The wild side of Melgaço: the wolf, the horse and the goat
Melgaço is the most radical nature destination in Portugal. Here you can practice the most challenging river and mountain sports, throughout the year and try unique Alvarinho wines in the world, in a quiet and welcoming atmosphere.
In addition to these well-known business cards, there are plenty of good reasons to visit the territory. If you are a nature lover, this destination is for you!
Walking in nature is one of the great attractions of Melgaço and on these walks you can even come across animals that only exist here. In this article, we are going to tell you about 3 of the most emblematic species that you can find on a visit to Melgaço:
The iberian wolf
It is a subspecies that inhabits the Iberian Peninsula. It is distinguished from the wolf that lives in europe for being smaller and for the color of the fur, more yellow-brown, and different snout.
It is a protected species with priority conservation, and it is estimated that there are currently only about 300 specimens in our country. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Iberian wolf was relatively common and occupied several territories from north to south of Portugal. Nowadays it is one of the species that you can find in Melgaço – in the Peneda-Gerês National Park – where they live in natural habitat.
The Iberian wolf is mainly threatened by habitat destruction, which leads to food shortages and human persecution. However, the population of Iberian wolves has been increasing due to conservation efforts in both Portugal and Spain.
The Garrano horse
It is very common to see these animals grazing freely on the Castro Laboreiro plateau, a habitat that is shared with the Iberian wolf.
Also known as the “Gerês horse”, the Garrano is actually one of the last wild horses in the world. Despite its name meaning “small horse”, it was used for many centuries as a pack and work animal and as a means of locomotion in the paths of upper Portugal. It is currently a protected breed due to the risk of extinction to which it was subject until recently.
Docile with children, intelligent, hardworking and easy to train, these animals are highly sought after by those who enjoy equestrian tourism, so if you like horseback riding, do not miss the opportunity to contact this unique species directly.
The mountain goat
This is a species that can be seen, with any luck, in the mountainous rocky regions of Melgaço, already in the Peneda-Gerês National Park. Although, for many years, it was present in several high areas of the Iberian Peninsula, the population decreased and was even extinct in Portugal.
The mountain goat is a unique species in the world, endemic to the Iberian peninsula and characterized by its unusual ability to climb mountains and live at high altitudes. The cliffs are not only their habitat, but also a way of preserving the species against common predators, such as the wolf, the eagle and, in certain cases, man.
Now that you know what to expect, set out to discover this magnificent territory and don’t forget to take your camera with you. At any time you can be surprised!