Nature

Madeira Island is very rich in fauna, both in vertebrates and in invertebrates, particularly endemic species of terrestrial molluscs, and very significantly, of insects.The Laurisilva Forest deserves special mention in the flora of Madeira

Fauna and Flora of Porto Santo
The fauna and flora of Porto Santo is found mainly on the Porto Santo islets, which are a prime location for nesting seabirds.

In Desert Islands we can find many rare and endemic species such as Mediterranean monk seals, the flora is varied, particular and rich in specific plants from Macaronesia, with Madeiran exclusives.

The vertebrate fauna of the Selvagens Islands is qualified by the wide range of nesting seabirds and the absence of native mammals, the vegetation on the Selvagens Islands is comprised of perfectly adapted species to the soil and climatic conditions

The diversity of natural resources on land and in the sea at Madeira Islands led to the creation of protection plicies and sustainable development of natural environemnts, assuring the protection to the huge biological diversity, the environmental quality and social development.

The geological history of the Madeira Islands is closely tied to the opening and expansion of the Atlantic Ocean. This process began around 200 million years ago and continues to this day at a rate of around 2 cm/year.