Candidatura Reserva da Biosfera - Santana Madeira Biosfera

Figure 46. Epiphytic bryophytes in the Laurel forest
The laurel forest includes four types of habitats of Community interest listed as
priority in the Habitats Directive, with particular emphasis on the endemic Macaronesian
heaths and Macaronesian laurel forests.
In the fauna domain, we find above all, a great diversity of invertebrates, with the
presence of numerous endemic insects and mollusks. Special attention deserves the
avifauna with 20 species present in this forest, which the Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus
granti), the Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus canariensis), the Blackbird (Turdus merula
cabrerae) the blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla heinecken) and the Canary (Serinus canaria
canaria) are endemic to Macaronesia, the buzzard (Buteo buteo harterti), Grey Wagtail
(Motacilla cinerea schmitzi), Madeira chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs madeirensis) are
endemic subspecies of the archipelago. However, the highlight is the endemic species,
with emphasis the endemic long-toed pigeon (Columba trocaz), the laurel forest
emblematic bird. Other endemics to be found in this forest are the Madeira Firecrest
(Regulus maderensis), one of the smaller birds from Europe and the Plain swift (Apus
unicolor). Considering the number of local and Macaronesian endemics, this area was
recognized as an IBA (Important Bird Area) by Birdlife International.
Application of Santana, Madeira to Biosphere Reserve – UNESCO - MAB 83