ENVIRONMENT
Project title: BATinLoko – Environmental performance indicators and their relation with
economic factors in textile BAT implementation
LIFE07 ENV/P/000625
Objectives:
The core of the project will be the determination of the suitable emission factors for the textile
sector in Portugal, which can be flexible and applicable to other clusters from across Europe.
This methodology will provide a common working tool to obtain comparable results.
It‟s also intended to determine environmental performance indicators and their relation with
economic benefits, when implementing Best Available Techniques (BAT). This result is
particularly important, because it will provide the essential information required by textile
companies, when it‟s necessary to implement BAT. In order to achieve this objective, it will be
developed an informatics tool that will give the calculus of the benefit/detriment of environment
performance indicators related with economic factors, and could be used as a BAT
implementation decision support tool, by textile companies.
In the end of the project it‟s expected to edit a Decision Support Manual, which will provide
companies with the essential information related with environmental performance indicators,
economic factors and BAT implementation.
In addition it will be established a conduct code for project activities regarding the reduction of
associated CO2 emissions and consequently reducing carbon footprint.
To achieve project results, there will be set collaboration between textile companies of Portugal,
their association, R&D organisms and public administration entities, to support the industrial
community of the textile sector on the implementation of the IPPC Directive and other national
European obligations.
The importance of this project arises from the identification of needs for technical support
amongst the textile industrial sector, namely in BAT implementation and in the decision of the
best applicable BAT.
Actions and means involved:
The project will focus a representative sample of the whole universe of companies from
Portugal. The sample will be carefully chosen taking into account the whole information in
possession of the different partners of the consortium. Special attention will be given to avoid
biasing the sample with installations having the same degree of implemented BAT. The sample
will cover installations with yarn, woven and knitted fabrics dyeing, and different implemented
solutions for the residual water treatment or transfer/disposal. Amongst the important elements
to be collected will be:
1. Emissions data from the textile sector, available on the EPER reports ( Emissions Pollutants
European Register, Commission Decision of 17 July 2000 under the IPPC Directive 96/61/EC (OJ L 192,
28.7.2000, p. 36), http://eper.ec.europa.eu/eper/) and on other mandatory periodic monitoring
reports; bibliographic sources as reference emission factors, with special attention given to
those recommended on the PRTR Guide (European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register,
Regulation (EC) nº 166/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 January 2006 (OJ L
33, 4.2.2006, p. 1), http://www.unece.org/env/pp/prtr.htm, http://www.bipro.de/__prtr/index.htm) and to
emission values associated to BAT;
2. Production conditions, and legal, technical and/or geographical constraints, contained on the
reference documents of compulsory application on the European Union, namely the Reference
Document on Best Available Techniques for the Textiles Industry and the Reference Document
on the General Principles of Monitoring, both from July 2003, and the Reference Document on
Best Available Techniques in Common Waste Water and Waste Gas Treatment/Management
Systems in the Chemical Sector, from February 2003, and also the Reference Document on
Economics and Cross-Media Effects, from July 2006, as well as the EPER/PRTR Orient
Guides, the ETS Monitoring, Reporting and Verification Guidance (Emission Trading Scheme,
Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 October 2003 (OJ L 265,
25.10.2003, p. 32), http://ec.europa.eu/environment/climat/emission/implementation_en.htm ), the
national and European laws concerning pollutants emission, and the quality international
standards.
3. Results obtained in other national and European projects related with this subject, with which
it could be made information benchmarking whenever possible.
The initial phase of research of information will serve the purpose of not only support the
definition of the sample as well as the identification of the main gaps of knowledge about the
sector, including the economics issues.
The following phase of fieldwork will last for longer than one year, during which a monitoring
plan will be applied to a sample of nine installations and will have the purpose of contributing for
the determination of the national emission factors; it will be done the quantification and
qualification of pollutants, by making sampling and characterization of water and air emissions,
in the companies selected to be part of the sample. After words it will be made the
determination of the emission factors for the characteristic pollutants of the textile sector, in
relation with the type of product dyeing – yarn, woven or knitted fabrics – and the production
techniques in use. Local constraints and particular practices of production will be identified and
taken into account, so the monitoring results will be related with the operation conditions
observed on the moment of the monitoring. During this period the methodologies in use to
calculate the emission of PRTR pollutants will be carefully evaluated in order to eliminate
possible errors that may be responsible for the over or under estimation of results. The results
must respect the intrinsic complexity of production processes giving account of their variability.
From the analysis of results, environmental goals for the textile sector will be established and
scheduled, either imposed by legal requirements, either resulting from volunteer initiatives. It will
also be identified possible economics constraints to the achievement of the previous goals.
These two steps – analysis of results, followed by evaluation of constraints related with the
improvement of environmental indicators – will occur every time intermediate results are
obtained, in order to constantly adjust the correct prosecution of works. In the end will be
possible to propose an application plan of the viable BAT from the Reference Document on
Best Available Techniques for the Textiles Industry to the national context.
It will also be developed an informatics tool that will allow the determination of the economic
benefit associated with BAT implementation, becoming an important decision support tool to
companies that are willing to implement BAT. It‟s known that sometimes the difficulty of BAT
implementation lays on the lack of knowledge concerning the benefits, including the economic
ones, so the development of this tool will help companies in the decision phase. Gathering all
project results, in the end it‟s expected to edit the BATinLoko Decision Support Manual –
Environmental performance indicators and their relation with economic factors in textile BAT
implementation.
All actions and obtained results will be support by dissemination activities, that divulgates the
results and benefits of the project in order to promote the implementation of BAT among the
textile sector. It‟s intention of the beneficiaries to reach the higher number of entities interested
in results, so it will be performed 4 seminars, and the final one will be simultaneously
broadcasted online, allowing people from across the world to access project results.
Expected results:
Throughout project‟s execution there will be reached several results, but the ones with major
significance are the following:
- One list of the best environmental performance indicators and goals for the textile sector
- One model for economic evaluation of BAT
- One informatics tool relating environmental performance and economics constraints
- Edition of the 500 BATinLoko Decision Support Manual – Environmental performance
indicators and their relation with economic factors in textile BAT implementation
- Dissemination of project results executing 4 seminars, and reaching at least 1500 visits on
project‟s website
- One conduct code for project activities in order to reduce project carbon footprint
Project title:
Electric and Electronic Eco-assembly Alternatives for the Valorisation of the End-of-life
Products in the Recycling Market – ELECTROVALUE
LIFE07 ENV/P/000639
Objectives:
ElectroValue project will develop and improve the recycling market for the electrical and
electronic (EE) products through the reuse and recovery of EE components, providing support
to the electrical and electronic SMEs, in order to improve their competitiveness by
adoptingsustainable waste management, materials and process technologies by integrating Life
Cycle Analysis (LCA) and “valorisation” of end-of-life in electric and electronic products.
The project will aim at the recovery and reuse of the more used or high value EE components
from a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) assembly and less available ones in the market and reusing
them individually in other products. Available and/or improved disassembly techniques will be
used to successfully remove the components and sort them in an appropriate way.
The market for these recovered parts will need to be shown that final products that use them will
present the reliability expected. Therefore the project addresses this by carrying out soldering
trials, LCA and testing the reliability of refurbishment boards against similar products that
contain only new parts (OEM-Original Equipment Manufacturers). Parameters such as material
costs, consumption, time, emissions, will be very important for the final assessment of the
implementation of such alternative.
The project will also focus on the creation of specialised disassembly centres at the recycling
companies, leading to a new business opportunity for the recycling market as well as new
employment opportunities, and therefore to the introduction of “valuable waste” in the market
again.
The development of a reused component database to support the recycling centres in the
evaluation of electric and electronic products, in terms of eco-efficiency and reuse capability will
be carried out in the project. This tool will allow the SMEs to access all the information related to
standards, legislation, guidelines for compliance, waste management alternatives and to
compare the products in terms of ElectroValue particularly focused on eco-efficiency, life time
and reliability level. Waste management and costs associated to each alternative, including a
friendly user based photolibrary to compare standard and reused EEE boards based the level of
quality required, will be approached.
Actions and means involved:
The project overall activities will be focussed on the following sustainable development routes
approach:
1) Life cycle analysis
2) Waste management and EE components reuse assessment
3) Valorisation of waste (waste-cost value) and energy consumption reduction
4) Pilot recycling disassembly centres
The main actions to be carried out in the project are:
- Communication & Exchange of Information
- Evaluation of Needs and Requirements for Reused Products
- Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) of Reused Components
- “Valorisation” and Assessment of Electronic Waste
- Economical Impacts
- ElectroValue Management Tool
- Pilot Recycling Disassembly Centre
- Training & Dissemination
- Project Management
ElectroValue Working Chart:
Evaluation of Needs for Reused
Products (Action 2)
Disassembly Techniques
(Action 4)
Soldering Trials (Action 4)
Standard Boards (Action 4) Refurbished Boards (Action 4)
Characterisation and Reliability
Tests (Action 4)
Tracking and
Labelling
Certificate of
Conformity
Pilot Disassembly Centre (Action 7)
ELECTROVALUE Management
Tool (Action 6)
LCA Assessment (Action 3)
Functional Tests (Action 4)
Dissemination &
Training (Action 8)
Components Reuse Evaluation
(Action 4)
Expected results:
The ElectroValue project offers a step forward to existing developments by integrating needs
and solutions through development of SME tailor made tools based on real industrial waste
products related with the described sustainable concepts and existing supporting legislation in a
friendly and coordinated way. This type of coordinated approach will, in a short-medium term,
allow the recycling companies to reduce part of the waste received and the EE assemblers to
decrease the product delivery delays due to lack of certain components, to achieve a greater
degree of sustainable manufacturing sooner and at a lower cost, thus ensuring their competitive
edge remains intact.
The impact on WEEE recyclers in terms of cost-benefit that will result from the evaluation on
use of reused components in ElectroValue can also be considered as a Technological Progress
to other sector than the Electric and Electronic one. These recycling centres will have an
opportunity to expand their business by, adding value to the reusable waste and introduce in the
market functional 2nd hand components according with the SMEs assembler needs.
It is expected that, as described in the principal objective “9” in the LIFE+ Environment Policy
and Governance programme, the ElectroValue project will contribute to ensure a sustainable
management, to improve the electric and electronic waste prevention, recovery and recycling.
The use of reliable refurbishment components will promote waste prevention; the development
of the recycling market, giving the possibility of create specialised departments in the existing
recycling centres, leading to more employment and staff qualification; it will aid the assemblers
in production, rework and to fight against the availability of some components in the market and
consequent delivery time of electric and electronic products.
Project title: Conservation of Great Bustard, Little Bustard and Lesser Kestrel in the Baixo
Alentejo cereal steppes – ESTEPARIAS
LIFE07 NAT/P/000654
OBJECTIVES:
The main goal of this Project is to promote the conservation of Great Bustard, Little Bustard and
Lesser Kestrel in their main Portuguese distribution area, in a long-term conservation
perspective.
These three priority steppe bird species targeted in this Project are highly vulnerable to changes
in farming practices, which in the recent past caused habitat loss and fragmentation that are the
major factors for their extremely unfavourable status in Europe.
The Portuguese populations of these species are not an exception. Due to the disappearance of
extensive farming systems (through agriculture intensification, afforestation, overgrazing,
plantation of permanent cultures, amongst others) the Portuguese populations of these species
are now almost restricted to one single region, the Alentejo region. Furthermore, more than 70%
of the Great Bustard and the Lesser Kestrel populations are concentrated in only one site, the
Castro Verde Special Protection Area (SPA). Besides, of the 19 Important Birds
Areas (IBA) with habitat for steppe birds, up to now only five have been classified as SPAs,
increasing the vulnerability of these species. Moreover, several threats to the target species
have been identified in these areas, namely habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, lost of nesting
sites, interaction with power lines, predation and disturbance.
This Project aims to minimize these threats in three of the SPAs with pseudo-steppes, to ensure
the long-term conservation of these species and to contribute for Natura 2000 management. It
will promote the sustainable development of these areas, making compatible farming and game
practices with habitat management for the conservation of the Great Bustard, Little Bustard and
Lesser Kestrel. The Project foresees a close collaboration with farmers, landowners, game
managers and other stakeholders to engage them in the conservation efforts for these species.
Therefore, it will be possible to develop and disseminate best practices techniques and knowhow, promoting networking and mutual learning.
The main objectives of this Project are the following:
1. To protect the most important areas for the Great Bustard during the breeding season (“lek”
areas);
2. To improve breeding success and productivity of target species through habitat management,
mitigation of disturbance and recovery of injured and weak individuals;
3. To encourage and advise farmers to voluntarily apply to agri-environment schemes (under
Rural Development funding) that ensures the long term maintenance of extensive dry land
cereal farming systems;
4. To minimize the impacts of power lines on target species;
5. To promote the re-establishment of the Lesser Kestrel in the Mourão/Moura/Barrancos SPA;
6. To define mitigation measures for reducing the impact of global climate change on target
species;
7. To promote the participation of farmers, landowners and game managers in the
implementation of management actions for target species;
8. To consult and promote the involvement of relevant stakeholders and local communities in
the long-term conservation of the pseudo-steppe ecosystem;
9. To raise awareness and improve the dissemination of information about best practices that
benefit habitat management for target species.
