Problems
Laguna de la Fuente de Piedra is a natural reserve in the province of Málaga, Spain, that is home to the largest colony of greater flamingos on the Iberian Peninsula. The lagoon is fed by underground springs that pass through mineral salt deposits, making it saline and suitable for the flamingos’ breeding and feeding. However, the lagoon is also very shallow and prone to evaporation, especially during periods of drought and heat waves.
Causes of water drying out in the lagoon
In April 2023, due to a severe drought that affected southern Spain, the lagoon dried up completely and turned into a salt desert. This caused a massive exodus of the flamingos, who abandoned their nests and eggs in search of water elsewhere. Only a few dozen flamingos remained in the area, facing starvation and dehydration. The drying up of the lagoon also had negative impacts on the local economy, tourism, and biodiversity. This is a temporary lagoon, and its water level is determined by the Mediterranean climate, characterised by seasonal rainfall, which usually is not abundant as the average annual rainfall is 460 mm. Usually, it is a flooded lagoon in autumn, peaking in spring and drying up in summer. In addition, there is also a large variation in the annual distribution of rainfall, with rainy years in which the lagoon does not dry out and low rainfall years during which it is dried out. Rapidly changing environmental conditions determine the existence of communities of living things adapted to this environment, uniquely fluctuating, among which are micro-organisms, vegetation and waterfowl.
Сonsequences of the disappearance of the water of Laguna de la Fuente de Piedra
The situation of the lagoon is a result of climate change, which has increased the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as droughts and heat waves. It also reflects the unsustainable use of water resources in the region, which has reduced the natural recharge of the aquifers that feed the lagoon. Aside from the environmental impact, the absence of the unique bird colony also represents a significant blow to the local economy. The mayor of Fuente de Piedra, Siro Pachón, explained to El País that the number of visitors to the visitor center is declining, having a clear impact. Experts have called for urgent measures to restore the lagoon’s water level and protect its ecological value. They have also warned that other salt lakes in Spain, such as Las Salinas de Torrevieja or La Albufera de Valencia, could face a similar fate if no action is taken.
Gallery
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Timelines
2023
The lagoon faces another extreme drought that dries up the lagoon completely and turns it into a salt desert. Many of the flamingos leave, and only a few dozen remain. The situation is worsened by climate change and human activities that reduce the water supply to the lagoon.
2013
Laguna de la Fuente de Piedra declared Special Conservation Area (SCA).
2010
The lagoon recovers from the drought and hosts a record number of flamingos: more than 36,000 pairs that produce over 14,000 chicks. It was the largest flamingo colony in Europe that year.
2005
The lagoon suffers a severe drought that reduces its water level and affects its flamingo population. Only 7,000 pairs of flamingos breed that year, compared to 33,000 in 2004.
1984
January 11
The lagoon is declared a nature reserve by the Andalusian government, providing legal protection and management for its conservation.
1983
August 08
The lagoon is designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, recognizing its ecological value and biodiversity. It is home to the largest colony of flamingos in the Iberian Peninsula, as well as many other aquatic birds and plants.