Paúl do Taipal (Taipal Marsh). 24/10/01; Regiao Centro; 233 ha; 40°11'N 008°41'W. EC Birds Directive Special Protection Area. A freshwater permanently flooded marsh in a small alluvial plain in the Mondego river valley, with extensive reed beds and some open water. The wetland is surrounded by agricultural land, with rice fields downstream. It has great bird diversity and habitats of major importance for migratory birds for wintering (including more than 1% of the Mediterranean population of Anas clypeata) and resting areas (for example, transaharan passerines and palearctic birds). It also supports a significant portion of the indigenous fish species Rutilus macrolepidotus, Barbus bacogei, and Cobitis maroccana in all life-cycle stages. The area is very important for local regulation of the underground water table and may also act as a buffer zone, contributing to increased protection of adjoining farmlands against erosion by winter floods. The marsh is publicly owned and managed, with educational activities and traditional fishing practiced within the site; conventional corn and rice cultivation takes place on private lands roundabout. Ramsar site no. 1107. Most recent RIS information: 2001.