To accomplish the Project objectives the following actions will be developed:
- Land purchase and compensation payments to implement habitat management in the most
sensible areas for the Great Bustard, minimizing habitat fragmentation and disturbance (fence
removal, replacement or signalization and grazing management);
- Working with farmers and game managers to protect display-grounds of Great Bustard,
through grazing management (creation of non-grazed areas, control of shepherd dogs), gaming
management (creation of non-game patches, improvement of game species populations to
decrease predation on target species, improvement of gaming habitat management to be also
favourable to the Project target species);
- Creation of an Advisory Support Office to promote farmers‟ applications to rural development
funds (agri-environment measures aimed at the conservation of steppe birds habitat);
- Mitigation of the risk of bird‟s collision and electrocution with power lines by signalling electric
cables and correcting power poles in the most dangerous power lines in the Castro Verde SPA;
- Construction of a Breeding Wall for Lesser Kestrel in areas of favourable foraging habitat in
the Mourão/Moura/Barrancos SPA;
- Definition of climate change scenarios, evaluation of the predicted impacts on steppe birds
and definition of a mitigation programme (e.g. creation of water points for dry periods of the year
and extreme drought years);
- Development of a programme for treatment and recovery of wounded individuals;
- Definition of a public participation programme, by mapping the attitudes and expectations of
local communities regarding the relationship between nature conservation and rural
development and by promoting joint debates with relevant stakeholders concerning the
strategies for the conservation of the pseudo-steppe ecosystem;
- Raising public awareness and environmental education through the edition of different
dissemination materials, development of environmental education activities for the younger
ages and guided visits in the target species habitat.
The expected main results are:
- Purchase of a Great Bustard “Lek” Area (100 to 150 hectares of ground-display habitat);
- Sustainable management of the purchased area for the conservation of target species, by
promoting extensive farming and grazing to maintain nesting and foraging habitat while
mitigating disturbance;
- Protection of the most important areas for the target species during the breeding season
through grazing management practices (establishment of three to five annual contracts with
farmers covering an area of 100 to 150 hectares per year) to minimize disturbance and nest
trampling;
- Protection of the Great Bustard ground displays through fences removal in two to three display
areas, in an extension of between 1.000 and 2.000 meters;
- Establishment of synergies between game activities and the conservation of target species
especially during the post-breeding and wintering period, in an area of 1.000 to 3.000 hectares.
- Increase productivity and breeding success of target species, by reducing predation through
the promotion of alternative prey for generalist predators (increase of game species
populations), control of shepherd dogs and fence passages for birds;
- Decrease of mortality of target species by recovering wounded and weak individuals and
developing technical skills for the successful treatment and recovery of steppe birds;
- Provide advisory services to promote applications of farmers to agri-environment schemes and
non-productive investments of Rural Development Funding to assure pseudo-steppe habitat
long term;
- Contribution for the effectiveness of the Rural Development Fund Non-Productive Investments
on the conservation of steppe birds, through the production of Best Practice manuals on habitat
management (grazing management, fences typologies, water-troughs typologies, amongst
others)
- Decrease mortality of the target species individuals by collision and/or electrocution in power
lines through the signalization and correction of 40 km of power lines in the Castro Verde SPA;
- Promote the re-colonization of Mourão/Moura/Barrancos SPA by the Lesser Kestrel through
the promotion of a new breeding site (one long-term lease to build a breeding wall for this
specie);
- Identification of good practices for habitat management to minimize the impacts of global
change on target species and their public dissemination, namely amongst farmers and
landowners;
- Raise the level of awareness of farmers, landowners, hunters, decision makers and the local
population to the conservation of pseudo-steppe ecosystem and improve the level of
involvement of these stakeholders on the pseudo-steppe ecosystem;
- Raise the level of awareness of general public to the importance of Great Bustard, Little
Bustard and Lesser Kestrel and their habitats at national and European levels.
Therefore, this Project will try to articulate different funding options (LIFE+ and Rural
Development) to promote the long term conservation of the Great Bustard, Little Bustard and
Lesser Kestrel habitat in the region of Baixo Alentejo.
Name of the project area: Castro Verde
Surface area (ha): 79, 006.15 ha
EU protection status: SPA
□
X NATURA 2000 Code : PTZPE0046
pSCI
NATURA 2000 Code : ................................
Other protection status according to national or regional legislation:
Main land uses and ownership status of the project area:
The Castro Verde SPA is the most representative pseudo-steppe area in Portugal. It is the
result of extensive farming practices. The traditional agricultural system of this area is based on
extensive cereal cultivation in a rotation scheme, resulting in a mosaic of cereal fields, ploughed
land, stubbles and fallows. Fallows are usually pastured by sheep and cattle. There are also
areas of holm oak woodlands („montados‟), scrubland and olive groves.
Land uses and their rough proportions (adapted from ICNB, 2006):
- Farming areas (extensive cereal cultivation): 70%;
- Agro-forestry areas (“montados”, orchards, olive groves): 17%;
- Scrubland and natural pastures: 7%;
- Forest: 3%;
- Wetlands: 1%;
- Others (urban areas, non-cultivated areas, etc.): 2%.
The ownership status of the project area is entirely private.
Scientific description of project area:
The Castro Verde SPA‟s main features are flat plains with soft slopes, which cover large areas
of low altitude (between 100 and 300 m high). The river valleys and outcrops of quartzite are the
main features of the region. Geologically, schist and greywacke dominate. The soil is shallow,
with very little organic material, and is therefore described as „skeletal‟.
The landscape is dominated by pseudo-steppes, which occupy nearly 60.000 ha. Rainfall into
the watercourses is usually torrential, with heavy downpours rapidly filling riverbeds, which dry
up in summer leaving only small puddles.
In the pseudo-steppes, plants like the wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum spp. microcarpus)
germinate among cereal crops and a variety of leguminous plants, daisies and grasses
germinate in the fallows.
The diversity and abundance of steppe birds are responsible for the protection status of the
area. The Castro Verde SPA is the most important area in Portugal for the conservation of
steppe birds, specially the Great Bustard (Otis tarda) and the Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni).
It is also Portugal‟s main breeding area for the Roller (Coracias garrulus) and where the highest
male densities of the Little Bustard (Tetrax tetrax) are registered. The Castro Verde SPA also
harbours important populations of Black-bellied Sandgrouse (Pterocles orientalis), Calandra
Lark (Melanocorypha calandra), Stone-curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus) and Montagu‟s Harrier
(Circus pygargus). It is also a breeding area for the Bonelli‟s Eagle (Hieraaetus fasciatus). In
winter there are important densities of Cranes (Grus grus), Lapwings (Vanellus vanellus),
Golden Plovers (Pluvialis apricaria) and Skylarks (Alauda arvensis). There is a regular presence
of wintering birds of prey, like the Red Kite (Milvus milvus) and the Hen Harrier (Circus
cyaneus). The fallows and pastures are important foraging areas for the Black Vulture
(Aegypius monachus), the Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus), the Spanish –Imperial Eagle (Aquila
adalberti) and the Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaëtus) (ICNB, 2006).
Importance of the project area for biodiversity and/or for the conservation of the species
/ habitat types targeted at regional, national and EU level (give quantitative information if
possible):
This is one of the most important areas for the conservation of steppe bird species of priority
conservation. More than 80% of the national population of the Great Bustard (Pinto et al. 2005)
and 70% of the breeding population of the Lesser Kestrel (Henriques et al. 2006) are
concentrated in this region. The Castro Verde SPA also harbours the highest national
population of the Little Bustard during the breeding season. The existence of an
agrienvironment scheme for this region since 1995 (the Castro Verde Zonal Plan) has ensured
the presence of farming areas with winter cereal crops in rotation with fallows and pastures,
maintaining favourable nesting and foraging habitats for these species. Since these supports
are volunteer for farmers, these may rather prefer more profitable land use activities like
increasing livestock density, increasing the amount of permanent pastures or afforestation due
to their economic profitability. Furthermore, the high concentration of these birds in a single site
may lead to a loss of genetic diversity, as well as a higher vulnerability due to demographic and,
particularly, environmental stochasticity (including catastrophic events) (Pinto et al. 2005).
Therefore, it is very important to ensure habitat suitability, not only through farming
management, but also by implementing other management measures, like agreements with
hunters associations (game reserves) and farmers, safeguarding areas from disturbance during
the breeding season, removing fences, correcting power lines, amongst others.
For the Castro Verde SPA the following actions are planned:
- Land purchase to protect important areas for the Great Bustard during the breeding season
(B.1; C.4);
- Grazing management to protect nesting and foraging habitat for target species (C.1);
- Agreements with game associations in order to minimize the disturbance caused by hunting
on steppe birds, mainly on the Great Bustard and the Little Bustard, and to reduce juvenile
mortality (C.2);
- Removing fences to protect “Lek-areas” for the Great Bustard (B.2, C.3);
- Promoting changes in fences for cattle of lesser impact on bird mortality (A.3, A.6);
- Minimizing the impacts of power lines on steppe birds (C.7);
- Predicting the impacts of climatic change in the steppe birds‟ population dynamics (A.4);
- Implementing a programme for the recovery and treatment of weak and wounded steppe birds
(A.5, A.6);
- Providing technical advisory and support for farmers to apply to funds available under the
Rural Development Programme for agri-environment schemes that promote the cereal steppe
habitat for target species (A.7)
- Public awareness, environmental education and dissemination of results.
These actions will be implemented in the pseudo-steppe area (60,000 ha) of Castro Verde
SPA.
Name of the project area: Vale do Guadiana
Surface area (ha): 76,546.58 ha
EU protection status: SPA
X
X NATURA 2000 Code : PTZPE0047
pSCI
NATURA 2000 Code : PTCON0036
Other protection status according to national or regional legislation:
The Vale do Guadiana SPA overlaps the Vale do Guadiana Natural Park (93%) and partially
covers the Guadiana pSCI (23%).
Main land uses and ownership status of the project area:
The Vale do Guadiana SPA is characterized by areas of extensive cereal cultivation, scrubland
areas, holm oak woodlands („montados‟) and the valleys of the Guadiana river basin.
Land uses and their rough proportions (adapted from ICNB 2006):
- Farming areas (extensive cereal cultivation): 27%;
- Agro-forestry areas (“montados”, orchards): 16%;
- Scrubland and natural pastures: 24%;
- Forests: 9%;
- Wetlands: 1%;
- Others (urban areas, non-cultivated areas, etc.): 2%;
- Unknown (lack of cartography): 21%.
The ownership status of the project area is entirely private.
Scientific description of project area:
In the Vale do Guadiana SPA the landscape is characterized by a mosaic of open farming
areas, forest, scrubland and rocky valleys. Near the rivers and streams there are some
characteristic plant species, like Nerum oleander, Tamarix africana and Securinega tinctoria.
In this area also occur endangered plant species like Marsilea batardae, that arises near water
streams, and Thymus camphoratus and endemic species (ICN 2001).
Concerning the fish, nine species of freshwater fish are endemic and three species only occur in
the Guadiana river basin, such as Anaecypris hispanica, Chondrostoma willkommii and Barbus
microcephalus. In the area there are 13 species of amphibians and 20 species of reptiles.
Regarding the mammals, the presence of the Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra) is often regular in
watersheds and there are several registers of the Wild Cat (Felis silvestris) (ICN 2001).
The Vale do Guadiana SPA is very important for bird species that nest on cliff-ledges along the
Guadiana river valley such as Bonelli‟s Eagle, Black Stork (Ciconia nigra), Golden Eagle (Aquila
chrysaetus) and Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo). It is also important for steppe birds, especially for the
Lesser Kestrel, of which an important colony exists in Mértola village, the only urban colony in
Portugal. Vale do Guadiana harbours one of the most significant populations of the Blackbellied Sandgrouse and three important breeding groups of the Great Bustard (ICNB 2006).
The Guadiana River is also important for migrant passerines that use the river valley has a
migration corridor (ICNB 2006).
Importance of the project area for biodiversity and/or for the conservation of the species
/ habitat types targeted at regional, national and EU level (give quantitative information if
possible):
The presence of pseudo-steppe habitat in the Vale do Guadiana SPA and its vicinity to the
Castro Verde SPA highlights its importance for the conservation of Great Bustard, Little Bustard
and Lesser Kestrel, as it may reduce the negative effects of stochastic phenomena on the
conservation of these birds.
Steppe birds are the most vulnerable group of birds in the Vale do Guadiana SPA, mainly
because of the loss of extensive farming systems. In the last 10 years forestation of farming
areas has been increasing, causing irreversible changes in the steppe birds‟ habitat. The other
major problem is land abandonment, which results in the prompt colonization of grasslands by
scrubs, an unfavourable habitat for steppe birds.
