Currently, the Segre-Cinca confluence is included in the PEIN (Plan for spaces of natural interest by the Catalan Government) and the Natura 2000 Network. And, with a total area of 495 hectares, it is one of the most important wetland areas in Catalonia.
The Segre-Cinca confluence is one of those places that seduces all who visit it. The great diversity of environments and habitats found there makes it very interesting, both for scientists and for those looking for leisure activities. The great biodiversity of the area makes it attractive for both botanists and zoologists or simply for fans of biology of any category.
On the other hand, the exuberance of the riparian forest also attracts the attention of the many fishermen who, although they are going there principally to fish, they can also appreciate the shade offered by magnificent poplars, silver poplars and alders. It is also a gift for the senses simply to walk around the space, either on foot or by bicycle, walking along the paths that border the river between the trees or by the water (where and whenever possible, without disturbing the fauna) with a kayak or row boat, allowing us to enjoy the colours and sounds of nature (water, vegetation, birdsong...).
FLORA AND VEGETATION
The potential vegetation adapted to the semi-arid climate of the area is a kermes oak maquis. This dryland vegetation, which is basically constituted by deciduous trees, contrasts with the vegetation of Eurosiberian tendency that follows the course of the river on both sides, and forms a green line in the middle of a rather glaucous landscape of maquis or of the undergrowth that occupy the contiguous hills.
It must be said that human activity, based on farming, has largely caused the disappearance of the riparian forest, which has been relegated to a narrow strip that follows the rivers. In the lower area of the confluence, after the confluence of the Segre and the Cinca, the volume and extent of the forest have increased as a result of the sedimentation of the matter brought by the rivers. This has been caused by the slowing of the water current in this part of the river, as a result of it being at the end of the tail of the Riba-roja reservoir. This sedimentation has increased the surface area of the existing river islands and has led to the creation of new ones. The riparian habitats achieve maximum development on these islands, far from the hand of man.
WILDLIFE
One of the most visible collectives is birds. More than 200 different species are to be found in the confluence at some point in the year. They are not, however, the only ones to be found. There are also interesting mammals, reptiles, fish, insects... in the area.
It should be noted that in this area there are spices with a marked Mediterranean character and others of a continental nature, which increases biodiversity. And it is also the limit of the distribution area for many species, both animal and plant.
BIRDS (ORNITHOLOGY)
In terms of birds, one of the most notable groups is the egrets and herons, with high numbers of grey herons, purple herons, little egrets, black-crowned night herons. In the reed beds of the lagoons, typical species of these spaces are hidden, such as the Eurasian reed warbler, the great reed warbler and the western marsh harrier and the water rail. On fluvial slopes breeding colonies of the smallest swallow in Europe, the sand martin can still be observed. It should be added that in the surroundings it is not difficult to see great gliding birds such as the golden eagle, the Bonelli's eagle or falcons.
