# data[].attributes.body
Serra da Estrela ("Star Mountain Range") is a mountain range in Portugal located in the Centro region. Its peak is at the highest altitude in mainland Portugal, at 1993 m (topped only by the summit of Mount Pico in the Azores), and is part of the Iberian Peninsula's mountain range system called Sistema Central.
It is 115 km long and about 60 km wide at its widest point, and it is part of the Mediterranean Basin biodiversity hotspot. Most of its extent is included within the Serra da Estrela National Park.

# data[].attributes.headline
Location of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park within Portugal

# data[].attributes.subject
Location of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park within Portugal

# data[].attributes.body
The area that encompasses Serra da Estrela forms a massive rocky ridge, made up mostly of several kinds of granite that were formed during the Carboniferous period, yet it also includes schist and greywacke from in the Precambrian era around 650 million years ago, a testament to the time when the Peninsula was still under the ancient seas. Around 65 million years ago, in the Late Mesozoic, the collision of the Eurasian and African plates led to the Alpine orogeny and the formation of several mountain ranges, including the Serra. Finally, during the last glacial period around 20 thousand years ago, several glaciers carved their way through the bedrock, marking the local geography profoundly. The prime example of the glaciers' effect on the region is the U-shaped glacier valley of the Zêzere river.

# data[].attributes.body
Besides its division in lower (up to 800-900 meters altitude), intermediate (from 900 to 1600 meters) and upper levels (upwards of 1600 meters), Serra da Estrela also displays a unique blend of temperate and Mediterranean characteristics due its location allowing it to be equally influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
Source: Jansen (2002)

# data[].attributes.body
In 1976, a natural park was created containing most of Serra da Estrela. With an area of nearly 900 square kilometers, it is the largest protected area in Portugal, and it includes the upper plateau as well as the sources of three rivers: Zêzere, Alva and Mondego, the longest river running entirely in national territory. The park also has its own interpretive centre, dedicated to disseminate the region's cultural and natural heritage.
The regional climate is mainly Mediterranean alpine, with both Atlantic and continental influences. This results in a very temperate climate, with characteristic warm summers and very cold winters with the occurrence of snow. It also displays a high variation of rainfall, with a sharp difference between the central massif and the surrounding areas. These characteristics have enabled the mountain range to exhibit several different ecossystems, as described above.
Local populations have subsisted from agriculture and pastoralism for ages, and shepherds here seasonally take their livestock to higher summer pastures. Associated to this dwingling lifestyle are the Estrela mountain dog, a local breed of guardian dog, and the typical Queijo da Serra goat cheese. Tourism is also an important part of the local economy, both natural and winter tourism, with a ski resort near the Serra's highest point.
Starting in 2000, it became a part of the Natura 2000 network of nature protection areas.

# data[].attributes.headline
good to know about this Bioarea in beautiful Portugal

# data[].attributes.subject
good to know about this Bioarea in beautiful Portugal