In fact, since 1990, the Lesser Kestrel colony of Mértola (that was until then the larger colony in
the country) has been decreasing mainly due to foraging habitat loss. From the nearly 50
breeding pairs in 2001 (Catry et al. 2002) less than 30 pairs remain (Henriques et al. 2006).
There has never been any agri-environment scheme to promote the conservation of steppe
birds in the Vale do Guadiana SPA by supporting extensive farming practices. Therefore, the
remaining pseudo-steppe areas are highly vulnerable to land use change and consequently the
steppe birds populations may disappear.
The following actions are planned for Vale do Guadiana SPA:
- Grazing management to protect nesting and foraging habitat for target species (C.1);
- Agreements with game‟s associations in order to minimize the disturbance caused by hunting
on steppe birds, mainly on the Great Bustard and the Little Bustard, and to reduce juvenile
mortality (C.2);
- Removing fences for cattle to protect “Lek areas” for the Great Bustard (B.2, C.3);
- Providing technical advisory and support for farmers to apply to funds available under the
Rural Development Programme for agri-environment schemes that promote the cereal steppe
habitat for target species (A.7)
- Public awareness, environmental education and dissemination of results.
These actions will be implemented in the pseudo-steppe area (3,475 ha) of Vale do Guadiana
SPA and are articulated with the Vale do Guadiana Natural Park Management Plan that is being
concluded.
Name of the project area: Mourão/Moura/Barrancos
Surface area (ha): 80,607.79 ha
EU protection status: SPA
X
X NATURA 2000 Code : PTZPE0045
pSCI
NATURA 2000 Code : PTCON0053
Other protection status according to national or regional legislation:
The Mourão/Moura/Barrancos SPA partially overlaps the Moura/Barrancos pSCI (47%).
Main land uses and ownership status of the project area:
The Mourão/Moura/Barrancos SPA is a quite heterogeneous area, characterized by open
agricultural area and holm oak woodlands („montado‟). Permanent pastures and some areas of
vineyards and olive groves also mark the landscape.
Land uses and their rough proportions (adapted from ICNB 2006):
- Farming areas (extensive cereal cultivation): 23%;
- Agro-forestry areas (“montados”, orchards, olive groves): 28%;
- Scrubland and natural pastures: 3%;
- Forests: 3%;
- Wetlands: 1%;
- Others (urban areas, non-cultivated areas, etc.): 1%:
- Unknown (lack of carthography): 41%.
The ownership status of the project area is entirely private.
Scientific description of project area:
Forest areas are highly represented in this area and are dominated by more or less dispersed
holm oak woodlands (“montados”).
The area is characterized by an arid climate and low soil fertility, which lead to the dominance of
extensive cereal cultivation, mainly oat fields.
The presence of water streams and the associated vegetation of the Ardila River sub-basin
enhance habitat diversity.
Concerning biodiversity, the Mourão/Moura/Barrancos SPA is very important for the
conservation of steppe birds and for several bird of prey species, like the Black Vulture
(Aegypius monachus), the Golden Eagle, the Spanish Imperial Eagle and the Bonelli‟s Eagle.
This is the most important wintering area for the Common Crane in Portugal (ICNB, 2006).
This is also one of the priority areas for the conservation of the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) in
Portugal and harbours the second most important area for endangered bat species in the
country.
Importance of the project area for biodiversity and/or for the conservation of the species
/ habitat types targeted at regional, national and EU level (give quantitative information if
possible):
The Mourão/Moura/Barrancos SPA is a very important wintering area for the Great Bustard and
harbours the second largest breeding population of the Little Bustard in Portugal. The Lesser
Kestrel disappeared from this area in recent times, mainly due to the loss of natural breeding
sites but also due to foraging habitat changes. The existence of favourable foraging habitat for
this species highlights the importance of creating conditions for the return of the species, mainly
by breeding habitat improvement.
There are no financial supports for farmers to maintain traditional dryland farming practices in
this area. The proximity from the Alqueva dam makes this area quite vulnerable to changes in
farming practices that can lead to steppe habitat loss and fragmentation: intensification of
farming, increase in permanent cultures (mainly vineyards and olive groves), forestation and
building of infrastructures.
Therefore, it is very important to promote land management measures for protecting the
pseudo-steppe habitat and to conserve and/or reinforce the steppe bird populations in the area.
The actions planned for this area are the following:
- Grazing management to protect nesting and foraging habitat for target species (C.1);
- Agreements with game‟s associations in order to minimize the disturbance caused by hunting
on steppe birds, mainly on the Great Bustard and the Little Bustard, and to reduce juvenile
mortality (C.2);
- Construction of breeding structures for the Lesser Kestrel (B.3, C.5);
- Providing technical advisory and support for farmers to apply to funds available under the
Rural Development Programme for agri-environment schemes that promote the cereal steppe
habitat for target species (A.7)
- Public awareness, environmental education and dissemination of results.
These actions will be implemented in the extensive areas (18,870 ha) of
Mourão/Moura/Barrancos SPA.
The project will target three steppe bird species, all of them listed in Annex I of the EU Birds
Directive:
- Otis tarda *
Conservation Status:
- Global (IUCN, 2004): VU (Vulnerable);
- National (Cabral et al. 2006): EN (Endangered);
- SPEC (BirdLife International 2004): 1 (European species of global conservation concern).
The species is resident in Portugal, although the birds make some dispersive movements along
the year. Therefore there are fluctuations in numbers concerning the season in some areas due
to those movements.
In Portugal the population was estimated in 1150 individuals in 2002 (Pinto et al. 2005) and
80% of the population is concentrated in the Castro Verde SPA, which is the most important
area in the country for this species. The Vale do Guadiana SPA borders the Castro Verde SPA
and is also very important for individuals that use the areas near these borders. The population
of this SPA is estimated in 20 individuals. The Mourão/Moura/Barrancos SPA is important for
the population during winter, and harbours nearly 135 birds. The breeding population is
estimated in nearly 34 birds (Leitão et al. 2005).
- Tetrax tetrax *
Conservation Status:
- Global (IUCN, 2004): NT (Near Threatened);
- National (Cabral et al., 2006): VU (Vulnerable);
- SPEC (BirdLife International, 2004): 1 (European species of global conservation concern).
The species is resident in Portugal, although the birds make some dispersive movements along
the year. Therefore there are fluctuations in bustard numbers in some areas due to those
movements.
The Castro Verde SPA is the most important area for the species during spring, with nearly
6926 individuals. In the Vale do Guadiana SPA the breeding population is estimated in 676
individuals. The Mourão/Moura/Barrancos SPA harbours ca. 1100 individuals during the
breeding season (Leitão, 2005), being also an important area for the wintering period.
- Falco naumanni *
Conservation Status:
- Global (IUCN, 2004): VU (Vulnerable);
- National (Cabral et al., 2006): VU (Vulnerable);
- SPEC (BirdLife International, 2004): 1 (European species of global conservation concern).
The Lesser Kestrel only occurs in Portugal during the breeding season.
The Lesser Kestrel Portuguese population is concentrated in the region of Alentejo, mainly in
the Castro Verde SPA, which harbours 70% of the breeding population. In 2006, the national
population was estimated in 445 breeding pairs, with 330 pairs in the Castro Verde SPA and 27
pairs in the Vale do Guadiana SPA (Henriques et al. 2006).
The breeding population of the Lesser Kestrel disappeared from the Mourão/Moura/Barrancos
SPA in recent times (since the 1990 decade). However, this area has a favourable foraging
habitat for the species and if conservation actions are taken (e.g. increasing the availability of
breeding sites) some pairs may return to the area, due to natural colonization. The limiting
factor for the species to occur nowadays in this SPA seems to be the lack of appropriate
cavities (nesting habitat).
As some conservation problems and threats are common to the three target species of the
Project, the threats listed indicate the species that are concerned as well as the Project areas
where each threat has more impacts.
Threat 1:
Name of the threat: Habitat loss and fragmentation
Species concerned: Great Bustard, Little Bustard and Lesser Kestrel
Description: In Portugal, Great Bustard, Little Bustard and Lesser Kestrel are closely associated
with the extensive dry farmland of Alentejo, where they inhabit pastures, cereal crops, stubbles
and fallows. However, this landscape mosaic of habitats has been decreasing in recent times
due to:
a) Intensification of farming;
b) Afforestation;
c) Plantation of permanent cultures (olive groves, vineyards and orchards);
d) Overgrazing;
e) Land abandonment.
Extensive dry land farming systems that characterize these species habitat are barely profitable
and therefore in some areas (like the Castro Verde SPA) farmers have been receiving financial
support to maintain them (through Agri-Environment Schemes under the Common Agricultural
Policy). If these supports are not competitive when compared with other supports or market
drivers, farmers may decide to change to other production types that are not compatible with the
conservation of the three bird species. For instance, in the Castro Verde SPA, other types of
farming management have been introduced in recent years and current farming changes
include increased livestock densities (reducing the area in cerealfallow rotation), increased
density of fences, afforestation and more recently the purpose to install permanent crops (such
as the olive groves due to recent European supports).
In the Vale do Guadiana SPA there are no supports for farmers to maintain the traditional
farming system and the main trends observed in the last decades are large scale afforestation
and land abandonment.
In the Mourão/Moura/Barrancos SPA the dry land uses typical of the pseudo-steppe areas are
being converted to irrigated crops, and there is an increase of the area occupied by permanent
crops, mainly vineyards and olive groves.
Impacts on targeted species: Great Bustard, Little Bustard and Lesser Kestrel are highly
dependent on the mosaic of cereals, fallows, stubbles and pastures created by the cultivation of
cereals in a rotation scheme with fallows.
Habitat selection by the Great Bustard and the Little Bustard changes throughout the year, in
response to changing patterns of food availability, and the need of specific habitat features for
nesting and courtship displays. Any change in extensive farming systems will have a direct
impact on the populations of these birds. When agriculture is abandoned, the parcels are
quickly occupied by scrubland, which is an unfavourable habitat for these species. Forests and
dense areas of olive groves are also unselected by these birds because they need open areas
to breed and forage. Agriculture intensification simplifies landscape composition and leads to a
decrease in habitat diversity and food availability. Therefore, agriculture intensification is one of
the main causes of the decline and even the extinction of Great Bustard populations in several
areas of its Portuguese distribution (Pinto et al. 2005).
Extensive grazing is very important in helping to maintain fallows in a suitable condition for
these species. However, overgrazing, as a result of increasing livestock densities, and
inappropriate grazing management has effects on vegetation structure and food availability for
the target species, with direct impacts on these bird populations. Higher livestock densities may
also be associated to increased disturbance and nest trampling (e.g. Kollar, 1996), especially in
ground nesting species like the Great Bustard and Little Bustard. It is also linked with an
increase in fence density (also due to the existence of European supports that promote fencing
and to the decrease in shepherds), with negative impacts on birds by collision, habitat
fragmentation, and barriers for Great Bustard and Little Bustard courtship ground areas and
chicks dispersal movements.
This Project aims to contribute for the conservation of these species habitat, through the
promotion of farmer‟s appliances to specific Agri-Environment measures that maintain large
open areas of non-intensive farmland and enhance habitat quality within them. These AgriEnvironment Schemes should include unploughed fallows, set-aside fields, legume crops and
prevent irrigation, afforestation, tree crops and inappropriate stocking densities. For example,
the Castro Verde ITI (former Zonal Plan) does not include set-aside fields. The Project will also
promote the protection and management of the most sensitive breeding areas (land purchase,
removal of fences, passages for birds in fences and protection of fallows).
Threat 2:
Name of the threat: Loss of nest sites
Species concerned: Lesser Kestrel
Description: Lesser Kestrel is a colonial bird species that breeds in cavities in man-made
structures. In Portugal Lesser Kestrel nests mainly in walls and roofs of old farm houses, which
are collapsing and disappearing. In the recent past, Lesser Kestrel was also a common bird
species in some castles and villages and had a wider distribution. The
Mourão/Moura/Barrancos SPA was one of the areas of occurrence of this species, but the lack
of breeding sites acts as limiting factor for the species to re-settle.
Impacts on the species targeted: Trying to revert this threat LPN has implemented in the last
few years several management measures to improve Lesser Kestrel habitat at the Castro Verde
SPA and Vale do Guadiana SPA (nest-boxes, breeding walls, amongst others), that were highly
successful. Through this Poject it will possible to have available appropriate breeding structures
in order for the species to naturally re-colonise the area (taking into account that there Spanish
colonies near de border that might act as a source of potential individuals).
Threat 3:
Name of the threat: Interaction with power lines
Species concerned: Great Bustard, Little Bustard and Lesser Kestrel
Description: Project areas are crossed by a network of power lines of which a considerable part
are not subject to corrective measures to avoid or minimize negative impacts on birds due to
collision and electrocution. In Portugal, pseudo-steppes are one of the habitats where highest
mortality rates in power lines are registered (e.g. Infante et al. 2005). These authors registered
a high number of cases of mortality of endangered species in power lines in the Castro Verde
SPA, namely for Great Bustard and Little Bustard. For Great Bustard, that have poor
manoeuvrability in flight, renders them unable to evade poorly marked power lines and collision
with power lines is in some areas of Spain the prime cause of adult mortality (Alonso et al
1994). For Lesser Kestrel the main impact on the species is electrocution in power poles, which
has a higher impact where there are larger bird concentrations.
