Mires and Peat

an online journal jointly published by imcg and ips

Volume 2 (2007): Article 8 

Characterisation of a basin mire in the Azores archipelago

by E. Dias and C. Mendes

Published online: 14.10.2007

Summary

The Azores archipelago in the North Atlantic is an extremely important area for biodiversity because it is
rich in rare species and habitats, and almost undisturbed. The Lagoa do Madruga is a small basin mire
located at 956 m a.s.l. on Santa Bárbara Mountain, Terceira Island. It is an extremely good example of a
peatland type that was first discovered in 1998, and has not previously been described in the international
literature. This paper provides baseline information on its flora, vegetation communities, structure and
hydrology. Thirty-one plant species including eight Sphagnum species and nine endemic vascular plants
have been recorded, and four plant communities are distinguished. The maximum peat depth is three metres.
The mire receives flowing water from its margins and from a small stream entering at its eastern end, in
addition to intercepted precipitation and fog. The accumulated water forms pools and soakways which feed
other wetlands downstream. The conservation status of the mire is good, but it is subject to increasing
pressure from garbage generated during maintenance operations at a nearby antenna array.

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Citation

Dias, E. & Mendes, C. (2007): Characterisation of a basin mire in the Azores archipelago. Mires and Peat 2: Art. 8. (Online: http://www.mires-and-peat.net/map02/map_02_08.htm)

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Last update:18.12.2007		www.mires-and-peat.net
Key title: Mires and Peat	ISSN 1819-754X	Abbreviated key title: Mires Peat