The first urban ZEPA, declared in 2003, was originally constituted only by the Church of Purificación, a Gothic-style church whose Almendros Tower was destroyed in 1936 during the Spanish Civil War and restored in the same year. Most of the breeding pairs are found in artificial nests, both inside and outside buildings, which have been installed over the years by the NGO DEMA, accommodating around 80 out of the estimated 100 breeding pairs in this ZEPA. Later on, the ZEPA was expanded to include other nearby areas that are also of interest to the lesser kestrel. Almendralejo is located in the region of Tierra de Barros, surrounded by suitable hunting grounds for the species, including open vineyards, olive groves and cereal crops. However, a study conducted by DEMA with LIFE funding determined that the median and roadside verges of the nearby A6 highway are key feeding areas for the breeding pairs in this ZEPA. An observation area has been set up, including a spy glass that allows visitors to observe the colony from a privileged location without interfering with the breeding process.

Location: ALMENDRALEJO