The Lau­risil­va of Madeira is an out­stand­ing relict of a pre­vi­ous­ly wide­spread lau­rel for­est type. It is the largest sur­viv­ing area of lau­rel for­est and is believed to be 90% pri­ma­ry for­est. It con­tains a unique suite of plants and ani­mals, includ­ing many endem­ic species such as the Madeiran long-toed pigeon.