It is considered one of the most emblematic species of Portugal.

The great bustard is the heaviest flying bird in Europe. Males of the species Otis tarda (scientific name) reach up to 16 pounds and have very colorful feathers in shades of russet, white and bluish-gray; in contrast, females are smaller, lighter and with a less showy plumage to avoid attracting the attention of predators while nesting on the ground. This bird takes its name from the fact that it is slow, cumbersome and not very quick on the take off and is classified as an endangered species with extinction, according to the Red Book of Vertebrates of Portugal. It is estimated that only 1150 specimens living in the country, the result of soil amendment and death by unnatural causes. According to the Society for Protection of Birds (SPEA), "agricultural intensification is particularly serious due to the substitution of large-scale mosaics of extensive irrigation and permanent crops. Also, the abandonment of fields, translated into the afforestation of agricultural land, has removed large areas of habitat of this species. In the second order factors, mortality caused by collision with the transmission of electricity cables and poaching is locally very negative. If not reverse the current trend of afforestation and intensification of land use in the Alentejo and corrected the darkest sections of the national grid in the short term the great Bustard will be brought to extinction. "

As already mentioned, one of their preferred areas for these birds nesting "occurs almost exclusively in the Alentejo plain, where it can be observed in some treeless areas." In particular, Alter do Chao, Monforte, Vila Fernando, Veiros, Campo Maior, Elvas, Évora, Mourao, Cuba / Vidigueira and White Field (Castro Verde). The common feature of these areas is that they are practiced cultural revolutions, where the harvest of dry alternating with fallow fields, essential to the parade of the bridal males. The great bustard can normally be observed throughout the year, however, is a very difficult bird to spot, due to his shy and elusive character. A behavior that changes during the Bridal courtship, "as the autumn nears its end, begin the agonistic behavior between males (chases and views, which lead to the establishment of hierarchies). With the end of winter, the flocks begin to disperse and individuals to address specific areas where reproductive behavior start (areas of Lek). "After mating, the female disperses for nesting sites, usually tall crops or pasture. The nest is a depression in the ground that corresponds to the female's body. The posture varies between 2 and 3 eggs. After incubation period ranging between 21 and 28 days the chicks are born. Shortly after birth leave the nest and are ready to follow the mother, "concludes.

http://life-sisao.spea.pt/pt/especies-alvo/abetarda/

It is one of the most abundant marine species of the Portuguese waters.

The loggerhead sea turtle or common is native to the national territorial waters. In Madera are often sighted juveniles specimens, although they are pelagic, exclusively inhabiting the high seas. Adults have a habit of visiting the coast; however, they make long migrations at the whim of ocean currents. Mating takes place in the sea near the nesting beaches. In the Atlantic, "the breeding beaches re only on the northern shores of South America, the Caribbean and the U.S. Approximately 90% of Madera turtles were born on the beaches of Florida. There are no records of nesting in the Atlantic coasts of Europe, occurring, however, some spawning in the Mediterranean, particularly in Turkey, but also Greece and Italy. The eggs are almost always placed at night in nests dug in sandy soil by the female under the high tide. The number ranges from 58 to 174 eggs, the same animal can lay up to seven successive positions in active reproductive years, and each is separated by a mean interval of 13 days. They usually nest every 2 to 3 years. The incubation time is 49 to 64 days. The temperature determines the sex of newborns. The output of the young from the nest happens at night, going to towards the sea "highlights the section of the study of marine biology and oceanography at the University of Madeira.

"The smaller turtles captured off the coast of the island are therefore about 1 year old or less. The age of maturity is estimated between 15 to 30 years with an average of 920mm shell length right. In youth, especially in smaller plates of the carapace, especially vertebral shields are very marked keels on the elongated caudal, leaving the shell with a sawn appearance when viewed laterally. Sexual dimorphism is very pronounced; it is usually possible to distinguish the sexes, especially in the younger species. In adult males have comparatively long tails and slightly concave plastron.

