WETLANDS
Óbidos
Lagoon
Wetlands
One of the most important ecosystems on the planet
Wetlands are one of the most important ecosystems on the planet but also one of the most sensitive and threatened. Transition ecosystems between aquatic and terrestrial environments are one of the richest and most productive ecosystems in the world in terms of biological diversity, with large concentrations of aquatic birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates, with water being the structuring element of these ecosystems.
Its enormous ecological and biological importance is closely linked to the fact that these ecosystems are privileged places for feeding, resting, sheltering, reproduction and wintering of several resident and migratory bird species and, in many cases, they constitute determinant habitats for the conservation of endangered species, such as the osprey (Pandion haliaetus), the marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus) and the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis).
Obidos Lagoon
Most extensive coastal lagoon system on the Portuguese coast
Obidos Lagoon, the longest coastal lagoon system on the Portuguese coast, is perhaps the best place along the Portuguese coast to observe water birds between the mouth of the Mondego and the Tagus estuary.
There are many species that live here and many others that enjoy this ecosystem during their migrations, such as herons, bibs, stilts, curlews, plovers and flamingos.
The Obidos Lagoon, and the Paul de Tornada Local Nature Reserve are currently considered the most ecologically relevant wetlands in the West region, forming an ecological corridor for dozens of bird species.