The area was declared a natural park (a level of protection lower than national park) in 1997. It is one of six natural parks in Galicia. The European Union has recognized the park as a Site of Community Importance. In addition to its wide variety of ferns, it is an important site for amphibians and invertebrates such as the Kerry slug.[2]
Flora and Fauna
The Fragas do Eume is a mixed forest, considered one of the most extensive and best preserved on Europe's Atlantic coast. The slopes of the river gorge are covered by oak and chestnut trees, alongside a wide variety of ferns and lichen.[3]
The park is home to 103 species of birds, 41 species of mammals, eight species of fish, and endemic invertebrates, reptiles, and amphibians such as the Iberian frog.[3]
2012 Fire
In 2012, a fire destroyed a section of the park, with initial estimates stating that 750 hectares had burned. Emergency services were called in to fight the blaze, and it was considered to be "controlled" by April 2nd.[4]
