Mammals
The furry acrobat of Portuguese forests
If, as you strolled through the forests of northern and central Portugal, you think you saw a red-headed figure leaping between the branches, you were not mistaken. The protagonist of this display of dexterity and colour is the red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris), a charming and agile inhabitant of Portuguese forests. Learn more here.
Between spots and antlers: we give you the Portuguese fallow deer
With its mottled coat and elegant pose, the fallow deer (Dama Dama) is a ruminant mammal similar to the deer. It is highly adaptable and can survive in a wide range of habitats and is seldom found in the wild. Learn more about this mammal and its role in the Portuguese biodiversity.
Egyptian mongoose: Meet the “pharaoh’s rat”
With a surprising historical footprint, the Egyptian Mongoose (Herpestes ichneumon) is an extra in tales of pharaohs and is believed to have joined Arabs and Romans on many of their journeys. This carnivorous mammal can be found from the north (although it occurs in lesser abundance here) to the south of Portugal and stands out for its speed and opportunistic nature. Know this species in more detail, also known as “pharaoh’s rat” and which can be found, among other places, at the estate Herdade do Zambujo.
Roe deer: the smallest deer in Portugal and Europe
The roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) of the Cervidae family is the smallest European deer and one of the inhabitants of the properties under responsible forest management by The Navigator Company, especially in the regions of Malcata, Pampilhosa, Góis, Mogadouro and Zambujo. Among its particular traits we would like to highlight the fact that, at the end of the heat, and with the decrease in territoriality, males begin to lose their stems and become more tolerant of each other and start forming groups.
The little white-toothed shrew
Crocidura russula is considered the most common shrew in the Portuguese territory and holds the status of “Least Concern” (LC) according to the Red Book of Vertebrates of Portugal. It can be easily identified given its physical characteristics, in particular the size of its ears and, obviously, its white teeth, and is one of the residents of the Vale de Beja estate, managed by The Navigator Company. Should we get to know it better?
The enigmatic world of the Iberian wolf
With a profound and enigmatic look, the Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus) is a subspecies endemic to the Iberian Peninsula and also one of the most famous forest animals. Despite the stories and myths that have emerged around it over the years, which have granted it a certain status, this species is currently strictly protected in Portugal as it runs the risk of extinction.
