Fanal forest, Madeira island, Portugal
© Val Thoermer/Alam
Info. Fanal forest on the island of Madeira, Portugal
Today we’re exploring a subtropical forest on the Portuguese island of Madeira off the north-west coast of Africa. Fanal forest is part of the Laurisilva forest, the largest surviving laurel forest in the world. About 90% of the forest's growth remains uncut, and the forest was made a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999 for its ecological importance and beauty.
Laurel forests, also called laurisilvas, covered most of Southern Europe millions of years ago. Old-growth areas like this one that were never cleared for agriculture include laurels that are around 500 years old.
Related Images
Turquoise waters of the Bahamas
Rainbow River in Rainbow Springs State Park, Florida, United States
Blue lagoon of Pulau Ay, Banda Islands, Indonesia
Sea turtle, Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
Steller sea lions, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Barrier reef off Grande Terre, New Caledonia, France
Atlantic spotted dolphins near Santa Maria Island, Azores, Portugal
Manatee in Crystal River, Florida, United States
Bing Today Images
Castell y Gwynt, Snowdonia, Wales
Oct 19, 2023
Wartburg Castle, Thuringian Forest, Germany
Oct 19, 2022
