Embalse de Orellana. 26/03/93; Extremadura; 5,500 ha; 38°59'N 005°32'W. Special Protection Area EC Directive. A vast, artificial reservoir built for irrigation purposes and subject to seasonal variations in water level. Located at altitude, the site includes several islands and is surrounded by forests. Of particular importance for nesting birds, the islands support a major colony of Gelochelidon nilotica (500 pairs), up to 65,000 wintering waterbirds of various species, and high densities of several raptor species. Human activities include hunting, fishing, boating, and substantially increasing tourism and recreation. Ramsar site no. 597. Most recent RIS information: 1999.