Impacts on the species targeted:
Collision with power lines is one of the major causes of mortality of the Great Bustard (as
indicated by the results of the LIFE-Nature Project “Cross-border protection of the Great
Bustard in Austria” - LIFE05 NAT/A/000077). In the Castro Verde SPA, where the main
populations of these species are concentrated, it is very important to reduce mortality by
collision with power lines by marking them with bird flight diverters (BFD). The Project will
implement these measures, and furthermore different types of BFD and other technologies will
be experimented as previous studies have shown that measures already taken to mark power
lines and static cables do not avoid collisions.
Electrocution is also a concern threat to raptors, like the Lesser Kestrel, that often use
powerpoles as perches. In a study related to the evaluation of the impacts of power lines on
birds in Portugal, it was detected a high mortality of Lesser Kestrel individuals in Castro Verde
SPA (16 cases, Infante et al. 2005). Correction of power-poles, strain-poles and terminal poles
is also an objective of this Project in order to mitigate the risk of electrocution.
Threat 4:
Name of the threat: Predation and disturbance
Species concerned: Great Bustard and Little Bustard
Description: Predation on nests of ground-nesting birds is a major cause of reproductive failure.
Eggs and chicks (sometimes adults) of Great and Little Bustard are predated by foxes, corvids
and dogs. Also, the disturbance caused by grazing has effects in the productivity and breeding
success of Great and Little Bustard, not only due to nest trampling but also due to the lack of
quiet areas in display grounds. Great Bustard females are very likely to leave the clutch
following disturbance, especially in the beginning of the breeding period. Disturbance may also
prompt the separation of the non-flying chicks from the female, leaving them more vulnerable to
predation.
Impacts on the species targeted: Disturbance causes stress, desertion of clutches
abandonment, escape flights and the associated risk of injuries (collision with fences and power
lines). At the display sites, disturbance has a negative effect on the social behaviour and usually
alters or aborts copulation. It may also lead to separation of young chicks form their mothers,
leaving them highly vulnerable to predation. The protection of fallows aimed in this project will
contribute to decrease disturbance in the most sensitive areas, namely the display grounds that
often coincide with the nesting sites chosen by the females. Measures for the promotion of
game species will also contribute to minimize predation on Great and Little Bustard and to
encourage Game Reserves to promote measures do decrease hunting disturbance.
Threat 5:
Name of the threat: Fences
Species concerned: Great Bustard and Little Bustard
Description: The density of fences, due to European supports and to the lack of shepherds, has
increased significantly in the three Project areas. Therefore, important breeding areas, such as
the display grounds, have nowadays significant habitat fragmentation issues. Besides habitat
fragmentation, fences are also a cause of death by collision, especially when barbed wire is
used. In the Project areas, most common fences are composed by a square net of varying
height (sheep net), with one or two layers of barbed wire. In a situation of disturbance, this kind
of fences does not allow bird passage and represents a high risk of bird mortality by collision.
Impacts on the species targeted: Fences are an important threat to steppe birds in the Project
areas, mainly to Great Bustard, both by habitat fragmentation and risk of collision. Because
Great Bustards are remarkably terrestrial, especially during courtship, and are reluctant to fly,
fences may lead to the abandonment of display and nesting areas that have good habitat
quality. Furthermore, collision with some kind of fences may deadly injure Great and Little
Bustard individuals. It may also contribute to increase the predation of chicks. The Project aims
to remove fences in some of the display areas and to identify changes in fences that allow the
birds to move upon distinct plots and better visualising them.
Threat 6:
Name of the threat: Climate change
Species concerned: Great Bustard, Little Bustard and Lesser Kestrel
Description: Castro Verde SPA and Vale do Guadiana SPA are considered areas as vulnerable
to Desertification and therefore highly susceptible to climate change impacts.
Droughts are expected to be more frequent in the Project areas, which will have a significant
impact on the conservation status of the Project target species as it will affect annual
productivity and breeding success as well as individual fitness.
Impacts on the species targeted: In years of drought, normal grazing activity has the same
consequences of overgrazing, depleting so much the vegetation cover that bird‟s displays and
nesting are severely affected. The vegetation biomass decrease also has a negative impact on
insects, which are important prey items of Great Bustard, Little Bustard and Lesser Kestrel
chicks. Climate change may have an important impact in the productivity of the target species
and therefore may impact the long term conservation status of the species. This Project
addresses this problem by trying to predict most likely scenarios and proposing emergency
measures to minimize climate change effects.
LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2007 – B2c/6
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT
Objectives established concern directly the three Project target species, addressing the threats
identified and defined to be achievable within the timeframe of the Project
Overall Objective – To contribute for the conservation of Great Bustard, Little Bustard and
Lesser Kestrel populations in their main Portuguese distribution areas, in a long-term
conservation perspective.
Specific Objectives (in decreasing order of importance):
1 - To protect the most important areas for the Great Bustard during the breeding season (lek
areas), reducing the impacts of threats 1, 4 and 5. This implies to ensure large areas of suitable
habitat not fragmented by the presence of fences and providing quiet undisturbed cover for
displays and nesting;
2 - To improve breeding success and productivity of the target species through habitat
management, mitigation of disturbance and treatment and recovery of individuals, to tackle the
impacts of threats 1, 4 and 5;
3 – To encourage and advise farmers to voluntarily apply to agri-environment schemes (under
Rural Development funding) that ensures the long term maintenance of extensive dry land
cereal farming systems of the pseudo-steppes, minimizing the impacts of threat 1;
4 – To minimize the impacts of power lines on target species, reducing the risk of collision
and/or electrocution of individuals of the target species with power lines and thus tackling threat
3;
5 – To promote the re-establishment of the Lesser Kestrel in the Mourão-Moura-Barrancos
SPA, by increasing the availability of nesting sites for Lesser Kestrel and thus reducing the
impacts of threat 2. The re-colonization of this area by Lesser Kestrel will contribute to expand
its distribution area in Portugal, reducing the effects of stochastic phenomena occurrence;
6 – To define mitigation measures for reducing the impact of global climate change on target
species, tackling threat 6;
7 – To promote the participation of farmers, landowners and game managers on the
implementation of management measures for the target species, to tackle threat 1, 3 and 4;
8- To consult and promote the involvement of relevant stakeholders and local communities in
the long-term conservation of the pseudo-steppe ecosystem, in order to reduce the impacts of
habitat loss and fragmentation (threat 1);
9 – To raise awareness and improve the dissemination of information about best practices that
benefit habitat management for target species (concerning all threats identified).
Project title: Recovery, conservation and sustainable management of Tronqueira/Planalto dos
Graminhais SCI priority habitats: 4050 – Endemic macaronesian heaths; 7110 – Active raised bogs;
9360 – Macaronesian laurel forests (Laurus, Ocotea) with active contribution for their sustainable
management and local economy – LAURISSILVA SUSTENTÁVEL
LIFE07 NAT/P/000630
Objectives:
To create a new SCI for the priority habitat types located at the Tronqueira/ Planalto dos Graminhais
area.
To create the first regional native plants nursery producing plants exclusively for conservation
activities in the Azores.
To train and establish a qualified team specialized in controlling alien invasive species and other
conservation measures and to provide training to other entities.
To recover a significant area of endemic Macaronesian heaths, providing correct conditions for its
own dynamic natural reestablishment.
To recovery the only active raised bogs area in São Miguel through the implementation of long-term
habitat management actions that will ensure the good functioning of this ecosystem and also all the
surrounding ecosystems.
To recover a significant area of Macaronesian laurel forest and test the control for new threatening
alien species, especially Gunnera tinctoria, Pittosporum undulatum and Acaciamelanoxylon.
To secure the legal protection of these priority habitat types through the integration of technical
measures and habitat management policies into Master Plan for the Island (São Miguel) Natural
Park.
To secure the continuity and sustainability of the measures through the engagement with the local
and regional administration and the local population.
To contribute to the development of economic sustainable activities at the area promoting livelihoods
and activities that supports the conservation and management of the priority habitats.
Actions and means involved:
The invasion by exotic vegetation is nowadays one of the greatest threats to biodiversity and nature
conservation. Millions of euros are spent every year to eradicate or at least control several exotic
species all over the world, often with few results and resources. This kind of work is very demanding
at the level of human resources and financing. The behaviour of this species demands the utilization
of very efficient techniques and the continuous monitoring of new invasions. This problem is even
bigger in the island, usually with unique habitats and species.
One of the problems at islands with a high degree of invasion by exotic plants (like São Miguel) is
the need to have specific teams qualified to deal with the problem and the availability of native flora
to plant in the spaces left open by the control of exotic species.
Previous projects, in which the very successful results of the LIFE Priolo/Azores bullfinch, showed
that this is possible, and a habitat approach is now possible for some species of alien plants. This
project enables the future management of native habitats and control of alien invasive species by
establishing the basic needs that are lacking in the moment: a nursery dedicated to the production of
native plants for conservation purposes and a team of qualified people that can launch a programme
for alien species control for the management of natural sites. This will also be ensured in a
sustainable way due to the creation of the network of protected areas.
Many efforts made previously resulted in several policy related actions, like management plans and
new regional laws, but it is still difficult to find enough native plants to restore the habitats; as well as
it is difficult to keep workers already with experience in exotic control from previous LIFE project.
The existence of independent funding allocated to the conservation of the area (SPA and SCI) is
crucial to allow the long term sustainability of the area. This may be possible through the promotion
of economic activities that depend of the maintenance of the rich local natural heritage and that
could contribute to the continuity of the conservation efforts after the end of the LIFE project. Also
helping local producers developing products or services that could benefit the conservation of the
area or economically support these efforts (like handcraft, gastronomy, tourism, etc).
Most of the actions deal with persistent habitat management actions, involving the clearance of
exotic invasive plant species and the planting of native species recovering significant areas of three
priority natural habitat types of community interest. Chemical removal methods and techniques will
be tested at the different habitats in order to obtain maximum effectiveness on exotic invasive plant
species eradication with minimum impact on native biota. Planting will be secured through the
establishment of a pioneering nursery providing the annual production of endemic plant species.
This nursery will assure at a long term enough plants for habitat management actions and could also
be at the end of the project another source of income to support those actions. A scientific
committee with experts from Macaronesia will ensure good enforcement and monitoring of every
action.
For supporting the project a series of preparatory actions are included. These include the
designation of the new SCI Tronqueira/ Planalto dos Graminhais, the elaboration and approval of a
recovery and management plan for the priority habitat types within the SCI, the development of a
detailed map with the potential vegetation that can be achieved on each particular area in the SCI, a
viability analysis of the implementation of an Ecosystem Services tax, the establishment of a
network of enterprises and institutions which generate tourism in the SPA and SCI and support the
ongoing management of the conservation actions in the area, and the creation of a local enterprise
network which support the management actions in the SCI by including a trademark on their
products and services.
There will be also more demonstrative actions like the creation of an original Azorean Blueberry
orchard and the entire regimentation restructure of the only active raised bogs area in São Miguel to
restore the water regulation system that affects all the remaining natural habitats downstream. There
will also be demonstration workshops to demonstrate the exotic vegetation control methods.
Raising public, institutional and political awareness on the issue of biological invasions and
presenting the project‟s results will be done through the organization of scientific workshops,
divulgation seminars regarding the valuation of Ecosystem Services and the importance of priority
habitat types, and training actions on eco-tourism and related business opportunities.
The conception of a website, brochures, DVD, among other divulgation material will also be
essential for this purpose.
Expected results (quantified as far as possible):
- New SCI designated to protect the priority habitats of the Pico da Vara/ Serra da Tronqueira/
Planalto dos Graminhais
- Production of the map of potential natural vegetation for the site
- Production and approval of a recovery and management plan (in order to achieve potential
vegetation) for the priority habitat types within the site, including suggestions for the revision of the
sectoral policies and funding for its implementation
- Establishment of a network of enterprises for the promotion of eco-tourism in the SPA/SCI
- Local enterprises supporting the conservation actions in the site through the inclusion of the a
trademark on their tradable goods/services
- Team of specialised fieldworkers able to controlling exotic invasive plant species in all protected
areas of the Azores in the future
- Establishment of a nursery that will ensure the annual production above 25,000 endemic plants
(from the 3rd year of the project onwards)
- Exotic plant species clearance in an area of 2 ha of endemic Macaronesian heaths and provide
conditions for its own dynamic reestablishment
- Restructure and exotic invasive plant species removal on 81 ha of active raised bogs
- Increase in the cleared area of Macaronesian laurel forest in 50 ha, and removal of lately detected
Pittosporum undulatum and Acacia melanoxylon
- Improvement of the available information about the priority habitat types on the pedestrian trails
- Establishment of a demonstrative Azorean Blueberry orchard with 500 individuals
- Increase in the information available to the general public and the local and regional authorities on
the issue of biological invasions and most appropriate eradication methods for the main alien
invasive plant species
- Logo for the project
- Website for the project
- Divulgation panels with information about the project along the SCI
- Supporting material and events about the priority habitat types in the SCI
Name of the project area: .................ZPE Pico da Vara / Ribeira do Guilherme e futuro SIC
Tronqueira/Planalto dos Graminhais.............
