These heather areas are part of habitat 4030pt3 (Mediterranean non-coastal heather or heather-gorse areas) that is formed in the National Park, by heather or by dwarf gorse (Ulex minor), being part of the European dry heath. These species, usually designated as brushwood, benefit from the presence of acid rocks and moderate to high precipitation, and especially benefit from the frequent fires. In this particular area there are several kinds of heather, such as ling (Erica umbellata) and common heather (Calluna vulgaris), but the most abundant species is the genist (Pterospartum tridentatum). Concerning fauna, this habitat has a high diversity, especially in the open areas, where the animals find their food. One can see mammals such as the wolf (Canis lupus), deer (Capreolus capreolus) and boar (Sus scrofa). One can also see birds such as the Dartford warbler (Sylvia undata) and the African Stonechat (Saxicola torquata). Amongst reptiles one can find the large psammodromus lizard (Psammodromus algirus), the Lataste’s viper and the Portuguese viper (Vipera seoanei).
Ahead one can see an oak grove, part of habitat 9230 – Galician-Portuguese oak groves of Quercus robur and Quercus pyrenaica. The oak groves of Castro Laboreiro, as are those in the plateau of “Mourela” are particular because of their tree trunks being covered with lichen, this indicates an environment with very low levels of air pollution. The most abundant trees are the Pyrenean oak (Quercus pyrenaica), pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) and the Iberian white birch (Betula celtiberica).
Concerning animals, some species such as the above-mentioned wolf and deer can be found. There are other species, typical of this habitat, such as the Hobby (Falco subbuteo), common scops owl (Otus scops), golden oriole (Oriolus oriolus) or the Eurasian Jay (Garrulus glandarius).