The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

The Annotated Ramsar List: Portugal

The Annotated Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance

PORTUGAL

The Convention on Wetlands came into force for Portugal on 24 March 1981. Portugal presently has 17 sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance, with a surface area of 73,784 hectares.

site; date of designation; region, province, state; surface area; coordinates
site; date de désignation; région, province, état; superficie; coordonnées
sitios; fecha de designación; región, provincia, estado; área; coordenadas

Bertiandos and S. Pedro of Arcos Lagoons. 02/12/05; Região Norte; 346 ha; 41°45'N 008°39'W. Natura 2000, Protected Landscape, partly National Ecological Reserve. A complex of permanent and temporary freshwater lakes on the right bank of the Lima River, hosting a broad range of 500 inventoried floristic and many fauna species. It is an important habitat for aquatic bird species for breeding, resting and migrating species, supporting amongst others Gallinula choropus, Alcedo athis and Ardea purpurea or Caprimulgus europaeus. It also supports two migrating fish species, Anguilla anguilla and Petromyzom marinus, that use the Estorãos River during the larval age and as an ecological corridor for the spawning sites located upstream. The strong relations between the area and the local population are part its cultural value, together with environmental education, leisure activities and outdoor recreation. Some of these activities may affect the ecological features, especially the agricultural developments of corn and rye-grass succession, with increasing abandonment of the pastures areas, and the intensification of agricultural production, including the spread of exotic species plantation (Eucalyptus globulus). Further impacts on the species composition and spread of some exotic species are caused by frequent forest fires and the cleaning of drainage trenches in the flooded space. Ramsar site no. 1613. Most recent RIS information: 2006.

Estrela Mountain upper Plateau and upper Zêzere River. 02/12/05; Região Centro; 5,075 ha; 40°21'N 007°37'W. Biogenetic Reserve, Natural Park, Natura 2000 site. Comprises the upper mountain and plateau (up to 1,993m, the highest point in Portugal) as well as the Candeeira valley and parts of the Zêzere river valley, which is described as its own biogeographical sector, the "Estrellense", a transition zone between the temperate and mediterranean macrobioclimate. Due to high precipitation, there are various natural lakes, ponds, swamps, bogs, springs, brooks and rivers as well as mat-grass swards, shrublands, rocky environments and little areas of woodlands. The abiotic quality of the site is excellent, being mainly nutrient-poor and having very soft waters because of the high precipitation and the seepage from granite rocks. Thus flora and fauna include excellent examples of the endemic and rare taxa, such as Narcissus asturiensis or Lycopodium clavatum amongst the plants. Agro-pastoral systems are a tradionional activity in the area, which is also used for modern agriculture and foresty. Overgrazing, over-extraction of water for electricity, and uncontrolled rubbish dumping present protential threats. Ramsar site no. 1614. Most recent RIS information: 2006.

Estuário do Sado. 08/05/96; Regiao Alentejo; 25,588 ha; 38º27’N 008º43’W. Special Protection Area EC Directive; Nature Reserve. An estuarine area separated from the sea by dunes and dominated by sand and mudflats exposed at low tide. The site includes vast saltmarshes and reedbeds. The area supports an extremely important fauna including migratory waders and other waterbirds -- herons and flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber) -- many passerine species, mammals (otter Lutra lutra, the wildcat Felis sylvestris), and a resident population of the common bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus. Human activities include salt production, commercial fish farming, rice cultivation, cattle raising, hunting, and tourism. Ramsar site no. 826. Most recent RIS information: 1993.

Estuário do Tejo. 24/11/80; Regiao Lisboa e Vale do Tejo; 14,563 ha; 38º50’N 008º57’W. Special Protection Area EC Directive; Nature Reserve. An estuary, with extensive mudflats, saltmarshes, reedbeds, human-made salt pans, and reclaimed agricultural polders. The area is important for at east 16 species of wintering or staging waterbirds, numerous species of breeding birds, and the otter Lutra lutra. Human activities include fishing and shellfish collecting, and intensive hunting and agriculture outside the Reserve. Ramsar site no. 211. Most recent RIS information: 1992.

'Fajãs' of Caldeira and Cubres Lagoons. 02/12/05; Azores Autonomic Region; 87 ha; 38º38'N 027º57'W. Natura 2000 site, Special Ecological Area. Comprising the Fajã do Cubres, the Fajã da Caldeira and a narrow coastal area connecting the two brackish coastal lagoons at the base of the steep sides of S. Jorge Island. The fajãs are areas created by landslide processes at the base of coastal cliffs. While the Caldeira Lagoon is connected with the ocean through a channel with tidal influence, the Cubres Lagoon,communicates only by percolation through the barrier with the sea. The site features variegated lagoon systems, unique for this region and highly uncommon on volcanic ocean islands, which provide important habitat for breeding and migrating birds such as Charadrius alexandrinus, Stema dougallii and Calonectris diomeda. The architecture and the testimonials of traditional agriculture form the historical and cultural value of the site, and one of the major religious celebrations of the Azores takes place in the Fajã da Caldeira. Presently the vast majority of the land is either used for pasture or completely abandoned, with the exception of some small farming and clam-catching activities. Ramsar site no. 1615. Most recent RIS information: 2006.