Their food is quite varied, and the adults eat mainly benthic mollusks and crustaceans. Pelagic juveniles and sub-adults feed mainly on jellyfish, tunicates and cephalopods (squid and octopus). " The nutrition of this species has undergone a strong conservation campaigns over the years because many of the caretta caretta (scientific name) die of starvation in the wild, because they mistake plastic bags and balloons thrown to the sea with the coelenterates they depend on to survive. Therefore, avoid polluting the seas, so don´t leave plastics on the shore and let you be captivated by these beautiful marine specimens.

http://www3.uma.pt/Investigacao/Tartaruga/html/body_p20-crta.htm

http://naturdata.com/Caretta-caretta-2005.htm

It is the first Portuguese park that integrates the global network of European Geopark under the auspices of UNESCO.

There are 600 million years to discover in an area covering 4,600 km2 extending for six Portuguese municipalities. Geopark Naturtejo southern plateau offers a series of routes that will seduce lovers not only of nature, as also history and geology. A natural heritage that gives the possibility to observe the huge variety of birds, some of the rarest and most emblematic of the entire Iberian Peninsula. "The doors of Ródão serve as habitat for the largest colony of griffons in the country, are a prime location for the investigation of wildlife and birds, which can be observed 116 bird species, many of them considered endangered including most importantly the black stork, royal hawk, black vulture, eagle hound, snipe, eagle owl, mountain and dunnock-flycatcher, "as quoted in the site Naturtejo. Regarding flora, will be still "often encounter towering trees with many years of age and with a load that is imposed on the landscape. Some of them are protected as living monuments of public interest, through the route of monumental trees.
Another of the attractions referenced is "the ancient history of this region. The ruins of the Civitas Egitânia in Idanha-a-Velha, the Palaeolithic stations and Tagus prehistoric art and megalithic regions of Nisa and Rosmaninhal are important centers of archaeological interest. The ancient practices, living witnesses of multiple singularities of raiana culture have strong roots in the landscape. The status of "most Portuguese village of Portugal", given to Monsanto and the schist villages scattered across the Naturtejo Geopark are symbols of very well preserved ethnographic wealth" also refers. Some itineraries also include routes passes through rocks with a "set of geological elements of high scientific value, educational and cultural, that enable to tell the story of the earth. In Geopark Naturtejo are numerous instances of distinguished geological rocks, fossils, landscapes, shapes and mines "as follows.
http://www.naturtejo.com/

Discover the three rarest species of wild flowers on the island.

The island of Madeira is undoubtedly a garden, and that title is not by chance, in its endemic fauna specimens there are three flower that stains with color the landscape of the laurel forest. The orchid of the mountain is an herbaceous plant of rare sighting, but hard to ignore, for its dazzling color and voluptuous looks like a purplish-pink ball. This "species endemic to Madeira live in damp places preferably between 500 and 1100 meters of altitude and can be observed in Ribeiro Frio and in Sítio das Ginjas, in St. Vincent. It is a wild flower that can reach between 20 and 80 cm tall, erect stem, long leaves and conical buds, "as quoted from the site Madera nature. The Isoplexis, common name and very unimaginative to say the least, it is also an elusive plant, being spotted in some ravines and cliffs of the island, from 600 to 1000 meters of altitude. It is an herbaceous that draws immediate attention for its orange flowers, but prefers shady places to flourish. Finally, the estreleira, looks like a daisy, but it is not. Unlike the other endemic species, this wild flower prefers the slopes on the edge of the island, the tip of St. Lawrence, making it almost inaccessible to some extent to see it, all do is more visible to the eye from the sea, you can spotted immediately by the obvious contrast between the barren rock dotted with green mounds spiked with small white flowers, between the months of May and June.

http://www.madeiranature.com/index/cms/page/-/page/nature_flora_endemic_indigenous/lang/pt

The horned viper was recently one of the stars of a documentary produced by National Geographic.

It is one of the few snakes whose bite as well as extremely painful can be toxic, but not to the point of being fatal if you are not careful. "The horned viper is one of the two species of snakes that exist in our country. Contrary to the Viper-of-Seoane, which has a very localized distribution, specified in the zone of the Peneda-Geres, this specimen is distributed throughout the territory, though scattered and isolated populations, mainly related to mountain and Low degree of human occupation ", as says the biologist Libério Sobreira, in an article on the official page of Quercus.

"His name comes from the fact that it has a nasal appendage up and trashed their identification is relatively easy in view of this feature and the fact be distinguished from other snakes by having a vertical pupil. Being reptiles, it is normal for their activity and behavior are affected by patterns of variation, both daily and annual temperature. It is essentially a diurnal snake and usually hibernates, although it may have a nocturnal activity in the warmer months and do not hibernate in areas with milder winters.

