Embalse de las Cañas. 18/11/96; Navarra; 101 ha; 42°29'N 002°24'W. Natural Reserve, European Community Special Protection Area. The site was originally a permanent brackish lagoon, but it has been converted into an artificial impoundment. It is most important for nesting waterbirds, especially various heron species. The most important breeding bird is Nycticorax nycticorax (470 pairs in 1994), which is the largest colony of this species in the entire Ebro Valley. Other valuable breeding waterbirds include Ardea purpurea and Botaurus stellaris. The lake is surrounded by aromatic shrubs of the Sideritido-Salvion association, in a mosaic with steppe-like Ligeo-Stipetea pasture. The site is visited peripherally and fishing is permitted in parts of the lake. Ramsar site no. 870. Most recent RIS information: 1999.