Eco-Wolf Trail – Station B – Gondomar Church (2/16)

At this station, you will encounter a remarkable example of the richness and conservation of natural ecosystems: a mature oak woodland composed of several native plant species, which is crucial as a refuge for the wolf’s natural prey, such as the roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and the red deer (Cervus elaphus).

This well-preserved forest habitat, a testament to the ancient forests that have dominated the region for centuries, is mainly composed of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) and holly (Ilex aquifolium), the latter distinguished by its glossy green foliage contrasting with bright red berries in winter. It also hosts other native tree and shrub species, such as bay laurel (Laurus nobilis), wild pear (Pyrus cordata), and butcher’s broom (Ruscus aculeatus), an evergreen shrub with small red berries that can be mistaken for holly.

There is also a constant presence of ferns, mosses, and lichens, resulting from the high shade and soil moisture typical of oak woodlands, making this native forest naturally more resistant to wildfires. Among the lichens, particular mention should be made of old man’s beard (Usnea sp.), which covers tree trunks and serves as a bioindicator of excellent air quality.

The need to preserve these native forests is urgent, as today only small remnants remain, increasingly threatened by clear-cutting and the spread of exotic and invasive vegetation. These forest habitats shelter numerous plant and animal species, many of them threatened, and provide essential food and shelter for the wolf’s natural prey, whose conservation is important in reducing the risk of wolf attacks on livestock.

Learn more: Mapa do Percurso e Projeto Trilho Eco-Lobo