Las Tablas de Daimiel reports record waterfowl reproduction

Las Tablas de Daimiel National Park has reported a highly successful year for waterfowl reproduction, featuring several historical highs and a notable recovery of various species. According to the park's director, Carlos Ruiz de la Hermosa, the monitoring process involves monthly censuses across seven sectors, utilizing a methodology that limits boat access to minimize disturbance to the fauna.

Key findings from the census include a significant increase in the red-crested pochard (pato colorado), with an estimated 1,600 to 1,700 breeding pairs, marking the best data since 1980. The European shag (porrón europeo) reached at least 400 pairs, remaining among the best records of the last two decades, while the Marbled duck (ánade friso) nearly doubled its previous numbers with 220 to 240 pairs.

Threatened species also showed positive trends. The Muscovy duck (malvasía) recorded at least 60 pairs and 154 chicks, representing the second-best historical data since 1980. Additionally, the Smew (porrón pardo) maintained between 28 and 32 pairs.