinct phenological patterns and distributions. While T. donanensis was ubiquitous, T. subcostata was limited to the southern coastal area, and T. platyceps and T. bifida were found in northern marshes and inland forests, respectively. Sampling involved two years of monthly pitfall trapping across the park, revealing that these species are primarily active during summer, with unimodal or bimodal activity curves depending on the species. This research provides a baseline for future studies to assess long-term changes in Tentyria populations and their response to environmental shifts.
Groundwater decline has negatively affected the well-preserved amphibian community of Doñana National Park (SW Spain)
Groundwater decline has significantly reduced the amphibian diversity within Doñana National Park, SW Spain. A comparative survey between 2003-2004 and 2021-2022 revealed a decline in the occurrence of all 11 amphibian species present, with only two species (Pelophylax perezi and Hyla meridionalis) still found across more than half of the sampling area. The mean number of species per grid cell dropped from 4.3 to 3.1, indicating a substantial loss in biodiversity. This decline is attributed to groundwater overexploitation outside the park, which has led to shorter hydroperiods and pond desiccation, exacerbated by recent drought conditions. Restoration efforts focusing on reducing groundwater exploitation are critical to preserving Doñana's amphibian community.
Modelling Water Depth, Turbidity and Chlorophyll Using Airborne Hyperspectral Remote Sensing in a Restored Pond Complex of Doñana National Park (Spain)
Airborne hyperspectral remote sensing emerges as a powerful tool for monitoring restored wetlands, offering precise mapping of water depth, turbidity, and chlorophyll concentrations. A study in Doñana National Park demonstrated that the CASI-1500 sensor could detect significant spatial variations between experimental ponds, even after restoration efforts. These differences suggest high ecological diversity, underscoring the potential of hyperspectral technology for long-term wetland monitoring. The approach combines high-resolution imaging with spectral analysis to provide cost-effective and scalable solutions for assessing restoration success in Mediterranean wetlands and beyond.
Validation of Gross Primary Production Estimated by Remote Sensing for the Ecosystems of Doñana National Park through Improvements in Light Use Efficiency Estimation
A novel approach to estimating gross primary production (GPP) in Doñana National Park, Spain, demonstrates that the inclusion of the Sentinel-2 Land Surface Water Index (LSWI) significantly improves model accuracy compared to traditional light use efficiency (LUE) models. The study, validated with eddy covariance data from two distinct ecosystems—xeric shrubs and seasonal marshes—reveals that water status has a greater influence on GPP than meteorological variables in this water-scarce region. This finding underscores the potential of integrating remote sensing data to enhance carbon assimilation monitoring in heterogeneous landscapes, offering critical insights for global change research.
Calculation of the SPI, SPEI, and GRDI Indices for Historical Climatic Data from Doñana National Park: Forecasting Climatic Series (2030–2059) Using Two Climatic Scenarios RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 by IPCC
A significant decline of 13–14% in total precipitation and a reduction of 25–38% in severely to extremely wet periods in Doñana National Park (DNP) was identified through analysis of historical climate data (1985–2015). Projections for 2030–2060 under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios revealed a decrease in groundwater recharge rates due to increased evapotranspiration, highlighting the need for mitigation measures. The study utilized SPI, SPEI, and GRDI indices to assess drought conditions, with GRDI providing novel insights into groundwater recharge dynamics.
Pesticide contamination of bird species from Doñana National Park (southwestern Spain): Temporal trends (1999–2021) and reproductive impacts
A two-decade study of Doñana National Park (DNP) reveals alarming trends in pesticide contamination among bird species, with organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) showing a decline but pyrethroids (PYRs), particularly fenvalerate, surging since 2013—up to 100,000 times higher than earlier levels. The research detected 26 pesticides in bird eggs, including new contaminants like oxadiazon and fenitrothion in 2021 samples, with 4,4′-DDE reaching concentrations linked to reproductive harm in top predators such as the booted eagle. While OCP levels have decreased overall, PYR increases pose a growing threat, underscoring the need for stricter agricultural pesticide controls to protect DNP's biodiversity.