Lagoa de Albufeira. 08/05/96; Regiao Lisboa e Vale do Tejo; 1,995 ha; 38º30’N 009º10’W. Protected at municipal level. A coastal lagoon on sandy soils with intermittent communication to the ocean across a narrow vegetated dune system. Freshwater creeks flowing into the lagoon provide habitat for many marshland species. Habitats include reedbeds, shrub and pinewoods. An important stopover site for many migratory birds using the Eastern Atlantic flyway to Africa, with major concentrations recorded in the autumn. Terns and marshland passerines are especially noteworthy in the area. The wetland plays a major role in maintaining water tables in the area. Principal human activities include intense recreation, camping and leisure housing, shellfish production, traditional fishing, and agriculture. Ramsar site no. 825. Most recent RIS information: 1993.

Lagoa de St. André et Lagoa de Sancha. 08/05/96; Regiao Alentejo; 2,638 ha; 38º03’N 008º48’W. Special Protection Area EC Directive. Shallow, brackish coastal lagoons subject to widely fluctuating water and salinity levels set on the dry southwest coast of Iberia. The site includes an extensive dune system with characteristic vegetation, extensive reedbeds merging into agricultural areas, and pine forest. The lagoon is a major waterbirds refuge in Western Iberia, supporting outstanding concentrations of up to 13,000 F. atra in the post-breeding period. It is also important as a breeding and wintering site for ducks and other waterbirds. The reedbeds are crucial stopover sites for many trans-saharan passerines. Human activities include traditional fishing, recreation, agriculture, and livestock grazing. Ramsar site no. 828. Most recent RIS information: 1993.

Mira Minde Polje and related Springs. 02/12/05; Região Lisboa e Vale do Tejo; 662 ha; 39°29'N 008°38'W. Natura 2000 site, Natural Park. A subterranean hydrological system based on the polje, or flat, closed depression draining underground, situated in the country's most important limestone karstic region and part of the recharge area of the two most important karstic aquifers and karstic springs in Portugal. The flooding episodes with very high fluctuations of groundwater level are a rare example in the West Mediterranean biogeographic region. TheAlviela spring is one of the deepest in the world and is locally connected to a cave complex that represents the most significant fluvio-karstic phenomena in Portugal, one which supports several bat colonies with more than 5,000 bats in total. The Almonda spring is related with the most extensive Portuguese cave, an important Paleolithic site. The area features important habitat types under which temporary ponds, natural eutrophic lakes, and tall humid grasslands are the most abundant. Adverse effects are mainly caused in some places by water pollution, urban and industrial developments, and increasing tourism. There are educational activities at the underground interpretation centres in the Pena and Almonda Caves as well as the interpretation centre and Cave Bats Observatory at the Alviela Springs, which welcome up to 100,000 visitors per year. Ramsar site no. 1616. Most recent RIS information: 2006.

Mondego Estuary. 02/12/05; Região Centro; 1,518 ha; 40º08'N 008º50'W; National Ecological Reserve, Important Bird Area. Comprises the estuary of the Mondego River as it passes around the Murraceira island, including intertidal areas, salt marshes, salt pans, reedbeds, rice fields and fish farms. This site is one of the main stopover and refuge areas for migrating birds along the northwestern coast of Portugal and is particularly important for waders, especially Recurvirostra avosetta and Phoenicopterus ruber. During the breeding season the site is regionally important for species such as Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus and Little Tern Sterna albifrons. Aquaculture and fishing are the chief economic activities, which is focused on three migratory species of high economic value, the Sea lamprey, Allis shad, and Twaite shad. Traditional salt production has been decreasing or been transformed for aquaculture, which has led to a loss of suitable habitats for waders and other waterbirds. Potential threats come from increasing eutrophication due to intensive use of fertilisers and herbicides and the subsequent occurrence of macro-algae blooms. The neighbouring expanding harbour and the adjacent industrial region put further pressure on the site. Ramsar site no. 1617. Most recent RIS information: 2006.

Paúl de Arzila. 08/05/96; Regiao Centro; 585 ha; 40º40’N 008º33’W. Special Protection Area EC Directive; Nature Reserve. Permanently flooded wetland including ponds and drainage channels along the Mondego River, surrounded by pine forest and farmland. The dominant feature is extensive reedbeds associated with Salix. The area supports important breeding and wintering populations of several species of wetland birds. The site is important for water retention and flood regulation. Human activities include fishing, reed cutting, and environmental education. Ramsar site no. 822. Most recent RIS information: 1993.

Paúl de Boquilobo. 08/05/96; Regiao Lisboa e Vale do Tejo; 529 ha; 39º23’N 008º32’W. Biosphere Reserves, Special Protection Area EC Directive; Nature Reserve. A freshwater marsh subject to winter floods of the Tejo River. The site supports characteristic aquatic vegetation and various tree species create hedges around the wetland, providing excellent cover for breeding waterbirds and other fauna. The site, an internationally important wintering site for Anas acuta, includes a major heronry. Human activities are agriculture and, in the surrounding areas, hunting. The area is important for maintaining the water table. Ramsar site no. 824. Most recent RIS information: 1993.

