Candidatura Reserva da Biosfera - Santana Madeira Biosfera

Figure 20. Laurel forest biological diversity
In 1992, this forest was classified as a Biogenetic Reserve by the Council of Europe
and in 1999 as World Natural Heritage by UNESCO. The biological importance of the
laurel forest, was highlighted by its classification as a Site of Community Importance
(SCI) and Special Protection Area (SPA) of European Union Natura 2000 ecological
network, areas classified under the Habitats Directive, Directive No. 92/43/EEC and Birds
Directive, Directive No. 79/409/EEC, through the Regional Legislative Decree No
5/2006/M, of 2 nd of March of 2006.
The importance of this forest for birds, especially considering some of the unique
species that it harbors, such as the Madeira firecrest (Regulus madeirensis), the long-
toed pigeon (Columba trocaz), the Plain Swift (Apus unicolor) and the Madeira Chaffinch
(Fringilla coelebs maderensis), was internationally recognized by Birdlife International
qualifying it as an IBA (Important Bird Area). The land core area comprises 4175.06
hectares.
34 Application of Santana, Madeira to Biosphere Reserve – UNESCO - MAB