Surface area (ha): .....6105,61 ha.(corresponde à .ZPE -.6067,27ha e SIC - 1950,50 ha)
x
EU protection status: SPA
NATURA 2000 Code : ..PTZPE0033.......
SCI NATURA 2000 Code :…...........
Other protection status according to national or regional legislation:
ZPE – Zona de Protecção Especial:
Decreto Legislativo Regional nº 18/2002/A de 16 de Maio, classificada pelo Decreto Regulamentar
Regional nº 14/2004/A de 20 de Maio e alterada pelo Decreto Regulamentar Regional nº 9/2005/A
de 19 de Abril.
A ZPE é gerida pela Secretaria Regional de Ambiente e do Mar da Região Autónoma dos Açores.
IBA – Important Bird Area “Pico da Vara” PT080:
Não tem diploma legal em termos de estatuto de protecção legal e é atribuído pela Birdlife
Internacional.
Bíotopo “Pico da Vara” – C206:
Criado ao abrigo da directiva n.º 85/338/CEE e regulamentada ao nível do Concelho do Nordeste
pelo Decreto Regional Regulamentar n. 19/2003/A de 12 de Abril. A entidade responsável é a
Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Florestas Domínio Público Hídrico:
Legislado pelo Decreto-Lei n.º 468/71 de 5 de Novembro e regulamentado a nível regional pelo
Decreto Regulamentar Regional n.º 19/2003/A de 12 de Abril. A entidade responsável é a
Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e do Mar
Reserva Ecológica Regional Legislado pelo Decreto Regulamentar Regional n.19/2003/A de 12 de
Abril. A entidade responsável é a Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e do Mar
Outros instrumentos de gestão territorial de acordo com o Decreto Legislativo Regional n.º
14/2000/A de 23 de Maio são: o Plano Sectorial da Rede Natura 2000 para a Região Autónoma dos
Açores, o Plano Regional da Água (Decreto Legislativo Regional N.º 109/2003/A de 23 de Abril), o
Plano Regional de Turismo (em discussão), o Plano de Ordenamento de Orla Costeira (aguarda
publicação), o Plano Regional do Ordenamento do Território dos Açores (em discussão), o Plano
Director Municipal do Nordeste (em revisão) e o Plano Director Municipal da Povoação (em
elaboração).
Actualmente, no âmbito deste projecto será designado um novo SIC com a existência de habitats
prioritários. A proposta de um novo SIC tem uma dimensão de 1950,50 ha em que apenas 38,34 ha
(1,96%) se encontram fora da actual ZPE.
Ambas as áreas do futuro SIC e da actual ZPE (PTZPE0033) irão estar inseridas no Parque Natural
da Ilha de São. Miguel que aguarda aprovação pelo Governo Regional dos Açores no decorrer do
ano 2008.
Main land uses and ownership status of the project area:
Dos 6067,27 ha que formam a ZPE 2545,63h são do Perímetro Florestal que é de domínio público,
os restantes 3521,64ha são privados. A área proposta a SIC tem 1950,50 ha. A área que pertence
ao Perímetro Florestal de domínio público da área proposta a SIC são 1269,39 ha (65,08%) e
681,11 ha são privados (64,92%). Os únicos habitats da ZPE que têm uma utilização produtiva são
as áreas de Criptoméria (2679,68ha) e as pastagens (934,78ha).
As áreas propostas a SIC são áreas de floresta natural que foram apuradas segundo o mapa de
vegetação natural da acção A9 do projecto LIFE Priolo. As áreas propostas para intervenção do
projecto estão na sua totalidade inseridas no Perímetro Florestal e são do domínio público, estas
áreas de futura intervenção não têm um uso produtivo. As áreas de Laurissilva invadida e de
Charnecas macaronésicas endémicas que vão ser intervencionadas não têm utilidade produtiva.
Estas áreas nunca foram exploradas ou foram abandonadas, de tal forma que na actualidade se
encontram parcialmente ou totalmente invadidas por vegetação exótica (Cletra Clethra arborea,
Conteira Hedychium gardneranum, Incenso Pittosporum undulatum, Gigante Gunnera tinctoria e
Acácia Acacia melanoxylon nomeadamente). A área de intervenção no Planalto dos Graminhais
(turfeiras altas activas) foi antigamente utilizada como pastagem mas na actualidade não têm
utilidade produtiva devido à pouca viabilidade económica desta actividade nessa área. Estas áreas
encontram-se também sob a ameaça de espécies invasoras
Scientific description of project area:
Os Açores, conjuntamente com as ilhas de Cabo Verde, das Canárias e da Madeira, formam o
sistema biogeográfico da Macaronésia, que é específico pelas suas características insulares
profundamente marcadas pelo ambiente oceânico. Estes 4 arquipélagos possuem uma afinidade
europeia e africana, sendo as características neárticas pouco evidentes. A baixa riqueza específica
da laurissilva açoriana, bem como a baixa percentagem de endemismos de flora e fauna das ilhas,
comparados com aos restantes arquipélagos da Macaronésia, são justificados pelos factores de
isolamento, o efeito da dupla insularidade, a idade geológica e as condições climáticas mais
frescas. Há no entanto, outros factores e mecanismos que são responsáveis pelos processos de
especiação, exemplos são os processos vulcânicos.
A altitude surge como o principal factor condicionador do tipo de flora e vegetação devido à pressão
dos factores climáticos, definindo-se o conceito de andares bioclimáticos e ou andares de
vegetação.
Na área de projecto, inserido na ZPE do Pico da Vara/Ribeira do Guilherme e no futuro SIC
Tronqueira/Planalto do Graminhais apresentam andares bem constituídos em habitas de floresta de
Laurissilva (vegetação endémica), charnecas macaronésicas endémicas e turfeiras activas de
altitude e pequenas manchas de Floresta de Juniperus spp. Todos os habitats descritos são
habitats prioritários classificados pela Directiva Habitats (92/43/CEE).
Estes habitats são constituídos por exemplares animais e vegetais únicos com interesse de
conservação.
1. O Priolo (Pyrrhula murina) designado como “Criticamente em Perigo” pela UICN, prioritário pela
Anexo A-I da Directiva Aves e considerada como espécies de SPEC 1 (espécie ameaçada a nível
global) pela Birdlife International.
2. O Pombo-torcaz (Columba palumbus azorica) que constitui uma prioridade de conservação pela
Directiva Aves, estando incluído no Anexo A-I. O seu estatuto de conservação da UICN ainda não
está bem definido.
3. Para além do Pombo-torcaz existem ainda 8 subespécies endémicas para os Açores e
1 subespécie como endemismo macaronésico.
• Dos mamíferos encontram-se representados por razões antrópicas (roedores, felinos e
mustelídeos), na sua maioria por espécies introduzidas. Ainda no que se refere aos mamíferos
existe uma excepção importante, o Morcego-dos-Açores (Nyctalus azoreum) que está considerada
“Criticamente em Perigo” pela UICN, que foi objecto de estudo, em S. Miguel, de censos e estudo
pelo Instituto da Conservação da Natureza em 2002.
Ao nível dos artrópodes está confirmada a presença de 79 espécies, destacando-se 29
endemismos (37%), dos Açores. Muitos carecem ainda de confirmação, quer na sua identificação,
quer no seu estatuto, 3 géneros e 5 espécies de artrópodes.
Na ZPE Pico da Vara/Ribeira do Guilherme foram inventariadas 141 espécies, incluindo vários
endemismos açorianos e macaronésicos (31 espécies) e um número elevado de espécies
introduzidas (61 espécies). Entre as plantas não vasculares conhece-se um elenco de 29 espécies
onde se diferenciam 6 endemismos açorianos. Mas devido à lacuna de dados existentes pode
existir outras espécies ainda não assinaladas.
Relativamente à Flora nativa e/ou endémica a principal flora vascular é constituída por um elenco
de 14 espécies que se encontram descritas, das quais dez são endemismos. Algumas destas
espécies fazem parte da dieta do Priolo na altura de maior carência alimentar (Vaccinium
cylindraceum, Prunus azorica; Ilex azorica).
Ocorrem no entanto, muitas espécies que se encontram na Lista Vermelha da IUCN, e outras que
não estão protegidas pela Directa Habitats. No entanto, há legislação restritiva, nomeadamente no
âmbito florestal, que desempenham funções importantes na biodiversidade, composição e equilíbrio
ecológico. Algumas destas espécies são o Laurus azorica, a Vaccinium cylindraceum, o Ilex
azorica, a Myrica faya e a Myrsine retusa.
Muitos destes taxa são protegidos e listados na listagem oficial da Secretaria Regional do Ambiente
e do Mar do Governo Regional dos Açores. No Anexo B-II do Decreto-lei n.º 49/2005 de 24 de
Fevereiro (entre as espécies animais e vegetais de importância comunitário cuja conservação exige
a designação de Zonas Especiais de Conservação estão presentes P. azorica, Frangula azorica,
Erica azorica e Picconia azorica. Entre as espécies mencionadas na Convenção de Berna no
Apêndice I e Anexo I encontra-se Juniperus brevifolia. Até ao fim de 2003 eram conhecidos 7
indivíduos de P. lusitanica em toda a ilha mas com o decorrer dos trabalhos de campo do projecto
LIFE Priolo foram já identificados e georreferenciados mais de 420 indivíduos. Frangula azorica e
Picconia azorica também são espécies endémicas ameaçadas tendo-se encontrado subpopulações
desconhecidas na ZPE.
Contudo todos os habitats da área encontram-se ameaçados por invasões biológicas. Estas
invasões biológicas, particularmente por espécies exóticas, são actualmente reconhecidas como
uma das maiores causas de perda de biodiversidade com modificações profundas nos
ecossistemas. O conjunto de plantas introduzidas nos Açores é bastante numeroso. De todos os
1002 taxa de plantas vasculares presentes nos Açores somente 31% são autóctones e/ou
endémicas da região, sendo as restantes introduzidas.
De todas as plantas exóticas invasoras, aquelas que ameaçam os habitats da ZPE/SIC provocando
alterações profundas dos seus ecossistemas são Acacia melanoxylon, Clethra arborea, Hedychium
gardneranum, Gunnera tinctoria e Pittosporum undulatum.
Outras pressões que também degradam a qualidade dos habitats são as actividades humanas. As
restantes áreas que não estão ocupadas por habitats prioritários são florestas de produção de
Criptoméria (Cryptomeria japonica), espécie exótica introduzida em extensas áreas do arquipélago
para fornecimento de madeira. Por outro lado, nas zonas marginais da ZPE/SIC a vegetação nativa
foi cortada para pastos que fornecem alimento à intensa criação de gado bovino decorrente do
incentivo à produção de lacticínios.
Aqui há factores e tendências que é necessário contrariar de forma a preservar estes endemismos
de valor inestimável.
Importance of the project area for biodiversity and/or for the conservation of the species /
habitat types targeted at regional, national and EU level (give quantitative information if
possible):
Os Açores são considerados como uma „ilha‟ da região da Macaronésia. O clima e as condições
atlânticas permitem a criação de características insulares muito profundas e distintas. Embora o
conceito de Macaronésica seja transversal em todo o seu conjunto, os Açores encontram-se no
extremo deste conceito, porque as condições ambientais, de associação fitossociológica é diferente
da de Cabo Verde. Novas teorias surgem relativamente às origens paleobiogeográficas. A teoria
comum relativa à flora subtropical terciária levanta-se, actualmente, a hipótese de uma menor
similaridade global aquela tradicionalmente assumida. Assim, os arquipélagos da região
bioclimática da Macaronésia são distintos nos andares bioclimáticos entre ilhas e na área
biogeográfica continental de origem. Os Açores teriam então como componentes vegetais mais
distintivas a flora paleotemperada hiperhúmida de origem eurosiberiana e atlântica norte-americana
com o domínio territorial característico e grande diversidade fitocenótica dos arrelvados perenes.
Os Açores por apresentar um sistema insular único em que há uma grande distância a qualquer
continente, e os anos de evolução e de especiação presente sem a pressão humana fizeram com
que este apresenta-se os seu mecanismos de especiação – com elevados endemismos regionais.
Segundo Frias Martins (2006)" …os endemismos – resultados pseudo-estáticos do processo
evolutivo – os Açores podem exemplificar os passos que tal processo segue no caminho da
especiação e nisso o arquipélago assume o estatuto de laboratório da evolução".
