Portugal Flora and Fauna

• Portugal’s flora is diverse, with a mixture of typical Mediterranean species, as well as Atlantic plants.
• In the southern regionspredominate The coronorists and the holm oakstrees that are part of the forests known as “mounted”. These ecosystems are fundamental not only because of their natural wealth, but also because of their economic importance, especially in cork production. In addition, you can find Jaras, Lentiscos and Romero bushesplants resistant to the typical drought of this area.
• In the north and center of the countrywhere the weather is wetter, the oak and chestnut forests They are common. There are also areas where pines and eucalyptus grow, the latter introduced for the timber industry. In The coastdunes are covered by species adapted to sandy and saline soils, such as Maritime thistle and retama.
• Portuguese fauna also reflects the diversity of its landscapes. Between Mammals most prominent are The Iberian wolfwhich dwells mainly in the mountainous areas of the north, and The Iberian lynxone of the most threatened felines in the world, which has found one of its last shelters in southern Portugal thanks to conservation efforts.
• Portugal is also a IMPORTANT POINT FOR BIRDSespecially in the Estario of the Tajo and the Natural Park of the Ría Formosa, which are key areas for the migration of aquatic birds. Species such as flamenco, stork and various raptors can be observed in these areas.

• Cork oak (Quercus suber): Among the vegetation of Portugal, the cork oak stands out, it is perhaps the most emblematic species of this country. This tree, known for its thick cork cortex, is native to the Mediterranean region and is mainly in the south of the country.
• Oak (Quercus ilex): It is a perennial leaf tree, resistant to droughts and adapted to the Mediterranean climate. Its fruits, acorns, are fundamental in the food of various animal species and are also used in food production, such as Iberian ham.
• Sea pine (Pinus pinaster): It is a species used mainly in the wood industry and in resin production. These pine forests are common in reforesting areas, although their introduction has modified some natural ecosystems. Here you can discover several types of pines.
• Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus): The eucalyptus, originally from Australia, was introduced in Portugal in the 19th century and has been widely cultivated due to its rapid growth, which makes it ideal for paper pulp production. In this link you can discover the different types of eucalyptus.
• Lavender or canthue (Lavandula Stoechas): Lavender is a common aromatic plant in the Mediterranean areas of Portugal, especially in dry and rocky soils. Know the types of lavender in this other post.
• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): The rosemary is another aromatic plant that thrives in the dry and sunny soils of Portugal. It is a resistant and perennial species, with small and fragrant leaves that are used in the kitchen, as well as in traditional medicine. In this link you can see different types of rosemary.

• Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus): The Iberian wolf is a subspecies of the European wolf that lives mainly in northern Portugal, in mountainous and wooded areas. This predator is one of the most emblematic mammals in the country, although its population has decreased due to historical persecution and habitat loss. Here you can know why the Iberian wolf is in danger of extinction.
• White stork (Ciconia Ciconia): Among the animals of Portugal, the white stork is one of the most recognizable birds in this country. It is famous for its large size and its large nests that builds in trees, church towers and electrical posts.
• MULE DELFÍN (Tursiops truncatus): The Mular Dolphin, known for its playful intelligence and behavior, is a common species in the coastal waters of Portugal. It can be stumbled in the Sado estuary, near Setúbal, where there is a resident population, as well as in the waters surrounding the Azores and Madeira Islands. Here you can discover the different types of dolphins.
• OLADO LAGARTO (Tumon lepidus): The oted lizard is the largest reptile in Europe and a common species in the warm and dry areas of Portugal. It is easily recognizable for its blue spots on the sides of your green body.
• Tercoote (Physeter macrochalus): The sperm whale is one of the marine giants that can be stumbled in the deep waters around the Azores Islands. Know more about the sperm whale: characteristics, food and habitat.

• LINARIA ALGARVIANA: The Algarvian line is an endemic plant in the Algarve region, in southern Portugal. However, its population has decreased dramatically due to urban development and intensive agriculture in the region.
• Narcissus Scaberulus: This Narcissus is an endemic species of the central region of Portugal, particularly in mountainous and rocky areas. The destruction of their habitat due to agricultural expansion and the collection of bulbs for ornamental use have put this species in danger.
• Armeria Rouyana: The Rouyana Armeria is another in danger, endemic to Portugal, which is located in coastal and mountainous areas of the country. It suffers from habitat loss, especially in coastal areas, due to tourism and construction.
• CAMARINHA (Album Korem): Camarinha is a coastal shrub that grows in the sand dunes of Portugal coastal regions. It produces small edible white berries, which are popular in local gastronomy.
• Iberian lynx (Lynx Pardinus): Iberian lynx is one of the best known species and in greater danger of extinction in Portugal. Although there have been advances in its conservation, with captive breeding programs and reintroduction in nature, it remains a critically threatened species. Its main threat is the reduction of its main prey, the European rabbit, and the fragmentation of its habitat due to human development. Learn more about why the Iberian lynx is in danger.
• Iberian imperial eagle (Aquila Adalberti): This majestic Ave Rapaz is one of the most threatened in Europe and is cataloged as “in danger” in Portugal. The loss of habitat, illegal poisoning, and collision with electric lines are the main threats it faces.
• Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus): The Mediterranean monk seal is one of the rarest seals in the world and is critical of extinction. Although historically inhabited the coasts of Portugal, its population has decreased dramatically due to hunting, destruction of its habitat and human disturbance. Here you can meet the seals in danger of extinction.
• Forest Ratonero Bat (Myotis Bechsteinii): This bat is in danger due to the loss and fragmentation of its forest habitat, as well as the disturbance of its hibernation and breeding places. Here you can see different types of bats.
• Salamandra rabilarga or lusitana (Chioglossa Lusitanica): The Lusitanian salamandra is an endemic amphibian of the Iberian Peninsula, and is mainly found in the mountainous regions of northern Portugal. We encourage you to discover this curiosity: are salamandras poisonous?

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