Category: Nature > Park
District: Portalegre > Portalegre > Portalegre
The Serra de São Mamede Natural Park is situated in the Alto Alentejo, a region of vast plains and mountains, with a significant presence in the district of Portalegre. It covers a considerable mountainous area, with one of the most prominent elevations south of the Tagus River. Its location grants it a diverse landscape, characterized by the transition between Mediterranean and Atlantic climates, which is reflected in the richness of its ecosystems.
This mountainous territory offers a remarkable variety of scenery, from verdant valleys to imposing rocky formations, providing wide views over the surrounding Alentejo landscape and neighboring Spain. Its particular orography, with well-defined quartzitic ridges, contributes to the scenic beauty of the park.
The landscapes of the Serra de São Mamede Natural Park are shaped by varied orography, including deep valleys and extensive forests of cork oaks, holm oaks, and kermes oaks. The quartzitic ridges, distinctive geological elements, emerge in the landscape, contributing to the uniqueness of its mountainous profile.
The climate of the mountains is influenced by both the Mediterranean environment, with hot and dry summers, and Atlantic nuances, which manifest in cooler and wetter winters. The variations in relief within the park create distinct microclimates; while the north-facing slopes tend to be cooler and more humid, the south-facing slopes present drier and milder conditions, directly influencing the distribution of flora and fauna.
The natural richness of the Serra de São Mamede Natural Park is remarkable, harboring exceptional biodiversity. Its flora is notably diverse, with extensive forests of cork oaks and holm oaks, and the significant presence of the Quercus pyrenaica, a species of special interest due to its peculiar distribution in this region.
Regarding fauna, the park is a vital refuge for numerous species, highlighting birds of prey such as the imposing Bonelli's eagle and the majestic griffon vulture. It also constitutes an essential corridor for migratory birds. In addition to birds, the park is home to mammals such as otters, wild boars, and deer, and rarer and protected species like the Iberian endemic mouse and the Iberian midwife toad.
The caves and old mines within the park offer a crucial habitat for vast bat colonies, some of which are among the most important in Europe, underscoring the significance of this territory for wildlife conservation.
The Serra de São Mamede Natural Park holds traces of a long and rich history of human occupation. Over the centuries, diverse civilizations have left their mark on the landscape, with the presence of archaeological sites attesting to its strategic importance and the fertility of its soils. One of the most fascinating testimonies of this past is the rock art of Lapa dos Gaivões, with prehistoric paintings offering a unique perspective on the region's earliest inhabitants.
The park's cultural landscape is also defined by traditional agricultural practices, which have shaped the territory over generations. The cultivation of cereals, olive trees, and the exploitation of the cork oak (for cork production) continue to be pillars of the local economy. This deep connection to the land is also reflected in the region's characteristic products, such as high-quality olive oil, and in the crafts that perpetuate ancestral knowledge.
For those seeking immersion in nature, the Serra de São Mamede Natural Park offers a network of well-marked trails, ideal for hiking and birdwatching. These routes invite exploration of its dense forests, serene valleys, and historical sites scattered throughout the mountains.
Exploring on foot allows visitors to appreciate the diversity of the park's ecosystems, from the wetter and shadier areas to the sun-drenched extensive cork oak forests, providing moments of tranquility and genuine contact with the natural environment.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parque_Natural_da_Serra_de_São_Mamede
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.31260865058747,-7.35985122838886
Coordinates DMS: 39°18'45.4"N 07°21'35.5"W
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