Em todo o mundo subsistem poucas turfeiras sobreelevadas intactas ou praticamente intocadas. Na
Europa, as raras comunidades próximas destas condições, são as dos Açores, Finlândia e Suécia.
Contudo, de um modo geral, a maior parte das turfeiras dos Açores estão afectadas por algum tipo
de actividade antrópica, impondo-se a tomada de medidas proteccionistas que façam cumprir as
directivas legais para a sua conservação. Assim, a ocorrência deste habitat prioritário na ZPE, num
estado de conservação mal estudado, reveste-se de especial importância e representatividade. O
seu estudo e conhecimento, nomeadamente localização, composição florísitica e estado de
conservação, serão de extrema importância para a tomada de medidas de gestão visando a
preservação da integridade ecológica do espaço protegido. Como principais ameaças identificadas
podem-se destacar as perturbações das margens, por pisoteio e pastoreio de gado, assim como a
destruição no passado, de turfeiras mais jovens para a criação de pastagens (que hoje não são
utilizadas para pastoreio, visto a composição florística não ser adequada e haver uma forte
tendência do micro relevo local para a estrutura de hummocks e hollows). Será pois necessário ter
especial atenção ao facto da conservação integral destas turfeiras, na sua extensão e diversidade
genética, exigir a protecção integrada das áreas marginais, normalmente ecótonos sujeitos a
perturbações, degradados e de baixa qualidade florísitica, que contudo desempenham um papel
fundamental no funcionamento do habitat. As margens, sempre que possível, deverão ser
regeneradas.
As Charnecas Macaronésicas Endémicas são constituídas por vários tipos de formações vegetais
dominadas por Ericaceae, de estatura baixa a média, estrutural e ecologicamente diversas.
Ocorrem formações deste tipo nas ilhas atlânticas das Canárias, Madeira e a Açores. Na ZPE, tal
como acontece no resto do Arquipélago, as "Charnecas Macaronésicas Endémicas" estão
ameaçadas e, nalguns casos, bastante degradadas devido à invasão de espécies exóticas como
Pittosporum undulatum, a Acacia melanoxylon, a Clethra arborea e o Hedychium gardneranum.
Actualmente, em termos regionais é o habitat mais ameaçado, não só pelo avanço das exóticas
invasoras mas também pelas prática de actividades agrosilvícolas, como a pastorícia (de cabras e
vacas), que implicaram o corte de vastas áreas de charnecas e sua transformação em pastagem, a
florestação massiva com espécies florestais (Criptoméria) para produção de madeira.
Nos Açores, as Laurissilvas Macaronésicas, estão representadas por dois tipos de formações: as
florestas laurifólias e as florestas hiper-húmidas. As florestas hiper-húmidas, ocorrem nas altitudes
mais elevadas, e delas restam nalgumas ilhas, algumas formações ainda representativas, embora,
na sua maior parte degradadas. Na Serra da Tronqueira encontra-se uma das última e mais bem
preservadas manchas de laurissilva dos Açores- A estrutura das Laurissilvas açoreanas hiperhúmidas é complexa, frequentemente confundindo-se com a Floresta Macaronésica de Juniperus,
com a qual partilha algumas espécies. Na ZPE subsistem manchas de laurissilva, habitat
preferencial do Priolo, que contudo se encontram ameaçadas e degradadas, sobretudo devido à
invasão de espécies exóticas, em especial a Clethra arborea e o Hedychium gardneranum, e a
transformações espaciais no passado recente, nomeadamente a destruição de vastas áreas para a
instalação de plantações de Criptoméria. Esta área suporta a única população conhecida no mundo
de Priolo, Pyrrhula murina, uma espécie endémica da Ilha de S. Miguel (Açores) reduzida a cerca
de 340 indivíduos e cujo habitat principal é a floresta Laurissilva. O Priolo é uma espécie protegida
(Anexo I da Directiva Aves – 79/409/CEE, adaptada para a lei Portuguesa através do Decreto-Lei
140/99, de 24 de Abril). Esta espécie está incluída em várias listas de animais ameaçados, quer a
nível nacional (Livro Vermelho dos Vertebrados de Portugal), quer a nível internacional (UICN Red
List of Threatened Animals). A Comissão Europeia e a BirdLife International incluíram-na na lista de
espécies “globalmente ameaçadas na Europa”.
Este projecto tem como objectivo a protecção dos habitats naturais existentes na ZPE Pico da
Vara/Ribeira dos Guilherme, que abrange a maior mancha de vegetação natural existente na ilha de
São Miguel e uma das maiores em todo o arquipélago, como modelo de aplicação para toda a
futura Rede Regional de Áreas Protegidas. No caso dos Açores, em consequência da dupla
insularidade, existem endemismos únicos relativamente às restantes zonas da região biogeográfica
aumentando, ainda mais, a importância desta área. A importância destes habitats (classificados
como prioritários pela Directiva Habitats) levou à proposta de designação de um novo Sitio de
Importância Comunitária para esta área.
De acordo com o levantamento do coberto vegetal levado a cabo no decorrer do projecto LIFE
Priolo as áreas de vegetação natural na actual ZPE abrangem uma área de 1719 ha,
correspondendo a 28,3 % da área classificada. Estes habitats encontram-se severamente
ameaçados em todo o arquipélago, sendo que a principal ameaça é a expansão de espécies
vegetais exóticas.
As áreas de intervenção deste projecto foram escolhidas de forma a conseguir travar o processo de
degradação dos principais habitats naturais que se podem encontrar na ZPE do Pico da Vara. Os
três principais habitats que aí se encontram são a Laurissilva Macaronésica, as Charnecas
Macaronésicas endémicas e as Turfeiras altas activas. No interior da floresta Laurissilva podem ser
ainda ser encontradas pequenas bolsas de Florestas Macaronésicas de Juniperus spp. que, devido
à procura da sua madeira no passado, foram quase totalmente exterminadas, podendo somente ser
encontradas em algumas zonas mais elevadas e expostas aos ventos. Podem igualmente ser
encontradas intercaladas com outros habitats, pequenas parcelas de Prados Mesófilos
Macaronésicos. Não foi possível quantificar a área ocupada por estes dois últimos habitats devido
às suas pequenas dimensões e dispersão pelo terreno.
Tabela 1 – Habitats do Anexo I da Directiva Habitats directamente visados pelo Projecto.
Cod. Nome ZPE (%) Futuro SIC (%)
4050 Charnecas Macaronésicas Endémicas * 8,3 25,7
6180 Prados Mesófilos Macaronésicos ** **
7110 Turfeiras altas activas * 0,8 3,2
7120 Turfeiras altas degradadas ainda susceptíveis
de regeneração natural 0,1 0,9
91D0 Turfeiras arborizadas * 0,1 0,6
9360 Laurissilvas macaronésicas * 19,1 59,4
9560 Florestas macaronésicas de Juniperus spp * ** **
* Habitats Prioritários
** Os trabalhos desenvolvidos até ao momento não permitiram quantificar este habitat
As "Charnecas Macaronésicas Endémicas" são constituídas por vários tipos de formações vegetais,
de estatura baixa a média, estrutural e ecologicamente diversas. Estas Charnecas densas, são
dominadas por Erica azorica. Apresentam extensa amplitude ecológica, sendo dotadas de elevada
ubiquidade, povoando desde as costas marítimas às lavas de montanha.
Nalgumas situações, ocorrem formações secundárias de montanha, formadas por matos húmidos
de elevada densidade florística.
No elenco florístico destas charnecas endémicas destacam-se Calluna vulgaris, Erica azorica,
Juniperus brevifolia, Laurus azorica, Lysimachia azorica, Luzula purpureo-splendens, Myrica faya,
Osmunda regalis, Thymus caespititius, Vaccinium cylindraceum e Viburnum tinus ssp. subcordatum.
As “Turfeiras Altas Activas” são habitats predominantemente ombrotróficos, pobres em elementos
minerais nutritivos. O fornecimento de nutrientes é principalmente garantido pelas águas da chuva e
precipitação oculta, sendo o nível das águas superior à toalha freática ambiental. A vegetação é
dominada por comunidades de Sphagnum sp., que garantem a estrutura e crescimento da turfeira.
As turfeiras dos Açores são dominadas por briófitos de Sphagnum sp.. Para as turfeiras dos Açores
estão identificadas as espécies de Sphagnum palustre, S. auriculatum, S. subnitens, S. papillosum,
S. squarrosum, S. cuspidatum, S. lescurii, S. centrale, S. capillifolium e S. compactum.
Para que esta turfeira seja activa, terá de comportar uma área significativa de vegetação produtora
de turfa (ainda que temporariamente interrompida por constrangimentos naturais, como épocas de
seca).
As turfeiras activas representam o estado evolutivo mais maduro das turfeiras ácidas, para o qual
as restantes formações tenderão a evoluir, se as características ambientais assim o permitirem,
estando normalmente associadas a um complexo de zonas húmidas, onde ocorrem outros tipos de
turfeiras, mais jovens e incipientes.
A diversidade florística deste tipo de turfeira, é baixa. Para além das espécies de Sphagnum sp.
(destacando-se S. palustre e S. aroculatum), outros taxa importantes neste tipo de habitat são o
briófito Polytrichum sp., e plantas vasculares como Eleocharis multicaulis (mais comum nas
depressões), Erica azorica e Juniperus brevifolia.
As “Florestas Laurissilvas Macaronésicas” húmidas a hiper-húmidas da zona de nuvens,
dependentes de um grau de humidade atmosférica igual ou superior a 80%. Estas florestas de
laurifólias são características da cintura de nuvens das ilhas Macaronésicas, e extremamente
biodiversas em termos de fauna e flora, incluindo espécies cuja distribuição se restringe a estas
comunidades (Pruno-Lauretalia). Existem géneros endémicos destas comunidades, como é o caso
da Picconia sp., enquanto outros encontram aqui a sua maior expressão. Em cada arquipélago, a
constituição das Laurissilvas difere, sobretudo no que respeita às espécies endémicas que nelas
ocorrem.
Tabela 2 – Espécies do Anexo II da Directiva Habitats directamente visadas pelo projecto
Nome científico Estatuto Taxonómico Estatuto de Conservação (IUCN)
Culcita macrocarpa Espécie Nativa Vulnerável
Trichomanes speciosum Espécie Nativa Ameaçado
Woodwardia radicans Espécie Nativa Baixo Risco, dependente de conservação
Arceuthobium azoricum Espécie Endémica dos Açores Ameaçado
Rumex azoricus Espécie Endémica dos Açores Ameaçado
Erica azorica Espécie Endémica dos Açores Baixo Risco, dependente de conservação
Prunus lusitanica azorica Espécie Endémica dos Açores Criticamente Ameaçado
Frangula azorica Espécie Endémica dos Açores Ameaçado
Picconia azorica Espécie Endémica dos Açores Ameaçado
Ammi trifoliatum Espécie Endémica dos Açores Ameaçado
Juniperus brevifolia Espécie Endémica dos Açores Ameaçado
Serão indirectamente beneficiados pela recuperação da floresta natural várias espécies animais
que ocorrem na área, destacando-se o Priolo Pyrrhula murina, espécie prioritária do anexo I da
Directiva Aves, única ave endémica dos Açores que apenas ocorre nesta área da ilha de S. Miguel
(Açores) e cuja população se encontra reduzida a cerca de 340 indivíduos.
Trata-se do passeriforme mais ameaçado da Europa, estando classificada pela BirdLife
International como uma espécie “globalmente ameaçada de extinção”.
O Pombo-torcaz Columba palumbus azorica, subespécie prioritária do anexo I da Directiva Aves,
será outra das subespécies indirectamente beneficiadas pela recuperação deste habitat, tal como
serão as subespécies endémicas de passeriformes que ocorrem na zona, destacando-se, Regulus
regulus azoricus, Sylvia atricapilla atlantis, Motacilla cinerea patriciae e Turdus merula azorica.
Estes trabalhos de recuperação serão igualmente importantes para as populações de Quirópteros
existentes nesta área, nomeadamente Myotis myotis e Nyctalus azoreum, este último o único
mamífero endémico dos Açores encontrando-se classificado como Raro pelo Livro Vermelho dos
Vertebrados de Portugal (2006).
A maior ameaça a estes habitats é a acentuada expansão de espécies vegetais exóticas por toda a
área. As espécies exóticas de características invasoras são uma das principais ameaças à
biodiversidade a nível mundial. Todos os anos são as várias as espécies de plantas e animais que
enfrentam a ameaça de extinção por efeito de expansão dessas espécies.
Em regiões insulares este problema é agravado dada a limitação de território. Nos Açores este
problema atinge graves proporções, sendo que diversas espécies e habitats estão já em perigo de
desaparecer pelo rápido aumento da área ocupada pelas plantas exóticas. As acções deste
projecto destinam-se a combater directamente esta ameaça ou a procurar formas de suportar este
tipo de acções a longo prazo, algo que se tem verificado complicado dado o elevado custo que
acarretam.
