Serra da Malcata Special Protection Area, Nature reserve in Guarda, Portugal.
Serra da Malcata Special Protection Area spreads across mountains, forests, and river valleys that sit between Castelo Branco and Guarda districts. The terrain features dense oak woodlands, Mediterranean scrubland, and seasonal ponds that support diverse wildlife and plant life.
Protection efforts began in 1981 and expanded in 1999 when the area received special protection status to safeguard Iberian lynx populations. This change reflected growing recognition of the area's importance for threatened wildlife.
Local communities here practice traditional land management that shapes how the landscape looks and functions today. You can see this relationship between people and nature reflected in the way the land is used and maintained.
You can explore marked trails throughout the year, with main access points near Fóios leading into the core forest areas. Be prepared for elevation changes and shifting weather, especially when hiking through the higher sections.
The area hosts black vultures and numerous protected bird species that are difficult to spot elsewhere in the region. These birds depend on the mix of forest patches and open mountain slopes that define the landscape here.
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