In Portugal, the knowledge of this species is still insufficient and therefore was placed with an indefinite status, thinking that is threatened to a greater or lesser degree, due to the fact that studies show that their populations are suffering a sharp decline.
Its decrease is mainly due to human activity and it is a consequence of increasingly severe disruption of their habitat, by forest fires and deliberate killing, either for commerce or for collectors want you to have an image associated with evil. It is a strictly protected species as part of Annex II of the Bern Convention and their capture, death, and trade are prohibited. "

http://www.quercus.pt/scid/webquercus/defaultArticleViewOne.asp?categoryID=616&articleID=1602

It is a subspecies that inhabits the Macaronesian Madeira and the Canary island.

The falco tinnunculus canariensis is one of the most common raptors in Madeira and the Canaries. It is a subspecies of kestrel’s falcons that are threatened in the country, although this does not happen on the island. The kestrel, common name, is a species better adapted to their environment, that much so that is already considered an urban bird in the region. It is estimated according to data conveyed by Madera nature, "there are 10.000 individuals that nest on the island and its range is extensive. It is the smallest specimen in the region. It also has a great ability to sift for extended periods, that is, hover over an extended time in the same place, behavior that helps them locate prey. "It is possible to see them in the highlands of the island, on the outskirts of urban centers in agricultural areas and cliffs. To a large extent, the success of his bird owes much to its ability to adapt to the environment and the fact that local farmers considered them a blessing that helps in pest control of the land.

At the head it has a more grayish color, the body is brown with black stripes one kind of the flight feathers are darker. It has a long tail and wings sickle-shaped, allowing a quick and agile flight. It is also a bird that is noisy, with a kind of sounds too much treble and fast that seems to echo and normally does when "confronted" with other birds of prey that inhabit the island. As a rule, they take the abandoned nests of other birds and the females lay 4-5 eggs that are incubated for 28 days until its exclusion.

http://www.madeiranature.com/

The Almargem and other environmental organizations in our country and Spain intend to create a new international natural park.

The estuary of the Guadiana River is considered one of the areas ideas for creating a new international natural park. This project results from cross-border sharing of several protected areas on both banks of the river shared by Portugal and Spain. A proposal that the movements ecologists and naturalists on both sides of the border have been developing together for the creation of the International Natural Park of the Lower / Bajo Guadiana. A project that meets the need in these protected areas to provide an integrated management that allows the preservation of this important natural and cultural heritage and defends the growing threats to these areas, in particular, a growing and unsustainable urbanization, pollution and large hydraulic infrastructure.

"The Portuguese proposal for Nature 2000 provides an area of ​​39,527 hectares covering the mouth of the Ribera de bunk up few kilometers below the Alqueva dam, as well as its tributaries doVascão and Ribeira de Oeiras. In Mértola includes part of the Natural Park of Guadiana Valley. With a maximum altitude of 370 m, a space that consists of cliffs and rocky slopes, watercourses with irregular and torrential flow.

In the southern marshes and creeks, the limits of the Site even depart from the fluvial axis over 7km, although in general are located within 3 or 4 kms. In the Alentejo, the width of this natural space is smaller, with exceptions, as in the border zone between the municipalities of Serpa and Mértola. The need to protect this area is based mainly through the presence of migratory fish species, including sturgeon, and the Portuguese Guadiana the only river where this species still occurs, the Saramugo, other endemic fishes, the European and Mediterranean tortoise turtle, in addition to terrestrial vegetation well preserved. Among the threats that affect this space can cite the low flows during drought periods, water pollution originating from human and agricultural activities, construction of large hydraulic works, the extraction of aggregates, overgrazing and poaching of species.

The Marshland Nature Reserve of Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António includes 2,312 ha of salt marshes, forests, agricultural and forested areas, it is a protected area of ​​major importance because of the role it plays as a variety of natural motherhood species of fish and a place of migration, wintering and nesting grounds for many species of birds "as outlined in the preliminary proposal. Several public discussion of this project has been promoted by various environmental organizations with the population of both countries in order to discuss its disclosure in broad and civic manner.

http://www.almargem.org/

It is one of the main species discriminated by local people.

