Vale Carapito becomes Portugal's fifth Private Protected Area

The Vale Carapito, in the Sabugal municipality, has been officially recognised as a Private Protected Area, the fifth site in Portugal to gain this conservation status, according to the NGO Rewilding Portugal. The 48-hectare area, bought by the organisation in 2020, sits within the Malcata Special Conservation Zone and hosts species such as black vultures, red kites, otters and protected bats. The classification, which will join the National Network of Protected Areas, aims to secure long-term conservation regardless of future ownership changes. Legal effect follows a management contract with the ICNF and its publication in the official gazette.