The Souto of Lapa dos Dinheiros

Is a vegetal cover of the forest, which presents a great diversity. It is characterized by having an arboreal layer dominated by a chestnut tree, accompanied by oak-roble (Carvalho-roble), and by several shrub species, such as holly (azevinho, in portuguese). This cast also includes rare species in the region, such as the “mostajeiro” and “azereiro” (Portuguese laurel trees), a relic of the forests of more than 2 million years ago. In the areas where chestnut trees reach greater development, the shading conditions the sub-forest, only allowing the occurrence of species that tolerate the scarcity of light. Among these are herbaceous plants, such as orchids, which bloom in the beginning of spring, in the period before the development of the foliage of the trees. The fauna of the forest is also very rich, including several protected species such as the Portuguese salamander, the water lizard, the wild owl and, on the Caniça stream, the rare water mole (pyrenean desman). Lapa dos Dinheiros is a mixed deciduous forest with about 60 ha, which is located near the Mountain Village of Lapa dos Dinheiros, in the Serra da Estrela Natural Park. It is installed on a sloping slope of exposure to the northwest, being limited to the north by the Caniça stream, a tributary of the Alva.