PAMHS of Ponta do Arnel

Habitat / Species Management Area of Ponta do Arnel
The Habitat / Species Management Area of Ponta do Arnel extends from Ribeira da Ponta do Arnel to Lomba da Cruz, from seashore to the edge of the cliff, an area of approximately 22ha. The coast is mostly linear, approximately 2.5km long, protruding only at the north edge of Ponta do Arnel; an area of nearly vertical profile, characterized by high jagged cliffs reaching over 100m, cut by streams and bordered by detrital boulders detached from the slopes. These cliffs are important nesting sites for seabirds, such as the Cory's Shearwater (Calonectris diomedea borealis) and Little Shearwater (Puffinus assimilis), which is the reason why this area is included in the Important Bird Areas of Faial da Terra and Ponta do Arnel. Due to its rugged morphology, the slopes retain natural vegetation, particularly Azorean Fescue (Festuca Petrea), Azorean Candleberry Tree (Morella faya), Azorean Heather (Erica azorica), and Azorean Spurge (Euphorbia azorica). The Arnel Lighthouse, built in the late nineteenth century, is located within this protected area, at the tip of Ponta de Arnel. It was inaugurated on November 24, 1876, the first to be built in the Azores and consists of a white prismatic tower of 15m in height and adjacent buildings. In Ponta do Arnel, it is still possible to visit the port of Vila do Nordeste, built by order of King John III. Today, it includes a berth, access ramp to the sea, as well as private cabins to store fishing equipment. For more information about this protected area \| Click here < Previous page