First sampling camping - June 2026

We have just completed the first sampling campaign of the DIMFE project in Sierra Caballera. We surveyed seven ponds distributed across the area, each with different restoration needs. Our objective was to characterise the biodiversity of these freshwater ecosystems to enable comparison with the post‑restoration sampling campaign planned for June 2027.

Unfortunately, due to the exceptionally high temperatures associated with the heat wave that affected Spain in June, several ponds experienced a rapid decline in water levels. Although this year has been unusually rainy in the area, these systems are very shallow, and water loss occurred quickly. As a result, we were unable to sample aquatic biodiversity and could only record macrophyte diversity. This situation illustrates the complexity and vulnerability of these ecosystems, as well as the urgent need for restoration. Dense vegetation cover can accelerate water loss in shallow ponds, further reducing their capacity to sustain aquatic communities.

Another example of degradation we observed was the high density of cattle surrounding the ponds, as shown in the pictures. Many of the ponds were severely impacted by recurrent livestock trampling, which damaged the shorelines, increased sediment disturbance, and contributed to overall habitat degradation.