Large areas of laurisilva forest still cover the northern slopes and valleys of Madeira’s central range. In fact, Madeira harbours the largest area of Atlantic laurisilva forest remaining in the world. This type of temperate evergreen forest is an ecological relict from the last glaciations, and nowadays can only be found in the archipelagos of the Azores, Madeira and Canary islands. The laurisilva forest of Madeira is legally protected and encompassed by Madeira’s Natural Park. However, it is still threatened by forest fires and unregulated public works, such as the opening and enlargement of the regional road network.

圖片編號： 227602802
拍攝者： Juanvilata