Ameaça 1
Insuficiência do actual plano de gestão da ZPE no que respeita à recuperação de todos os habitats
prioritários e inexistência de classificação da área como Sítio de Importância Comunitária (SIC)
Descrição:
O facto de que os trabalhos de conservação realizados na área ao longo dos últimos anos terem
como objectivo evitar a extinção do Priolo levou a que os esforços fossem sobretudo centrados na
Floresta Laurissilva macaronésica. No entanto, ao longo dos últimos anos foi possível ter melhor
informação e maior sensibilidade relativamente à situação geral da ZPE e dos vários habitats que
nela se podem encontrar. Foi possível avaliar o avanço da acção humana (nomeadamente,
excesso de pastoreio e drenagem) sobre as Turfeiras altas activas da região do Planalto dos
Graminhais, o que poderá levar a curto prazo ao desaparecimento daquela que é a mais importante
área de turfeiras do arquipélago. Este habitat está igualmente ameaçado pela proliferação de
espécies vegetais exóticas altamente invasoras, nomeadamente o Gigante.
As áreas de Charnecas macaronésicas, situadas a menor altitude com uma estreita interligação
com as áreas de Laurissilva, são outro dos habitats prioritários ameaçados pela expansão,
principalmente do Incenso e Conteira. Este habitat composto por diversas espécies e subespécies
de flora endémica (como a Urze, a Faia e a Uva-da-serra) tem sido o principal prejudicado pela
contínua progressão do Incenso, vendo a sua área cada vez mais reduzida ao longo do tempo.
Apesar do sucesso do projecto LIFE para recuperação do habitat do Priolo no controlo de Conteira
e Cletra, a própria floresta de Laurissilva, continua ameaçada quer em outros locais da ZPE, quer
por acção de outras espécies exóticas como o Incenso, que agora atinge altitudes mais elevadas e
que poderá destruir áreas de Laurissilva a curto prazo se não forem desenvolvidas metodologias
para travar a progressão desta espécie e desenvolver um conjunto de medidas integradas para a
salvaguarda destes habitats.
A designação da área de habitats prioritários como um novo SIC e a correspondente elaboração de
um plano de acção específico e integrado para os diferentes tipos de habitat permitir avaliar
precisamente as prioridades e as medidas necessárias, optimizando os trabalhos de conservação
que se irão realizar. O facto de a ZPE e o futuro SIC muito em breve serem integrados no Parque
Natural de Ilha de São Miguel (durante 2008/2009) irá permitir integrar este plano no Plano de
Ordenamento do futuro Parque Natural garantindo o seu cumprimento de forma eficaz.
O actual plano de gestão para a ZPE, desenvolvido no âmbito do LIFE Priolo, foi realizado numa
altura em que a informação sobre os habitats da ZPE não era tão pormenorizada como
actualmente, pelo que a integração desta informação aquando da sua revisão (em 2010) é
essencial. A revisão do Plano de Gestão da ZPE integrando a informação do Plano de Acção para o
SIC e habitats prioritários será uma importante contribuição para o Plano de Ordenamento e para a
gestão do Parque Natural de Ilha de São Miguel, assegurando a conservação do Priolo e da
principal área de habitats prioritários da Ilha de São Miguel.
Ameaça 2
Reduzida capacidade económica que permita assegurar uma gestão sustentável do futuro SIC e da
actual ZPE a longo prazo.
Descrição:
O Governo Regional prevê que o futuro Parque Natural de Ilha de São Miguel se torne efectivo a
partir de 2009/2010. Este parque irá englobar todas as áreas naturais classificadas da ilha
permitindo uma melhor gestão e protecção dos espaços abrangidos. No entanto, actualmente a
gestão da área da ZPE (e do SIC proposto) continua a estar dependente dos meios e
financiamentos das entidades regionais (nomeadamente a Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e do
Mar). Estes meios e fundos, repartidos por todas as ilhas e áreas naturais, são claramente
insuficientes para garantir uma acção eficaz para parar a degradação dos habitats prioritários da
área do Pico da Vara/ Serra da Tronqueira/Graminhais. O Projecto LIFE Priolo veio permitir
colmatar em algumas situações essa lacuna e por outro lado ter uma noção do enorme potencial
existente na área para obter fontes alternativas de apoios para a conservação de espécies e
habitats a longo prazo.
Nomeadamente ao nível do Turismo de Natureza, toda esta região tem um potencial enorme. Este
potencial é comprovado pelas diversas empresas que visitam a área e que têm contactado com o
anterior projecto LIFE Priolo. Este projecto tem recebido vários apoios ou propostas de apoio de
empresas internacionais que visitam esta região regularmente (ex: Archipelago Azores http://www.azoreschoice.com, Island Holidays Plus - http://www.islandholidays.co.uk/, Easy Ryders
Tours - http://www.easyridertours.com/). A nível regional são também já várias as entidades que
têm
colaborado
com
este
Projecto:
GeoFun
http://www.geo-fun.com,
TerraAzul
http://www.terrazulazores.com,
Estalagem
dos
Clérigos,
Associação
Archipels
http://www.sejouracores.com, entre outras.
A longo prazo este tipo de apoios poderá ser um importante acréscimo para o orçamento atribuído
à gestão das áreas protegidas. No entanto, actualmente, as colaborações estabelecidas têm
surgido paralelamente ao actual projecto e à medida que surgem as ocasiões, não existindo
capacidade para organizar uma estrutura de apoio mais sólida a estas empresas. A possibilidade
de agregar a oferta da região (turismo activo, turismo rural, gastronomia, alojamento, guias, etc) e
coordenar os esforços das várias entidades que promovem um turismo sustentável, irá permitir não
só rentabilizar as oportunidades que já existem como disponibilizar uma oferta mais completa e
orientada, procurando novos públicos e atraindo novos investimentos na região.
A promoção de actividades envolvendo o rico património açoriano é sem dúvida um factor decisivo
para um crescimento económico sustentável a médio/longo prazo. Esta é, certamente, uma das
áreas com maior potencial de crescimento nos próximos anos, que permite investir e desenvolver
concelhos mais periféricos e criar emprego em zonas consideradas mais desfavorecidas.
Se para o Turismo de Natureza nos Açores é imprescindível que se conserve (ou recupere) as
características que o valorizam e distinguem no mercado mundial (espécies de flora e fauna únicas,
diversidade de paisagens naturais, grandes áreas livres de cimento e betão, entre outras), para a
Conservação desses valores naturais o Turismo de Natureza poderá ser uma importante fonte de
receitas e de incentivos para a realização de acções que visem a sua concretização.
A ZPE e SIC apresentam valores únicos que constituem uma das principais riquezas da região. No
entanto, para a população em geral, não têm uma utilidade produtiva, o que os diferencia das áreas
de floresta de produção e das pastagens também presentes na região. A conservação dos habitats
de Floresta laurissilva macaronésica, Matos macaronésicos endémicos e Turfeiras altas activas vai
depender da consciencialização da sua importância ao nível político e empresarial. Mas na
actualidade estes habitats são sub explorados. O uso destas áreas tem que ser feito de forma
sustentável, isto é, respeitando um código de boa conduta. O desenvolvimento de uma actividade
económica sustentável vai permitir por um lado conservar e proteger o conjunto, por outro criar
riqueza e emprego nos concelhos abrangentes e, finalmente, consciencializar os poderes políticos
dos benefícios da sua conservação.
O Turismo de Natureza pode ser uma fonte alternativa de financiamento, importante e sustentável.
A nível internacional, é já frequente as empresas dedicadas a este ramo destinarem uma parte dos
custos das suas actividades ao apoio de projectos de conservação da Natureza. Isto é considerado,
geralmente, uma “exigência” dos próprios clientes.
A gestão sustentável da ZPE e SIC terá necessariamente que integrar tanto fontes de
financiamento públicas como privadas.
Localização (se relevante): Centra-se nas actividades em torno da ZPE e no objectivo de
incrementar a sua importância e utilidade produtiva. Terá efeitos a nível local, mas também a nível
regional e nacional.
Impacto sobre habitats/espécies (quantificar): O impacto é elevado a Longo Prazo. Após o
projecto LIFE vai ser dificil implementar outro projecto de conservação que continue com os
trabalhos necessários para a conservação dos habitats prioritários.
Se não se justifica a utilidade socioeconómica da conservação dos habitats do futuro SIC não é
possível receber o apoio institucional necessário, e sem o qual não se poderá garantir a
conservação dos habitats prioritários da ZPE.
Por esta razão o projecto tem como uma das principais acções a integração das empresas
regionais na gestão destas áreas naturais, sejam empresas relacionadas com o turismo de
natureza ou empresas/privados que produzam bens ou serviços de forma sustentável e integrada
(por ex. artesanato).
Ameaça 3
Insuficiência de oferta de plantas nativas para acções de conservação
Descrição:
Actualmente a única entidade produtora de plantas nativas em São Miguel são os Serviços
Florestais de Nordeste (SFN). Em 2004 os viveiros florestais dos SFN tinham aproximadamente
1000 m2 da sua área ocupada com a produção de plantas nativas estando disponíveis cerca de
50.000 plantas das várias espécies (12.358 Erica azorica, 9.463 Vaccinium cylindraceum, 478
Juniperus brevifolia, 1.494 Viburnum subcordatum, 15.678 Ilex azorica, 4.778 Frangula azorica,
2.700 Picconia azorica, 2.808 Prunus azorica). Verificou-se no entanto a partir deste ano uma
diminuição acentuada das plantas em stock disponíveis nos SFN e uma capacidade de produção
apenas suficiente para suprimir a demanda dos trabalhos de plantação do projecto LIFE Priolo.
Neste contexto, no âmbito do projecto LIFE Priolo foi instalada nos SFN uma nova estufa no início
de 2007, com o intuito de aumentar as taxas de sucesso de germinação bem como aumentar o
número de plantas disponíveis e também testar e optimizar os métodos de produção para as
diferentes espécies. Apesar de existir este interesse dos SFN em aumentar a eficiência de
produção de espécies nativas, a procura deste tipo de plantas é uma realidade crescente quer por
entidades públicas quer privadas.
Acrescentando a este cenário o facto dos novos planos de ordenamento das bacias hidrográficas
das Lagoas virem a necessitar de milhares de plantas nativas para as suas acções de
reflorestação, facilmente se conclui que existe presentemente uma produção insuficiente de plantas
nativas face à sua procura actual e futura.
O presente projecto implica a plantação em larga escala das diferentes espécies de vegetação
nativa. Só deste modo se consegue garantir uma recuperação eficaz dos diferentes habitats, uma
vez que as zonas limpas devem ser ocupadas de forma a evitar a sua posterior invasão por
exóticas, facto que geralmente não é assegurado somente pelo processo natural de regeneração.
Localização (se relevante): A procura de plantas nativas ocorre maioritariamente nos concelhos
de Nordeste e Povoação, bem como as acções de recuperação de habitats até agora realizadas em
São Miguel.
Impacto sobre os habitats / espécies (quantificar se possível): Crítico. A produção de plantas
endémicas é fundamental para restaurar habitats muito degradados e/ou aumentar as áreas de
habitats prioritários.
Ameaça 4
Ausência de sensibilidade da população em geral e da administração para a problemática da
degradação dos habitats prioritários e consequente perda de serviços dos ecossistemas.
Descrição:
Os concelhos do Nordeste e a Povoação apresentam uma baixa densidade populacional.
Esta população é eminentemente rural, tendo no passado exercido uma grande pressão sobre os
ecossistemas através do corte de floresta natural, da extensiva plantação de Criptoméria, do
aumento de áreas para pastagens e da plantação de espécies exóticas potencial ou efectivamente
invasoras nestas áreas.
Embora já fossem desenvolvidas acções de sensibilização pelo projecto LIFE Priolo, estas estavam
muito ligadas a um só dos habitats, a Floresta Laurissilva macaronésica, e a sua importância na
conservação do Priolo. Por esta razão é muito importante alertar para a importância dos outros
habitats prioritários existentes no SIC e sobre os Serviços fornecidos às populações por estes
ecossistemas. O desconhecimento da importância e valor destes habitats leva por vezes a
actuações que contribuem ainda mais para a sua degradação.
Apenas com uma correcta divulgação e participação será possível garantir o apoio da população às
medidas de gestão necessárias para conservar estes habitats prioritários durante o projecto e a
longo prazo.
Localização (se relevante): Concelhos do Nordeste e Povoação e resto da ilha de São Miguel.
Impacto sobre os habitats / espécies (quantificar se possível): Médio/Alto
A falta de sensibilização sobre a importância dos habitats naturais existentes no SIC
Tronqueira/Planalto dos Graminhais e os benefícios que estes representam, podem provocar a
resistência da população à implementação de medidas necessárias para a conservação a longo
prazo dos habitats prioritários existentes nesta área. A participação da população é essencial para
garantir a médio/longo prazo a eficácia das medidas de protecção e recuperação.
