The Laurisilva of Madeira, within the Parque Natural da Madeira (Madeira Natural Park) conserves the largest surviving area of primary laurel forest, which covered much of Southern Europe 15-40 million years ago. \
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These forests display a wealth of ecological niches, intact ecosystem processes, and play a predominant role in maintaining the hydrological balance on the Island of Madeira. \
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It is the largest surviving area of laurel forest, believed to be 90% primary forest with great importance for biodiversity conservation with at least 76 vascular plant species endemic to Madeira, together with a high number of endemic invertebrates and two endemic birds. Most of it is believed to have never been felled and includes some massive old trees, possibly over 800 years old, which have been growing since before the island was settled. \
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It has strong and effective legal protection under regional, national and European Law.