Candidatura Reserva da Biosfera - Santana Madeira Biosfera

Figure 49. The Central mountainous massif harbors high biological diversity
Approximately 27 Madeira Island endemic taxa occur or are restricted to the
Central Mountainous Massif. Other taxons, although not endemic also occur preferentially
in the Central Mountainous Massif, including the Besom heath (Erica arborea) and Wilow-
leaved Hare’s ear (Bupleurum salicifolium subsp. salicifolium). However, there are other
species which show a wide distribution range in altitude due to the high ecological
plasticity. In the Central Mountainous Massif 67 Macaronesian endemic taxa are present,
of which 17 are shared with other Macaronesian archipelagos and 50 are endemic to the
archipelagos of Madeira and Salvage islands. Annexes B and B-II-IV of the Habitats
Directive include a total of 38 Madeira and salvage islands endemic taxa, of which 12 are
present in the Central Mountainous Massif. In Annex I of the Bern Convention 32 Madeira
and salvage islands endemic taxa were listed, 7 of which are present in the Central
Mountainous Massif.
The Central Mountainous Massif encompasses 14 plant communities, of which 9
have one or more taxa listed in Annex B-II or B-IV of the Habitats Directive or in the
Annex I of the Bern Convention. All 14 plant communities are included in the habitats of
Community interest of the Habitats Directive present in the Massif.
The non-vascular flora composed by bryophytes, is less rich in species diversity that the
86 Application of Santana, Madeira to Biosphere Reserve – UNESCO - MAB