Candidatura Reserva da Biosfera - Santana Madeira Biosfera

areas of paramount importance for the preservation of vegetation predominantly
xerophytic herbs and shrubs that include many Macaronesian and Madeira endemics. The
islets that exist in the proximity of the coast, promote the scenic and natural value of the
area and provide important seabird nesting areas. The cliffs and islets of the marine area
are important nesting areas for some species of seabirds that are included in Birds
Directive Annex I as the Cory’s shearwater (Calonectris diomedea borealis), the common
tern (Sterna hirundo), Bulwer’s petrel (Bulweria bulwerii) and Madeira storm petrels
(Oceanodroma castro).
Thelaurel forest core area is home to several exclusive Macaronesia and Madeira
endemics, which include a large number of species of invertebrates, bryophytes and
snails as well as some birds and bats, who find their refuge in this forest. In this area
there are four habitats of Community interest, which are considered priorities by the
European Union’s Habitats Directive.
The nearly 300 arthropod endemic species to Macaronesia exist in the laurel forest
core area, clearly showing the biological richness of this area and its importance to the
preservation of these species, especially considering that 262 species of arthropods are
Madeira exclusive species, contributing to the safeguard of these life forms. The laurel
forest invertebrate fauna also includes 56 species of terrestrial mollusks, 30 of which are
endemic to Madeira. The ecological importance of preserving the laurel forest in order to
contribute to the conservation of several species of native invertebrates inhabiting it, is
proportional to the significance that invertebrates have in maintaining the ecological
balance of the laurel forest, since these species play vital tasks in the forest as nutrient
transfer and recycling, maintaining the balance of the food chain, pollination of
spermatophyta plants and transport of pterydophytes and fungi spores, among others.
The laurel forest provides shelter, food and nesting areas to 20 species of land
birds, mostly Macaronesian endemics, especially the endemic Madeira firecrest (Regulus
madeirensis) and long-toed pigeon (Columba trocaz), having a central role in their
conservation. Bird species in turn have a key role in pest control, seed dispersal and
forest regeneration.
Considering the abundance of insects existing in the laurel forest core area, it
constitutes an area of high trophic importance to bat species that occur in it, as the grey-
long-eared-bat (Plecotus austriacus) and the endemisms Madeira pipistrelle (Pipistrellus
108 Application of Santana, Madeira to Biosphere Reserve – UNESCO - MAB