Lagunas de Ruidera.23/09/11; Castilla-La Mancha; 6,639 ha; 38°56'23"N 002°51'35"W. Natural Park, Wildlife Refuge, Natura 2000 (SIC), UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. A 25 km long chain of natural dams creating a lagoon complex interconnected by waterfalls and karst formations. It was formed through unique geological processes and comprises European priority habitat types such as petrifying springs with tufa formation and calcareous fens. Several plant communities associated with alkaline peatlands can be found, but Charophytes are dominant. The site hosts many globally threatened species including Bivalve Unio tumidiformis and Water Vole Arvicola sapidus as well as numerous fish and bird species, especially Anatidae. The site is critical for the functioning of the regional hydrological system and serves as an important water reservoir in this very dry region. The site is of archaeological and historic significance and is used for traditional agriculture, research and recreational activities. Unsustainable tourism developments involving high water consumption and pollution have threatened the site, but are now partly addressed through a water purification project. There is a visitors centre offering guided tours. Ramsar Site number: 2069. Most recent RIS information: 2012.