Paúl de Madriz (Bas Mondego). 08/05/96; Regiao Centro; 226 ha; 40º08’N 008º38’W. Special Protection Area EC Directive. Permanently inundated freshwater marsh in an open alluvial plain with extensive reedbeds, Salix, and other marshland species. A freshwater spring ensures water availability in exceptionally dry years. There is a bird sanctuary supporting important concentrations of the breeding mallard Anas platyrhynchos and other species of breeding and wintering waterbirds. The otter Lutra lutra occurs in the area. Ramsar site no. 823. Most recent RIS information: 1993.

Paúl de Tornada (Tornada Marsh). 24/10/01; Regiao Lisboa e Vale do Tejo; 50 ha; 39°27’N 009°03’W. A small freshwater permanently flooded marsh in a small alluvial plain, with extensive reed beds and numerous areas of open water, surrounded by agricultural and forest land. It fulfils the representativeness Criterion 1 and also supports a considerable diversity of species, particularly of migratory birds, as well as some threatened fish, mammal, reptile, and amphibian species. The site is presently located on private property that is rented to the environmental organizations GEOTA and PATO, with national and local government support, and a visitors’ centre and observatory are in place. Ramsar site no. 1106. Most recent RIS information: 2001.

Paúl do Taipal (Taipal Marsh). 24/10/01; Regiao Centro; 233 ha; 40°11’N 008°41’W. EC Birds Directive Special Protection Area. A freshwater permanently flooded marsh in a small alluvial plain in the Mondego river valley, with extensive reed beds and some open water. The wetland is surrounded by agricultural land, with rice fields downstream. It has great bird diversity and habitats of major importance for migratory birds for wintering (including more than 1% of the Mediterranean population of Anas clypeata) and resting areas (for example, transaharan passerines and palearctic birds). It also supports a significant portion of the indigenous fish species Rutilus macrolepidotus, Barbus bacogei, and Cobitis maroccana in all life-cycle stages. The area is very important for local regulation of the underground water table and may also act as a buffer zone, contributing to increased protection of adjoining farmlands against erosion by winter floods. The marsh is publicly owned and managed, with educational activities and traditional fishing practiced within the site; conventional corn and rice cultivation takes place on private lands roundabout. Ramsar site no. 1107. Most recent RIS information: 2001.

Ria de Alvor. 08/05/96; Regiao Algarve; 1,454 ha; 37º08’N 008º37’ W. Protected Landscape Area; National Ecological Reserve. A coastal lagoon and estuarine wetland system separated from the sea by sand spits. The site includes stable and mobile dunes with characteristic vegetation, intertidal sand and mudflats, tidal saltmarshes, and salt pans. An important stopover site for many trans-saharan passerines, with nationally important numbers of several species of avifauna breeding at the site. The area is most valued for its aquatic life, which includes important commercial shellfish production. A field station and bird-ringing station are located at the site. Ramsar site no. 827. Most recent RIS information: 1997.

Ria Formosa. 24/11/80; Regiao Algarve; 16,000 ha; 37º03’N 007º47’W. Special Protection Area EC Directive; Natural Park. A complex of coastal saltwater lagoons and barrier islands, with extensive mudflats, sand banks, dune systems, saltmarshes, and substantial Zostera beds. The site also includes Pinus plantations, urban areas, agricultural land, industrial sites, and nurseries for fish and mollusc rearing. The area is important for numerous species of breeding, wintering and staging waterbirds, including egrets and ibis. The site is of botanical importance, supporting several endemic plants, and is a major nursery zone for fish. Ramsar site no. 212. Most recent RIS information: 1992.

Sapais de Castro Marim. 08/05/96; Regiao Algarve; 2,235 ha; 37º12’N 007º26’W. Nature Reserve, Special Protection Area EC Directive. A complex estuarine system of creeks, alluvial plains, saltmarshes and artificial salinas, subject to wide fluctuations in tidal range and salinity levels. The wetland is noteworthy for its halophytic saltmarsh communities and distinctive shrubby vegetation adapted to the extremes of a hot, dry and saline environment. The site supports several species of breeding waterbirds and a small heronry, and is crucial for large numbers of non-breeding flamingos Phoenicopterus ruber and spoonbills Platalea leucorodia. The wetland plays a crucial role in maintaining water tables, flood attenuation, and serves as a freshwater reservoir in one of the dryest areas of Portugal. Human activities include salt production, intensive agriculture, fish-farming, tourism, and recreation. The area holds historic settlements of Roman and Arabic occupation. Ramsar site no. 829. Most recent RIS information: 1993.

For further information about the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, please contact the Ramsar Convention Secretariat, Rue Mauverney 28, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland (tel +41 22 999 0170, fax +41 22 999 0169, e-mail ramsar@ramsar.org). Posted 7 February 2000, updated 11 May 2006, Dwight Peck, Ramsar.