Serra da Malcata Nature Reserve (16.348 ha) is based on a succession of rounded hills of shale extending into Spain through Gata Mountain, grooved by small waterlines hiding from sight. In the north there are traces of oak groves, once dominated by cork oak, notable the presence of the sweet acorn oak (Quercus rotundifolia) and a large surface covered by production woods. Interesting riverine woods throughout Bezágueda and Côa rivers and Meimoa Stream.  Extensive areas of Mediterranean scrublands are home to a diverse fauna. We highlight the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus), one of the most threatened mammals in Europe and subject of a reintroduction program in Portugal and Spain aimed at establishing more and bigger wild rabbit populations, its main food source, and improving its habitat. Presence of numerous reptiles and amphibians, extensive selection of passerines and several birds of prey namely griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus), black vulture (Aegypius monachus) and black stork (Ciconia nigra). In terms of national forests, it is worth mentioning the Mata Nacional da Serra da Malcata (National Forest) with about 1992 ha and vocation and use mainly as forest, conservation and protection. It should also be noted that of the 657 ha of Mata Nacional da Quinta da Nogueira (National Forest), about 400 ha are included in this nature reserve. The human population exists essentially in the periphery.