Site of Community Importance Monchique, Protected nature reserve in Algarve, Portugal.
Site of Community Importance Monchique is a nature reserve spanning mountainous terrain with diverse ecosystems defined by cork oak forests, artificial lakes, and numerous plant varieties. The landscape unfolds through marked trails that connect different habitats and offer varied views.
The reserve became officially protected in 1997 when designated as a Site of Community Importance under Europe's NATURA 2000 network. This recognition reflected growing efforts to safeguard its ecological value across the continent.
Local communities have long practiced cork harvesting in ways that respect the forest, shaping how the landscape looks and feels today. This traditional activity remains woven into the daily life of people living nearby.
Access to the reserve comes through clearly marked trails that suit different activity levels and interests. It's best to come prepared for varying weather conditions, as the mountainous terrain offers different experiences throughout the year.
The reserve shelters rare animals including the Iberian lynx and Barbary deer, species that have vanished from most other places in the region. Few locations offer habitat where these creatures still roam.
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