Paul of the Goats

Category: Nature > Reserva natural

District: Lisboa > Loures > Paúl das Caniceiras > Bairro Loios

Location

The Paúl das Caniceiras is located in the municipality of Loures, in the locality of the same name, next to Bairro Loios. This natural space is part of a municipality that still preserves characteristics of a more open landscape, distinguishing itself by its particular wetland environment.

An Exceptional Aquatic Ecosystem

This site is a remarkable example of a wetland ecosystem, essential for maintaining biodiversity in the region. With an approximate area of fourteen hectares, the Paúl das Caniceiras hosts a variety of aquatic plants and microorganisms adapted to humid environments, functioning as one of the last remnants of marshlands in the Várzea de Loures, a testament to the ecological importance of these unique areas.

Refuge for Avifauna and Rare Species

The Paúl das Caniceiras is widely recognized as a prime spot for birdwatching. Approximately 119 different species have already been identified, making it a crucial location for avifauna, especially for aquatic and migratory birds that find food, shelter, and suitable breeding sites here. Among the birds that can be spotted are the black stork, the grey heron, the spoonbill, the kingfisher, the osprey, and the white stork, among many others.

In addition to its ornithological richness, this marshland is the habitat of a freshwater fish species with a very restricted distribution and classified as critically endangered: the Lisbon arched-mouth barbel. Its presence underscores the exceptional biological value of this ecosystem and its importance for the conservation of unique species.

Environmental Value and Preservation

The ecological relevance of the Paúl das Caniceiras is recognized by its natural richness, and this space is under consideration for classification as a Local Protected Area. This recognition aims to preserve its unique ecosystems and the rare species that live here. Ongoing conservation efforts seek to ensure the vitality of the marshland, particularly through the maintenance of hydrological conditions that favor aquatic life and the biodiversity of this valuable natural heritage.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt