Historical evolution of the Abalario lagoon complexes (Doñana Natural Park, SW Spain)

Abstract

This work aims to demostrate which factors have determined surface drainage and distribution of the present-day hygrophytic vegetation of Abalario, in Doñana Natural Park (Huelva). The area is difficult to interpret because its territorial framework is disfigured as a result of an intensive use of its natural resources having been superimposed in the normal territorial dynamics. The area occupied by lagoons has been reduced by more than 30 % in less than 40 years. This percentage is almost 90 % in the case of peat-bogs. Two large lagoons of which historical records exist have completely disappeared namely, Laguna de La Mediana (“the Median Lagoon”) and Laguna de Invierno (“the Winter Lagoon”). A subsidiary aim is to establish the usefulness of the methodology used, i.e. field work carried out in parallel with historical documentation using cartography and records of past land use. This combination of approaches provides a key to interpret actual surface hydrology and vegetation.