Soil formation and hydrological evolution of Navazo del Toro small-lake ecosystem, Doñana National Park, Andalusia, Spain
Research reveals that the Navazo del Toro (NVT) wetland, one of Doñana National Park's largest temporary small-lakes, has undergone significant hydrological and pedological evolution since at least 4,255 years ago. The study identifies key processes shaping this ecosystem, including the translocation of silt and clay from dune slopes, sediment accumulation in the depression, and the development of tirsificated and vertic Luvisols. Hydromorphic conditions, marked by gleyic and stagnic features, have also incorporated organic materials like diatoms and sponge spicules, initiating incipient podzolization. The research employs a geopedological catena analysis along 230 meters with five soil profiles to unravel these processes, providing critical insights into the Middle-Upper Holocene hydrological dynamics of this unique wetland system.
Wavelet Analysis on Groundwater, Surface-Water Levels and Water Temperature in Doñana National Park (Coastal Aquifer in Southwestern Spain)
Groundwater abstraction for agriculture and urban use is threatening the ecological integrity of Doñana National Park. A study using wavelet analysis reveals that temporary ponds in the park remain connected to the underlying sand-dune aquifer despite heavy pumping, as evidenced by semi-diurnal (6-hour) water level fluctuations linked to tidal influences. Additionally, diurnal (12-hour) signals indicate the impact of evaporation and evapotranspiration on these groundwater-dependent ecosystems. The findings underscore the vulnerability of Doñana's fragile wetland systems and provide critical data for sustainable water resource management.
Effects of Population Declines on Habitat Segregation and Activity Patterns of Rabbits and Hares in Doñana National Park, Spain
A significant shift in habitat use and activity patterns among European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and Iberian hares (Lepus granatensis) in Doñana National Park, Spain, has been linked to population declines caused by virus-borne diseases. Initially, rabbits were confined to scrublands while hares occupied marshlands, with both species sharing rush and fern belt ecotones. However, following a decline in rabbit populations due to disease outbreaks between 2005–2016, hares expanded their habitat use into scrublands, previously exclusive to rabbits. This shift is attributed to reduced competition and predation pressure from the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus), a rabbit specialist, which nearly disappeared due to the decline in its primary prey. Consequently, generalist predators increased, leading both lagomorph species to adopt nocturnal activity patterns to avoid higher predation risks during the day.
Survey of Culicoides ‐borne bluetongue and Schmallenberg viruses at the wildlife‐livestock interface in Doñana National Park (Spain)
A comprehensive survey of bluetongue virus (BTV) and Schmallenberg virus (SBV) in Doñana National Park, Spain, reveals widespread exposure and active circulation among wild and domestic ungulates. The study found high seroprevalence of BTV in red deer (97%) and fallow deer (64.7%), with viral RNA detected in multiple individuals, indicating ongoing transmission. SBV exposure was also prevalent across cattle (37%), red deer (16.8%), fallow deer (23.5%), and wild boar (2%). Notably, co-exposure to both viruses occurred in 18.7% of deer, though no co-infections were detected. The research underscores the role of wild cervids as potential reservoirs for these Culicoides-borne pathogens, particularly in vaccinated livestock scenarios, emphasizing the need for wildlife surveillance to inform disease control strategies.
A survey of shared pathogens at the domestic–wild ruminants’ interface in Doñana National Park (Spain)
A study conducted in Doñana National Park, Spain, revealed shared pathogens between domestic cattle and wild ruminants, including red deer and fallow deer. The research identified seroprevalence of pestiviruses (2.2%), bovine respiratory syncytial virus (11.6%), and bovine herpesvirus 1 (27.5%) exclusively in cattle, suggesting these viruses have epidemiological cycles limited to domestic animals. Additionally, Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex was detected in both cattle (15.9% incidence) and wild ruminants (14.3% seroprevalence), with identical Mycobacterium bovis spoligotypes found across species. This indicates potential cross-species transmission at the domestic-wild interface. The study highlights the need for targeted surveillance to inform control strategies in multi-host epidemiological scenarios.
Monitoring of pharmaceuticals in aquatic biota (Procambarus clarkii) of the Doñana National Park (Spain)
A clear ecotoxicological risk to the Doñana National Park ecosystem was demonstrated by the presence of ciprofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, following punctual and massive human activity within the park. The study, conducted between 2011 and 2016, analyzed 23 pharmaceuticals from eight therapeutic families in crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) and water samples across six sampling points to assess pollution sources. Using enzymatic-microwave assisted extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, researchers detected ciprofloxacin, ibuprofen, salicylic acid, flumequine, and carbamazepine at various sites. Flumequine and carbamazepine were found in crayfish specimens at concentrations of 30 ng g−1 and 14 ng g−1, respectively, suggesting persistent discharge sources. The primary source of pharmaceuticals was identified as livestock farming activities, with minimal influence from surrounding urban wastewaters.