The Lacerta degusii, (scientific name), better known as rock lizard is a species endemic to the island of Madeira. It is a specimen that exists in great abundance in the territory, derived from the lack of natural predators and their great capacity for adapting to changes in their habitat. Although they are mainly insectivores and feed on wild berries, this reptile add to their diet food waste from in urban locations and fruit and vegetable form landfills, being considered for this purpose by the general population, a plague. Its malleability to the environment is so efficient, that this little animal can be seen on the mountain on the coast and cities. Although, his reptile has its origin in the archipelago, does not have the sympathy of the locals, is perhaps the most hated animal in the whole territory. Their lack of natural beauty, it also contributes to this effect.

This lizard can reach 20 cm in length, although adults were usually between 10 to 15 cm. Its color may range from light brown to dark gray, with some individuals (usually males) to be able to display iridescent colors such as green, blue and violet. Males can be easily distinguished from females by the presence of a yellow bridal fold at the bottom of the hind legs. They prefer, as a rule, the darker and high places to lay the eggs. The Lacerta degusii has the ability to highlight his tail if it feels in danger, serving the loose tail, which wriggles vigorously, to distract the predators, allowing the escape of the animal. The tail grows back again, sometimes a curious phenomenon occurs, these animals end up having two tails, when the former is not completely severed.

One of the few ways to enjoy the natural beauty of Minho is through sports. Come and see the river Paiva.

Rio Paiva is the best place to practice rafting with wild waters and the idyllic surroundings. According to the site, find Portugal, "from the end of October, with the returned of the first strong rains, is the ideal time to make the path. There are several tourism companies operating in the river. Choose and prepare this little adventure. Try to live up to the North men as they face the river, one of the boldest of the country. Characterized by its steep slopes, while beautiful and a little scary for beginners, this mischievous water course leads us on a bumpy ride at a breakneck speed, among rocks, waterfalls and hairpin turns. Do you like roller coasters? Now here is a good alternative to these, but in an idyllic setting in full communion with nature. "

This watercourse is a tributary of the Douro River, with 108 km long, running through nine municipalities in Portugal. Besides being ideal for practicing sports, was considered one of the least polluted rivers in Europe, where even today occurs the spawning of trout. This natural ecosystem is under threat from human pressure and the planting of invasive herbal species, however, local people are very attentive to the preservations of this natural heritage, so they created several initiatives for protection and conservation of this area.

http://www.descubraportugal.pt/edicoes/tdp/registo.asp?idcat=24&id=364&tipo=a&o=t

http://www.riopaiva.org/

It is one of the most beautiful trees that populate our gardens. They are one of the largest botanical love (if I may say so) of the Portuguese, since the time of discovery.

The camellias tree originated in southwestern Asia. Japan the same as our country has an ancestral worship for this plant, maybe a little larger than ours to be frank, because there are records of the existence of the flowers in decorative ornaments, in the tradition of ikebana and tea ceremony . A passion of Chinese origin, others great admirers of this plant since the Tang dynasty.
The introduction of camellias in Europe is still shrouded in some mystery, but it most certainly was brought by the Portuguese in the early days of commercial contact with Asia in the period of discoveries. What makes sense. After all, we were the first Westerners to arrive in Japan, so one of the botanical names for this specimen. Nippon trees.
The second name is a tribute to the Jesuit Georg Kamel, from the Swedish scientist Carl von Linné. The kappa disappears, because it is not part of the Latin script and appears the ce of camellia. It is curious in such a small territory, the same tree is termed differently. In the north of Portugal and islands is dubbed Nippon tree due to origin from the country of the rising sun, in the South is camellias. Funny, no? However, whatever its true origin of this plant, one thing that does not change, this beautifully profuse color tree is part of most gardens in Portugal. It is very decorative and has a gorgeous shade. Although, prefers acidic soils more productive in the North. Hence, we can admire several varieties of botanical specimen in a number of public green spaces and private gardens. Love is such that there is even an international festival of camellias in Celorico de Bastos. It is the ex-libris of this northern city which takes place in the month of March a perfect time to see them in bloom. So Nippon trees they are. I prefer it still sounds better in Portuguese, believe me.

http://www.eventoclick.pt/eventos-pt/empresariais/festa-das-camelias-um-evento-flores-r.html