Humedales y Turberas de Padul. 27/01/06; Andalucía; 327 ha; 37°00'N 003°36'W. Natural Park, EU Directive Site of Community Importance, Andalucian Wetland. Comprising the remains of a fluvial swamp system located in the Lecrín Valley, next to the mountains of Sierra Nevada in Granada. The mountains surrounding these wetlands have been transformed over centuries by human activity, modifying the hydrology to create drainage channels and springs. This site constitutes the only wetland of endorrheic origin in the province and one of the largest peatlands in Mediterranean Europe. It is of high importance given the vast numbers of birds that frequent it, as well as for its cultural and socioeconomic characteristics. The wetland is an important site for reproduction, resting and hibernating seasons of many species, including Circus aeruginosus, Ixobrychus minutus, Vanellus vanellus, Porphyrio porphyrio, Egretta garcetta, and Circus cyaneus. The main threats include peat extraction leading to a lowering of the groundwater level and the presence of abundant water vegetation. A slow eutrophication process due to fertilizer run-off is also present. Ramsar site no. 1674. Most recent RIS information: 2006.