Protected areas enter a new era of uncertain challenges: extinction of a non‐exigent falcon in Doñana National Park
Doñana National Park, renowned for its rich predator community, has witnessed the alarming extinction of the Eurasian hobby (Falco subbuteo), a non-exigent falcon species. Originally abundant with 50–60 pairs, the hobbies were unique specialist hunters of swifts and dragonflies, occupying a distinct niche within the raptor assemblage. The study attributes their rapid decline post-2000 to synergistic factors including prey depletion, farmland intensification, chemical contamination, predation, and climate warming, with most drivers traceable to external pressures like farming practices and climate change. This extinction underscores mounting broad-level pressures on ecosystems, even in well-managed protected areas, highlighting the need for increased knowledge, quality monitoring, and rapid management action to mitigate such losses. The study suggests that unexpected species extinctions will become more common in protected areas due to growing anthropogenic pressures and climate change.
Evaluation of Volatile Organic Compounds Obtained from Breath and Feces to Detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex in Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) in Doñana National Park, Spain
Researchers identified specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the breath and feces of wild boar that can distinguish between Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC)-positive and MTBC-negative individuals, particularly in juvenile animals. Using discriminant function analysis (DFA), the study successfully classified MTBC status based on VOCs from both breath and fecal samples collected from 33 wild boar in Doñana National Park, Spain. Significant VOCs were detected across different age classes, with notable findings in adult and juvenile boar. This non-invasive method offers a promising tool for surveillance and disease management in wild swine populations, though further validation with larger sample sizes and diverse geographic locations is recommended.
Long-Term Determinants of Tuberculosis in the Ungulate Host Community of Doñana National Park
A 14-year study (2006–2018) of tuberculosis (TB) in Doñana National Park revealed that wild boar, red deer, fallow deer, and cattle exhibit distinct TB prevalence patterns influenced by host density, rainfall, and ecological interactions. Wild boar showed the highest TB prevalence (76.7%), with sows acting as key drivers of transmission among young individuals within maternal groups. Rainfall significantly increased TB risk in male red deer, likely due to sex-related susceptibility or exposure differences. Fallow deer and cattle shared a positive association, suggesting interspecies transmission or overlapping risk factors. The study highlights that effective TB control requires integrated strategies targeting all host species, population dynamics, environmental exposure, and livestock management.
Taphonomic information from the modern vertebrate death assemblage of Doñana National Park, Spain
Modern death assemblages in Doñana National Park, Spain, reveal significant insights into the early stages of fossilization and the ecology of vertebrate species. The study found that lake-margin and river-margin habitats offer the highest potential for fossil preservation due to high concentrations of well-preserved bones undergoing burial. Active depositional environments, such as marshlands and beaches, show more bone breakage and scavenging marks, primarily from wild boar and red foxes. Large land mammals, especially wild and feral ungulates, dominate the bone assemblage, with good overall preservation attributed to low predator pressure on large vertebrates. The spatial distribution of species in death assemblages reflects their preferred habitats during life, with meadows being a notable winter habitat for male deer, as indicated by shed antlers. This research underscores the value of taphonomic studies in understanding both modern and past ecosystems.
The Origin and Evolution of Late Holocene Tsunamiites in the Doñana National Park (SW Spain): Trace Elements as Geochemical Proxies
Researchers have identified three distinct Holocene-age tsunami deposits (around 4.25, 3.56, and 2.2–2 kyr BP) within the Doñana National Park using trace element geochemistry as proxies for marine incursions and high-energy events. The study analyzed sediments from two boreholes, revealing complex estuarine paleoenvironments with inherited mineralogy (e.g., REE-Y-Rb-Sr-Cs-Th-U-Hf-Al-Ti-Co-Cr-Sc) and elements linked to evaporite conditions (Br-Na). Statistical analysis, including linear correlation and factor analysis, highlighted Na, Br, Sr, Hf, and Ti as key indicators of tsunamiites. The findings suggest that trace element geochemistry is a robust tool for identifying past tsunamis, with sediment provenance primarily originating from felsic sources.
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