Azores temperate mixed forests
The Azores temperate mixed forests is a temperate broadleaf and mixed forests ecoregion of southwestern Europe. It encompasses the Azores archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. These volcanic islands are an autonomous region of Portugal, and lie 1500 km west of the Portuguese mainland.
The islands have a temperate maritime climate, moderated by the Gulf Stream. Frosts don't occur below 500 meters elevation.Flora
Little natural vegetation remains in the lowlands. There are enclaves of evergreen shrub forest, characterized by the trees Laurus azorica, Juniperus brevifolia, and Erica azorica. Diverse highland peat bogs are found on the islands of Flores and Terceira.Fauna
animals include the Azores bullfinch or Priolo and Azores noctule bat. The islands have no native land mammals.Protected areas
620 km² of the ecoregion is in protected areas. Another 20% is forested and outside protected areas.
