With a total area of 2677km², the Selvagens Islands Nature Reserve includes all the land area of Selvagem Grande and Selvagem Pequena islands, a series of adjacent islets - the largest being Ilhéu de Fora, and the 12 nautical miles of territorial waters surrounding the islands. It is the largest, fully protected marine area in Europe and the most intact ecosystem in the Northeast Atlantic. These islands were officially discovered by the Portuguese in the 15^th century, and all attempts of colonisation were thwarted. It contains some plant habitats unique in the world living in untouched ecosystems (Selvagem Pequena and Ilhéu de Fora) and the highest percentage of endemic plants per square meter in Macaronesia. Zoologically speaking, it is a genuine sanctuary for pelagic birds, such as Cory’s Shearwater, the largest colony of this species in the world, White-faced Storm-petrel, one of the largest populations in the Atlantic and forms the northern boundary of the species distribution, Bulwer’s Petrel and Madeiran Storm-petrel. Consequently, the archipelago is of exceptional scientific interest; it is a natural heritage whose value goes beyond national boundaries. Therefore, since 1971, Selvagens Islands are under of the Regional Government of Madeira administration and are classified as a Nature Reserve, being the first to be classified as such in Portugal.

For information:
Governo Regional da Madeira / Secretaria Regional de Turismo, Ambiente e Cultura
Instituto das Florestas e Conservação da Natureza, IP-RAM
Quinta Vila Passos
Rua Alferes Veiga Pestana, nº15
9054-505 Funchal
Madeira Island
PORTUGAL