the lake, one to the western crater rim in Barrosa, and the other in the south-southeast. The lake is maintained from mainly, direct precipitation over the caldera and from superficial run-off from the watersheds, where nutrient infiltration is common. The lake's waters support local aquifers in the lowlands and provide potable water to the settlements in the southern flanks of the caldera. Biome From the west to south, the crater is covered in brush and scrub, while in the east and north (where declives are minor) the vegetation is much denser and covered in some forest. Between the crater wall and lake is a northern margin/beach consisting of sedimentary, with little vegetation. Much of the land surrounding the crater is occupied by largely parcels of median in size, of forested production and endemic Macronesian species. Since 2001, the caldera and lake have been part of the Rede Natura network of sites of communitarian interest, for special conservation by European Commission (dated 28 December 2001) and the Habitats Directive 92/43/CEE. There are no human settlements or operations within the crater. Within the perimeter of the nature reserve, lake and caldera flanks, are many endemic Azorean plant species, including the Azores juniper (Juniperus brevifolia), Azores laurel (Laurus azorica) and buckthorn (Frangula azorica), in addition to St. John's wort (Hypericum foliosum), Azores heather (Erica azorica) and Mediterranean spurge (Euphorbia stygiana). Small birds are the primary animal species within the caldera, in addition to some larger birds, such as kites or seagulls; terrestrial birds include the Azores wood pigeon (Columba palumbus azorica), Azorean buzzard (Buteo buteo rothschildi), the grey wagtail (Motocilla cinerea) and the Azorean common blackbird (Turdus merula azorensis), as well as marine birds such as yellow-legged gull (Larus cachinnans atlantis) and the common tern (Sterna hirundo). References Notes Sources Global Volcanism Program: Agua de Pau Fogo Fogo São Miguel Island Bodies of water of the Azores Ribeira Grande, Azores Vila Franca do Campo Lagoa, Azores