The Cova das Choias is a cave of natural origin, one of the most unique spaces in the Lemos region. In Roman times the cave was altered by man for the extraction of iron ore. It is known for its intensive use, especially in the 16th and 17th centuries, supplying the smithies of the region, mainly the now-defunct Biduedo smithy in the parish of Óutara.
Currently, the cave has an extraordinary natural wealth in a vulnerable situation: the luminescent moss and a population of different bat communities unique in Galicia. The Drosera Association for the study and conservation of the natural environment had communicated to the council the importance of an environment without human presence for the conservation of some of the bat communities. In this situation, the council decided to carry out a work to enhance the Cova das Choias.
The project, managed by the city council before the GDR Ribeira Sacra – O Courel, made it possible to fence off the entrance to the cavity to prevent access but allow a wide view of the cave, improving the section of about 600m. that reaches the entrance of the cavity; saving traffic through some of the sections with a wooden walkway, stairs and handrails.
The work on the Cova das Choias involves enhancing it within the City Council's Tourist Resources Network and protecting two elements of incalculable biological value, a priority issue for the government team.
On the one hand, the moss which gives the cavity its green color. This moss has the peculiarity of having filaments that reflect emerald green light, producing the visual illusion of luminescence. The presence of this moss in the Iberian Peninsula is documented in barely a dozen locations. Due to the fragility of the habitats it occupies, this species is included in the Galician Catalogue of Threatened Species as a vulnerable species.
And on the other hand, the birds that inhabit it. Years ago, the cave received its name, the Choias, due to the abundant presence of these birds of the corvid family. Four years ago, the choias disappeared, now the cavity is occupied by different bat species, the cave bat stands out, which has the largest known colony here in Galicia, and the large horseshoe bats that occupy the cave in autumn. These species are in a vulnerable situation and the simple human presence can be detrimental to the conservation of these colonies.
