Due to its geographical location, the Azores archipelago is characterized by an exceptional biodiversity in both terrestrial and marine species, recognized internationally. The nine islands and surrounding sea include near to 450 endemic taxa some of which are very rare and presently endangered.
Most of the endemic terrestrial fauna is intimately associated with the Laurel Forest. This fauna is especially rich in vertebrate and invertebrate species. Relating to this last group, the arthropods acquire special relevance with nearly 250 endemic known taxa and scientists expect that this number will grow up to 400 species.
Relating to Birds, the Azores Bullfinch or Priolo (Pyrrhula murina) is the only endemic passerine from the archipelago and the most emblematic bird of the Laurel Forest. This bird’s distribution is limited to the Nature Reserve of Pico da Vara and the Protected Area for Management of Habitats or Species of Tronqueira and Planalto dos Graminhais.
Among the other resident birds, we would highlight the Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo rothschildi), the only daily bird of prey resident in the archipelago (except for the occidental group); the Azores Wood-pigeon (Columba palumbus azorica), an endemic subspecies that is considered determinant for the colonization of the islands by the Laurel Forest and the Goldcrest (Regulus regulus azoricus), one of the smallest birds in Europe.
It is also relevant that due to its critical conservation state the Great Crested Newt (Triturus cristatus) has become one of the most endangered amphibians in Europe. This species, accidentally introduced by men, adapted to the water ponds and lakes in the central part of São Miguel.
Most terrestrial mammals were introduced by men, such as the Rabbit (Oryctolagus cunniculus), the Ferret (Mustela furo), the Weasel (Mustela nivalis), the Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus), and Mice (Mus musculus), etc. The only endemic terrestrial mammal is the Azorean Bat (Nyctalus azoreum), considered as one of the bats with the longer daily habits in the world.
Learn more about the fauna in the Lands of Priolo:
Birds
Mammals
Reptiles and Amphibians
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