Via Algarviana SECTOR 1

Alcoutim is located next to the site “Guadiana” (PTCON0036), part of the Natura Network 2000, which includes, besides the main water stream, the affluents Vascão, Cobres and Oeiras. Its insertion in the Network is due to a threat upon several endangered animal and plant species, as well as their habitats protected by the Habitants Directive.  This river is an important migration corridor for terrestrial and water species. Among these, several fish species stand out, namely the Iberian cyprinid (Anaecypris hispanica) the Iberian barbel (Barbus comiza) and the Nase of Guadiana (Chondrostoma wilkomii); this area is one of the few places in the world where these species occur.  

The Guadiana river is a very important location for the river mussel (Unio crassus) and one of the few territories in Portugal where the dragonflies Oxigastra curtisii and Coenagrion mercuriale occur, both under the protection of the Habitats Directive.

In terms of the superior fauna, the occurrence of the numerous species of birds stand out in this area, especially the Bonelli´s eagle (Hieraaetus fasciatus), the eagle owl (Bubo bubo) and the nightingale of the brushwood (Cercothricas galactotes), among other species. 

It is also important to highlight the presence of Otters (Lutra lutra) and different species of bats such as Myotis myotis and Miniopterus schreibersi.