FORESTS IN PORTUGAL, FORESTS IN EUROPE 
According to SIAM report (Pereira et al, 2004)[5], Portugal has a number of very diverse fauna and flora in relation to its size, and is considered one of the 25 biodiversity hotspots of the world. In this country can be found 67 species of mammals, 207 breeding birds, 27 reptiles, 17 amphibians, a total of about 400 species of vertebrates, and about 3000 species of vascular plants, among which 86 are endemic, that is, that do not exist anywhere else in the world. The wide variety of substrates, also promotes the support of a large amount of biodiversity in soil.
1. Forest tree species used for afforestation in Portugal
Dominant or abundant native species[6]: Carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua), Common Alder (Alnus glutinosa), Holm Oak (Quercus rotundifolia) (protective measures by Law Nº. 155/2004), Kermes Oak (Quercus coccifera), Portuguese Oak (Quercus faginea), Pyrenean Oak (Quercus pyrenaica), English oak (Quercus robur), Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa), Wild cherry (Prunus avium), Narrow-leafed Ash (Fraxinus angustifolia), Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo), Myrtus communis (Myrtus communis), Maritime Pine (Pinus pinaster), Stone pine (Pinus pinea), Alder Buckthorn (Frangula alnus), Cork Oak (Quercus suber) (protective measures by Law Nº. 155/2004), Betula alba (Betula pubescens).
Non-native species (prevalent or abundant)[7]: European Black Pine (Pinus nigra), Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), hybrid black poplar (Populus x canadensis), Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra).
Endangered species[8]: holly (Ilex aquifolium) (protected by Law Nº. 423/89 of 4 December), common yew (Taxus baccata), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), Portugal laurel (Prunus lusitanica), Algerian Oak (Quercus canariensis), Common Rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum).
2. Characterization of the four main forest species
The Maritime Pine (Pinus pinaster)[9], is a native species, has rounded crown and grows up to 40m. It is the predominant species in the national forest. It is scattered all over the regions of northern and central coast of the country. This has been the species chosen in the afforestation campaigns carried out during the nineteenth century, due to its ability to adapt to poor and rocky soil. In addition, it spreads easily and has a rapid growth. Its timber is widely used commercially.
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)[10], original from Tasmania, and for that it is an exotic species; it is presented all over the country. These trees can grow up to 55m and grow rapidly. Especially used by pulp and paper industry, became one of the most planted trees in Portugal. In the '80s, there was great controversy about the negative effects of these trees in soil, water and biodiversity, which resulted in the implementation of legislation (Law Nº. 175/88 of May 17 and Law Nº. 513/89, 6 July) that restricts the increase of monoculture plantation of this species, resulting in the improvement of techniques for optimizing the production that enabled the increase of productivity without the need to expand the forest area.
The Cork oak (Quercus suber)[11] is a tree with a rounded canopy up to 20m, which produces cork intensively. This is an evergreen indigenous species, typical of Mediterranean climate forests. Their presence can be found throughout the territory. Cork is a raw material with unique characteristics, because it floats in water, is elastic, compressible, waterproof, odorless, natural, renewable and recyclable, a very environmentally friendly material. The system called "montado de sobro" has a huge economic, social, environmental, landscape, history and culture value and cork oak is the national tree of Portugal. Portugal is the leading producer, processor and exporter of cork.
The Holm oak (Quercus rotundifolia)[12] grows to 15 to 20m. It is a indigenous evergreen specie, also typical from Mediterranean forest. This tree is very important in agricultural systems called "montado de azinho", as a producer of acorns to feed the black pig. It is also a good source of coal, timber and firewood.
3. Animal native species
Our forests are home to some of the following examples of typical and exceptional fauna, some existing only in our country[13]:
Endemic and resident mammals, not threatened: European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus), mole (Talpa occidentalis), European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), Iberian Hare (Lepus granatensis), Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes), least weasel (Mustela nivalis), Beech Marten (Martes foina), European Badger (Meles meles), wild boar (Sus scrofa), European Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus), Red Deer (Cervus elaphus).
Endemic and residents mammals, that are in danger: the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus), Horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus), mouse-eared bat (Myotis), long-winged bat (Miniopterus), gray wolf (Canis lupus) and the Mountain Iberian wild goat (Capra pyrenaica) - this species has less then 50 individuals.
Residents and non-threatened birds: Egret (Egretta garzetta), Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo), Common Gallinule (Gallinula chloropus), Barn Owl (Tyto alba), Little Owl (Athene noctua), River Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major), Lark (Alaudidae), Eurasian Crag Martin (Ptyonoprogne rupestris), European Robin (Erithacus rubecula), Common Blackbird (Turdus merula), Cetti's Warbler (Cettia Cetti), Azure-winged Magpie (Cyanopica cyanus).
Resident birds and in danger of extinction: Great Bittern (Botaurus stellaris), Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus), Adalbert's Eagle (Aquila adalberti), Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), osprey (Pandion haliaetus), Purple Swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio), Pin-tailed Sandgrouse (Pterocles alchata).
Endemic reptiles and amphibians that are not threatened: Gold-Striped Salamander (Chioglossa lusitanica), Bosca's newt (Triturus boscai), Iberian Midwife Toad (Alytes cisternasii), Frog-of-muzzle-sharp (Discoglossus galganoi) Iberian Painted Frog (Rana iberica), Iberian Emerald Lizard (Lacerta schreiberi), Bocage's Wall Lizard (Podarcis bocagei), Bedriaga's Skink (Chalcides bedriagai).
Resident reptiles and amphibians that are rare or vulnerable: Iberian Rock Lizard (Lacerta monticola), Portuguese viper (Vipera seoane).
Endemic fish, not threatened: Luciobarbus bocagei (Barbus bocagei), Iberian Nase (Chondrostoma polylepis), Squalius alburnoides (Squalius alburnoides), bordallo (Squalius carolitertii).
Endemic fish endangered: Saramugo (Anaecypris Hispanic), European Sturgeon (Acipenser sturio).
In Portugal, can be hunted several species of animals, such as, ducks, wild pigeons, quail, thrushes, rabbits, boars, deer, partridges, golden plovers, snipe, woodcock, pheasant, hare.
