When the first settlers arrived in Madeira, the only mammals that they found were bats, one of these is endemic: the-Madeira-bat. All other terrestrial mammals, rabbits to rats, horses to goats, cows to dogs, were introduced by man. Of the approximately 3300 species of invertebrates cataloged, most snails or microscopic insects, almost thirty percent are unique to Madeira.
On the archipelago were identified 42 species of birds, nine of which are endemic. The islands are part of two of the largest sanctuaries of seabirds in the world: the Desertas and the Selvagens Islands, vital to their nesting. The freira-da-Madeira, an extremely rare bird and that was thought extinct, was rediscovered in 1969 thanks to the work of the local ornithologist Alec Zino. The his observations, supplemented by DNA analysis showed that it was a different kind of Fea’s Petrel. It became known as Freira-da-Madeira or Zino’s petrel. This small black and white marine bird, mates in the central mountains of the island and only lays one egg per year. It is estimated that the population is limited to 40 couples, this being one of the species where both partners remain faithful life.
The Madeira pigeon only exists in the laurel forest, the total estimated population of 10,300 individuals. Equally interesting are the swallow-the-mountain, the run-ways, the calcamar, the chaffinch, the firecrest and cigarette. A few amphibians and reptiles, exception made to Madeira endemic lizards, are very common in the Funchal gardens.
The waters of Madeira are a haven for marine mammals. The most famous is the monk seal, also known as wolffish. The census population will not exceed the half thousand animals spread the northwest coast of Africa to Madeira. A colony of more than 20 members live in the Desertas Nature Reserve, making frequent forays to the Ponta de São Lourenço. Dolphins of various species evolve here and can be seen 18 kinds of whales in these waters.
The Garajau Natural Reserve, is located east of Funchal, occupying a sea area of over 376 hectares. Can also be seen in this mere protected area, painted morays, eels garden, rays or turtles. With crystal clear waters and it is a great place to dive and discover marine life.
Many big game fishing enthusiasts flock to Madeira to catch marlin, blue or record tuna, whose weight reaches exceed 300 kg. From May to September, boats and private jets bring dozens of fishermen, interested in the wealth of these deep Atlantic waters. Several times was won in Madeira the prestigious world of fishing premium-blue marlins. Other species much appreciated by lovers of big game fishing are the Marlins white, swordfish, mackerel-of-India, rabilha, bigeye, albacore, albacore, skipjack and barracuda.
Most fishermen joined the system “tag and release”, returning to the sea the marlin-blue after scoring with the respective label. Participate in a coarse fishing expedition, a boat prepared for this sport, it is an exciting experience. It takes a lot of patience and ingenuity to catch a magnificent marlin-blue, but even that is not successful, the adventure is extraordinary.