Estrela Mountain upper Plateau and upper Zêzere River. 02/12/05; Região Centro; 5,075 ha; 40°21'N 007°37'W. Biogenetic Reserve, Natural Park, Natura 2000 site. Comprises the upper mountain and plateau (up to 1,993m, the highest point in Portugal) as well as the Candeeira valley and parts of the Zêzere river valley, which is described as its own biogeographical sector, the "Estrellense", a transition zone between the temperate and mediterranean macrobioclimate. Due to high precipitation, there are various natural lakes, ponds, swamps, bogs, springs, brooks and rivers as well as mat-grass swards, shrublands, rocky environments and little areas of woodlands. The abiotic quality of the site is excellent, being mainly nutrient-poor and having very soft waters because of the high precipitation and the seepage from granite rocks. Thus flora and fauna include excellent examples of the endemic and rare taxa, such as Narcissus asturiensis or Lycopodium clavatum amongst the plants. Agro-pastoral systems are a tradionional activity in the area, which is also used for modern agriculture and foresty. Overgrazing, over-extraction of water for electricity, and uncontrolled rubbish dumping present protential threats. Ramsar site no. 1614. Most recent RIS information: 2006.

Last publication date: 01-01-2006