Wildlife in the PNG: the Beauty of Diverse Species

Peneda-Gerês National Park (PNPG) is a true wildlife sanctuary, the only national park in Portugal and one of the most biodiverse protected areas in the Iberian Peninsula. With over 70,000 hectares of mountainous landscapes, native forests and crystal-clear rivers, the park is a haven for hundreds of species, many of them rare or endangered.

Here, biodiversity thrives in harmony with mountain scenery, ancient forests and sparkling waterfalls. Its wildlife makes Gerês an ecological treasure of immeasurable value.

Did you know that over 226 vertebrate species have been identified in Peneda-Gerês National Park (PNPG)? Including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish. Sadly, 65 of these species are threatened and listed in Portugal’s Red Book of Vertebrates.

 

Wildlife in PNPG stretches across four mountain ranges — Peneda, Soajo, Amarela and Gerês — covering areas in the districts of Braga, Viana do Castelo and Vila Real.

This geographical diversity creates a range of unique habitats:

• Sessile and Pyrenean oak forests: shelter mammals, birds and invertebrates.
• Peat bogs and wetlands: vital for amphibians and rare plants.
• Rocky slopes and high-altitude pastures: refuge for reptiles and birds of prey.
• Mountain streams: habitat for aquatic species sensitive to pollution.

International conventions such as the Bern Convention help protect the park’s wildlife and reflect its global ecological value.

Today, we invite you to explore this park and discover some of its remarkable species:

 

Mammals: the most iconic

Some of the most emblematic mammals associated with Peneda-Gerês National Park include:

• Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus): a symbol of Portuguese wildlife, Gerês is one of its last refuges. It lives in discreet packs in the park’s most remote areas. A strictly protected and endangered species.
• Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus): an elegant and abundant cervid, often spotted on early morning trails, especially in the Peneda, Soajo, Amarela and Gerês ranges.
• Garrano: a beautiful wild horse native to northern Portugal, roaming freely in the mountains and a cultural icon of the region

Other mammals include the otter (Lutra lutra), the red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris), the pine marten (Martes martes) — an agile predator that inhabits dense woodlands — the stoat (Mustela erminea), the wild boar (Sus scrofa), more commonly found in forested areas, the badger (Meles meles) and the fox (Vulpes vulpes), as well as the water mole, the latter being a rare and vulnerable species.

 

 

Bats and micromammals: the guardians of PNPG

The park is home to 15 bat species, 10 of which are threatened! Among them are the greater horseshoe bat, lesser horseshoe bat and the small tree bat — all at risk of extinction.

These animals are vital for ecological balance, acting as pollinators and natural pest controllers.

Fun fact: did you know some major libraries around the world host bats? It’s an eco-friendly way to control pests that damage books. Notably, the Joanina Library at the University of Coimbra in Portugal houses two bat colonies.

 

Rare reptiles and amphibians: wetland guardians

The herpetofauna of Peneda-Gerês National Park is stunning, adding even more intrigue to its wildlife:

• Lusitanian salamander (Chioglossa lusitanica): endemic to the Iberian Peninsula, found in damp, shady areas.
• Iberian frog (Rana iberica) and marbled newt: common in ponds and streams, especially in spring.
• Schreiber’s green lizard (Lacerta schreiberi): brightly coloured and active along stream banks.
• Seoane’s and horned vipers: protected, discreet snakes with limited distribution in northern Iberia.

 

 

Rich and varied birdlife: the sky in motion

Gerês is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 147 recorded bird species. Bring your binoculars and prepare to spot true winged wonders:

• Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos): rare and majestic, nests on rocky cliffs.
• Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo): Europe’s largest owl, most active at dusk.
• Red-backed shrike (Lanius collurio): a rare migrant visiting in spring.
• Common snipe (Gallinago gallinago): PNPG hosts Portugal’s only known breeding site.
• White-throated dipper (Cinclus cinclus): an agile diver of mountain streams.
• Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus): a uniquely beautiful predator.
• Northern wheatear and yellowhammer: rare migratory and nesting species also seen in PNPG skies.

Spring is the best time for birdwatching, with courtship displays and vibrant songs that captivate all.

 

Aquatic life: rivers that sustain life

The park’s crystal-clear rivers and streams — natural wonders worth exploring — are home to diverse wildlife. The Homem, Lima and Cávado rivers flow through Peneda-Gerês National Park, forming vital ecosystems for species such as:

• Brown trout (Salmo trutta): a flagship species for sustainable sport fishing.
• European eel (Anguilla anguilla): a migratory species currently in decline.
• Aquatic invertebrates: like dragonflies and water beetles, excellent indicators of water quality.
• White-throated dipper, Schreiber’s green lizard and water mole — all dependent on healthy river ecosystems.

Riparian vegetation and water quality create ideal conditions for these vulnerable species to survive.

 

Invertebrates: rare species

Among the invertebrates, several species in PNPG have special conservation status:

• Euphydryas aurinia butterfly: a threatened species of high ecological value, protected under the Habitats Directive.
• Stag beetle (Lucanus cervus): a symbol of mature native forests.
• Geomalacus maculosus: a rare gastropod, commonly known as the tree slug, found in humid areas with mosses and lichens.

Though small, these species are biodiversity giants!

 

Garranos: the wild horses of Gerês

Last but not least, a special mention for the Garrano — a native horse breed from northern Portugal, living freely in the park’s mountains.

Though smaller in stature, it’s robust and well adapted to rugged terrain. A symbol of the bond between nature and local culture.

These horses are part of traditional practices like the “vezeiras” — a communal grazing system — and inspire local legends, featuring in many trails.

 

Threats to biodiversity: the importance of sustainable tourism

Every year, we hear devastating news about species extinction. While many conservation programmes are successful, Peneda-Gerês National Park faces several challenges:

• Habitat fragmentation: caused by infrastructure and unplanned tourism.
• Invasive species: such as acacia and American mink, which threaten native species.
• Climate change: a global issue affecting reproduction cycles and migration.
• Poaching and roadkill: especially impacting wolves and otters.

That’s why sustainable tourism is essential — respecting nature and local communities. Preserving the unmatched beauty and wildlife of Peneda-Gerês National Park is in all our hands.

At Portugal Green Walks, we offer programmes that help protect not only stunning landscapes but also the park’s incredible biodiversity:

• Trails like Mata da Albergaria, rich in wildlife.
• Viewpoints like Pedra Bela, ideal for spotting birds of prey.
• Interpretation centres like Mezio and Campo do Gerês, with exhibitions on the park’s flora and fauna.

Wildlife in Peneda-Gerês National Park is a living mosaic of species, coexisting in harmony with local traditions and sustainable practices of communities and visitors.

Every trail, forest, waterfall and river tells stories of survival, adaptation and natural beauty.

 

OUR PROGRAMMES ALLOW YOU NOT ONLY TO VISIT GERÊS, BUT TO IMMERSE YOURSELF IN A WORLD FULL OF WILDLIFE OF UNMATCHED BEAUTY, WHERE NATURE SETS THE PACE OF LIFE.

 

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