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
Delicate Arch, Arches National Park, Utah
Peacock feathers
Agüero, Spain
Aerial view of terraced rice fields, Yuanyang, China
Lake Negratin, Granada, Spain
Blue-green waters
Park City, Utah, USA
Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, California
Today on Bing
Wartburg Castle, Thuringian Forest, Germany
Oct 19, 2022
Sydney Olympic Park Games Memories
Oct 19, 2018
