Xistopedia

Serra da Lousã Natura 2000 Network

Serra da Lousã Natura 2000 Network
environment and biodiversity
Ensuring the conservation of natural habitats in the Serra da Lousã.

Natura 2000 Network aims to ensure the long-term conservation of Europe’s most threatened species and habitats, helping to halt the loss of biodiversity. It is the main instrument for nature conservation in the European Union.

As well as covering the land it also covers the entire marine environment. It consists of the Special Protection Area (SPA), defined by the Birds Directive, created with the aim of conserving all naturally occurring bird species in the wild. And also by the Special Area of Conservation (SAC), defined by the Habitats Directive, the main objective of which is to help ensure the conservation of natural habitats and species of wild flora and fauna.

The legal framework of the Natura 2000 Network Serra da Lousã, included in the Mediterranean biogeographic region, was established by resolution of the council of ministers no. 76/00 of 5 July, covering an area of 15,158 hectares, in 5 counties of the Pinhal Interior Norte.

Due to the extreme terrain and climatic variations, the existing vegetation is very diverse, of note being the occurrence of holm oaks (Quercus rotundifolia) in the drier and sunnier areas, and the groves of common oaks (Quercus robur) and Pyrenean oaks (Quercus pyrenaica) in the wetter and colder areas. The Chestnut trees (Castanea sativa) are found close to populated areas

The various watercourses are of great importance for fauna species, such as the otter (Lutra lutra). The riverside vegetation is in a good state of preservation, with stands of alder (Alnus glutinosa) in abundance and communities dominated by the Portuguese laurel (Pruunus lusitanica), and holly (Ilex aquifolium). Also of note are species such as the daffodil (Narcissus bulbocodium and Narcissus triandus) and the yew (Taxus baccata).

The importance of patches of maritime pine (Pinus pinaster), and of some invasive plants such as eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) and acacia/mimosa (Acacia dealbata) should also be mentioned.

It includes important areas for the conservation of the Iberian emerald Lizard (Lacerta schreiberi), Iberian Frog (Rana iberica), Marbled Newt (Triturus marmoratus) and the Golden-striped Salamander (Chioglossa lusitanica). Also of note are some highly rare species, such as the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) and the greater horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum).

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restaurants
Bem-Me-Quer
Bem-Me-Quer
Martim Branco
restaurants
Santo Amaro
Santo Amaro
Sertã
restaurants
Callum
Callum
Oleiros
restaurants
João Brandão
João Brandão
Oliveira do Hospital
restaurants
Fugas Restaurant
Fugas Restaurant
restaurants
As Beiras
As Beiras
Pampilhosa da Serra
restaurants
Varanda do Casal
Varanda do Casal
Casal de São Simão
restaurants
Museu da Chanfana
Museu da Chanfana
Miranda do Corvo
lodging
Casas do Sinhel
Casas do Sinhel
Relva da Mó
lodging
Sete Quintas
Sete Quintas
Retorta
lodging
Casas da Mina - Hostel
Casas da Mina - Hostel
Cabeço do Pião
lodging
Aldeia Ruiva Campsite
Aldeia Ruiva Campsite
Aldeia Ruiva, Proença-a-Nova
lodging
Arganil Municipal Camping Park
Arganil Municipal Camping Park
Sarzedo
lodging
Casas do Favacal
Casas do Favacal
Favacal
lodging
Hotel Parque Serra Da Lousã
Hotel Parque Serra Da Lousã
Miranda do Corvo
lodging
Casa do Caminheiro Hostel
Casa do Caminheiro Hostel
Talasnal
lodging
Casa da Moenda
Casa da Moenda
Benfeita
village
Comareira
Comareira
offer
Geological Walk in Sobral Fernando
Geological Walk in Sobral Fernando
heritage
Chapel of São Sebastião
Chapel of São Sebastião
tour
Panoramic Road: Barroca - Fajão
Panoramic Road: Barroca - Fajão
tour
PR2 MCV - Gondramaz Schist trail - In the Miller’s Footsteps
PR2 MCV - Gondramaz Schist trail - In the Miller’s Footsteps
tour
PR1 PPS - Fajão Schist trails  – Climbing the cliffs
PR1 PPS - Fajão Schist trails – Climbing the cliffs
Casas do Rio
heritage
Religious tour in Pedrógão Pequeno
Religious tour in Pedrógão Pequeno
village
Martim Branco
Martim Branco
offer
Passeio Geológico de Foz do Cobrão e Sobral Fernando
Passeio Geológico de Foz do Cobrão e Sobral Fernando
village
Benfeita
Benfeita
offer
Dia e Noite no Centro da Natureza
Dia e Noite no Centro da Natureza
heritage
Igreja Matriz de Aldeia das Dez
Igreja Matriz de Aldeia das Dez