A variety of ecosystems
The biodiversity to be found in Doñana is due to a combination of different ecosystems. It was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1980.
The Park is characterised by its flatness. A transition can be seen from the gently sloping landscapes of the stabilised sand dunes, known as "cotos", to the marsh, which is the most interesting area, as it is a refuge for numerous migratory birds. The fauna to be found in Doñana includes a wide variety of species, of which the most significant are the birds, but also the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardina), a carnivore indigenous to the Iberian Peninsula and which has become the park's emblem.