The landowners community Riegos de Levante are denying access to this National Park near Elche. The park has been closed since January15. Visitors , scientists and regional government officals have all been excluded.

Ecological groups have issued a joint statement criticising the situation as it exists at the moment.

The community signed up to a public financed scheme to boost conservation of the area and protect endangered species.

Now it is impossible for researchers to obtain data on populations of animals for the first time in 20 years.