Ameaça 5
Degradação de habitats prioritários por invasão de espécies exóticas
Descrição:
Os três habitats prioritários representados no SIC Tronqueira/Planalto dos Graminhais (Charnecas
macaronésicas endémicas, Floresta laurissilva macaronésica e Turfeiras altas activas) encontramse actualmente severamente ameaçados e podem a curto prazo ficar inteiramente comprometidos
pela invasão de espécies vegetais exóticas muito agressivas.
As espécies exóticas invasoras foram introduzidas em S. Miguel desde a sua colonização, sendo
ainda utilizadas nas margens de taludes e ribeiras, no embelezamento das bermas das estradas ou
ainda como sebes vivas nos campos agrícolas e pastos. Algumas destas espécies (Hedychium
gardneranum, Clethra arborea, Pittosporum undulatum, Acácia melanoxylon e Gunnera tinctoria)
são muito agressivas e invadiram progressivamente as áreas de habitat natural, conduzindo à
degradação da sua qualidade.
Cada habitat apresenta tipos de invasão específicos que são caracterizados pela presença de uma
espécie invasora dominante ou conjunto de várias destas espécies. A sua presença em elevado
número, a elevada biomassa, os efeitos nefastos que têm na vegetação natural e os processos
contínuos de colonização fazem com que toda a área mereça especial atenção.
As actuais invasoras seguem um gradiente de invasão das cotas mais baixas para as mais altas e
será necessário contrariar estas tendências para preservar habitats em risco.
A Conteira Hedychium gardneranum encontra-se disseminada por toda a ZPE e pelo SIC proposto,
desde as zonas de baixa altitude até às cumeadas, com especial predominância ao longo de
ribeiras. Forma manchas compactas e uniformes muito difíceis de controlar, e a sua disseminação
faz-se por semente no verão, mas mesmo uma pequena parte do rizoma permite o
desenvolvimento de novas plantas. O arrastamento dos rizomas durante o Inverno através das
chuvas abundantes e das enxurradas permite a rápida invasão de novas zonas. A
Cletra Clethra arborea invadiu as zonas de média e alta altitude, formando manchas florestais muito
densas. Invade rapidamente zonas descobertas, tal como zonas de derrocadas, competindo com os
primeiros estádios de sucessão da floresta nativa pela conquista desses terrenos em áreas de
Floresta Laurissilva macaronésica. É uma espécie que rebenta de toiça.
O Incenso Pittosporum undulatum atinge um grande porte e forma manchas florestais densas e
monoespecificas, essencialmente nas zonas de média e baixa altitude comprometendo áreas de
Matos macaronésicos endémicos. O Gigante Gunnera tinctoria surge nas Turfeiras altas activas
bem como a Cletra destruindo composições fitossociológicas mais sensíveis.
Localização (se relevante): Abrange toda a área coberta pelo SIC Tronqueira/Planalto dos
Graminhais.
Impacto sobre os habitats / espécies (quantificar se possível): Médio/Alto
Os habitats de conservação prioritária são manchas fragmentadas na actual ZPE Pico da
Vara/Ribeira do Guilherme. Os Matos macaronésicos endémicos estão em elevado estado de
degradação com predomínio de manchas de Incenso, com densidades superiores a 2.500
árvores/ha e parte do subcoberto coberto por elevada densidade de Conteira. A Floresta Laurissilva
macaronésica apresenta elevados valores de invasão de Cletra e de Conteira, respectivamente
25.000 plantas/ha e 60.000 plantas/ha. O Gigante ainda não atingiu estas proporções mas com
uma capacidade de produção anual de 25.000 sementes/planta, rapidamente se propagará se uma
acção de erradicação não for aprovada, o que levará ao desaparecimento da maior área de
turfeiras dos Açores. Segundo dados apurados pelo projecto LIFE Priolo existem locais de
densidade superior a 500 plantas/ha.
Ameaça 6
Alteração do regime hídrico da ZPE por acção humana (acção: E1, C5, A1)
Descrição:
Toda a área abrangida pela ZPE sofre uma forte influência da densa rede hidrográfica existente,
destacando-se a Ribeira do Guilherme, a Ribeira do Faial da Terra, a Ribeira dos Lagos e a Ribeira
do Purgar pelos seus comprimentos totais e suas redes de escoamento na zona de estudo.
Num passado recente, a maioria destas ribeiras, possuíam regime contínuo e regular. Esta situação
foi alterada nos últimos tempos, como consequência de perturbações de natureza antrópica que
levaram à destruição dos habitats naturais de altitude, entidades de armazenamento e recarga de
cursos de água.
A substituição desta vegetação nativa, nas zonas a montante, por pastagens e plantações de
Criptoméria, tem vindo a comprometer a recarga constante e logo, o carácter permanente das
linhas de água, nomeadamente aquelas mais sensíveis e de menores dimensões que por isso se
tornam mais susceptíveis a fenómenos torrenciais como as cheias.
O que sucede, é que, ao passar de um regime permanente para torrencial, a vegetação hidrófilica
que compõe as comunidades das margens e dos fundos, fica sujeita a épocas de menor
disponibilidade hídrica e eventualmente a períodos e secura que poderão comprometer a sua
sobrevivência. Concomitantemente à degradação da vegetação marginal, desflorestação das áreas
adjacentes, faz diminuir a intersecção dos nevoeiros e a retenção da água no solo, o que permite
que a água precipitada atinja directamente o solo, sendo imediatamente canalizada para os leitos
das ribeiras, causando arrastamento de nutrientes, aumento da erosividade do substrato (fundo e
margens), e um acréscimo rápido do caudal.
Todos estes desequilíbrios, têm provocado alterações nas características físico-químicas do habitat,
e criado condições para a penetração de plantas ruderais e exóticas, como o caso do Hedychium
gardnerarum, a Hydrangea macrophylla e Rubus sp., que tendem a ocupar os nichos ecológicos
dos taxa ripícolas.
Um dos habitats naturais de altitude que funcionam como entidades de armazenamento e recarga
de cursos de água e de aquíferos são as Turfeiras de Altitude cuja capacidade de armazenamento
de água se deve à natureza esponjosa do material orgânico que acumula, a turfa. A capacidade de
retenção de água deste substrato, é muito variável em função do material vegetal de origem
(Sphagnum spp.), gramíneas, florestal, e da localização dentro da turfeira, em termos de perfil da
turfa. Esta variação deve-se quer à velocidade de decomposição da turfa, quer devido à pressão a
que esta está sujeita com a profundidade.
As turfeiras têm um papel importante purificador da água pois retêm na sua estrutura todas as
substâncias que são transportadas nesta (Comunicação da Comissão ao Conselho e ao
Parlamento Europeu, 1994), tais como iões metálicos, patogenes e outras substâncias tóxicas. Isto
faz com que estes componentes possuam concentrações muito baixas na água que é libertada da
turfeira.
De referir que um estudo realizado para o Arquipélago dos Açores revelou que 75% das turfeiras
sofriam com maior ou menor intensidade ameaças de natureza.Esta degradação do habitat
associada à localização geográfica e à configuração topográfica do espaço, que promovem uma
elevada precipitação, por vezes torrencial, propencia a ocorrência de cheias e enxurradas, tendo-se
já registado no passado situações de catástrofe.
Estas ameaças não se resumem ao habitat natural constituindo igualmente uma grave ameaça à
disponibilidade de água e respectiva qualidade para o abastecimento de água das populações dos
concelhos da Povoação e do Nordeste. A água que abastece estes concelhos é proveniente de
captações que se encontram no interior da ZPE ou em áreas adjacentes à mesma.
Localização (se relevante): Abrange toda a área coberta pela ZPE e futuro SIC e áreas adjacentes
sobre influência das linhas de água.
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT
O objectivo global deste projecto é recuperar os habitats prioritários na Ilha de S. Miguel que
actualmente se encontram em elevado estado de degradação com vista ao estabelecimento da sua
vegetação potencial e promover o turismo sustentável na região. Isso será feito de modo a criar as
bases de gestão da nova Rede de Áreas Protegidas com o lançamento de um viveiro e criação de
mão-de-obra especializada. Para atingirmos este objectivo global será necessário atingir os
seguintes objectivos gerais para que a sustentabilidade e as ferramentas de gestão a longo prazo
tenham bases sólidas de trabalho.
A área abrangida por este projecto engloba diversos habitats naturais importantes, sendo que
destes, três estão classificados como prioritários: charnecas macaronésicas endémicas, turfeiras
altas activas e floresta de laurissilva macaronésica. Estes habitats de conservação prioritária estão
actualmente num estado de rápida degradação em toda o Arquipélago, o que põe em grande risco
a riqueza biológica destas áreas, ilustrada pela elevada quantidade de endemismos presentes e
que distinguem os diversos arquipélagos dentro da própria região biogeográfica macaronésica.
A área de habitats naturais nos Açores não é muito extensa e continua sujeita a diversas ameaças.
A expansão das espécies vegetais invasoras é sem dúvida uma ameaça extremamente séria e de
muito difícil resolução. Apesar de existirem outros Sítios de Importância Comunitária neste
arquipélago que englobam alguns ou mesmo todos os três principais habitats referidos, os trabalhos
realizados nesta área, bem como a sua extensão bastante significativa, levou a que, actualmente, a
região da Serra da Tronqueira/Pico da Vara/ Planalto dos Graminhais detenha algumas das mais
bem conservadas áreas destes habitats prioritários em toda a Região. O objectivo de classificação
desta área como SIC vem reforçar o interesse da área, contribuir para a sua conservação, bem
como o reflectir o seu carácter demonstrativo ao nível de uma gestão integrada de habitats e
espécies prioritárias.
Os objectivos específicos do projecto são:
- a designação de um novo SIC para a Ilha de S. Miguel que estará integrado no futuro Parque
Natural da Ilha de S. Miguel;
- elaborar o mapa de vegetação potencial, de modo a definir as prioridades de gestão para a área;
- criação de um viveiro de plantas nativas/endémicas exclusivo para actividades de conservação da
natureza;
- treinar e especializar mão de obra no combate as principais plantas exóticas;
- recuperar uma área de charneca macaronésica endémica como vista ao estabelecimento da sua
vegetação potencial;
- recuperar uma área de turfeiras activas e controlar/regular o seu acesso aos meios de pressão
humana
- recuperar uma área de floresta de laurissilva das principais invasoras ;
- assegurar a protecção legal destes habitats através da integração de um plano de acção no Plano
de Ordenamento do Parque Natural da Ilha de S. Miguel;
- Assegurar a continuidade de medidas de conservação entre entidades públicas e privadas;
- Contribuir para um desenvolvimento turismo sustentável e actividades de turismo de natureza que
tenham em conta a capacidade de suporte do meio.
Project title: Safe Islands for Seabirds / Initiating the restoration of seabird-driven
ecosystems in the Azores
Objectives:
In the long-term, our objective is to increase the number, density and distribution range of the
seabirds in the Azores. Still a seabird breeding area of global significance, the Azores seabird
communities are today a pale reflection of what they once were – millions and millions of
seabirds from many different species breeding throughout the islets and the nine main islands,
a wildlife spectacle unparalleled in Europe. Human colonisation, through direct persecution
and the introduction of alien predators and invasive plants, took it‟s toll: Historical population
trends inferred from 16th and 17th century chronicles indicate dramatic declines in population
levels for most species and contraction of breeding distributions. Today, only the big and
resilient cory‟s shearwater (Calonectris diomedea) breeds on all islands and most islets, while
the other 7 species that form the Azores seabird assemblage are confined to very few
breeding areas, mostly the few islets that remained free from rats, goats and cats. We are
aiming here to demonstrate that a large-scale restoration of former important seabirds sites is
possible, through the use of innovative and pioneering (at least in the EU) methods and
approaches, with the ultimate aim of bring more seabirds back to the Azores. In the shortterm,
this project will aim to restore habitat for seabirds in Corvo, the smallest of the nine
inhabited big islands, and the one that offers the best potential and conditions for seabird
recolonization,
and to establish the basis for the future complete eradication of goats, rats and
feral cats in this island – the largest such project ever to be carried in Europe. This includes
establishing the first predator-free and invasive plant-free optimal seabird breeding habitat
enclave in Corvo, prepare full-scale participatory and multidisciplinary operational plans for the
eradication of invasive mammals in the island, and test, fine-tune, demonstrate and improve
alien mammal and exotic plant eradication techniques thorough carrying out the complete
restoration of one large islet off São Miguel island (Vila Franca do Campo), with similar
problems with those from Corvo. This project will result in immediate gains in terms of seabird
numbers and density both in Corvo and Vila Franca do Campo islet, thus also contributing to
halt the loss of biodiversity in that archipelago.
Actions and means involved:
1) Eradicate introduced rats (Rattus sp.) from the islet of Vila Franca do Campo (São
Miguel Island) and from the Corvo Community Reserve, and demonstrate the
establishment of biosecurity systems to prevent future recolonisations.
2) Remove introduced wild herbivorous mammals from the Corvo Community Reserve
and from the islet of Vila Franca do Campo
3) Remove invasive alien plants, and restore native vegetation on selected sites in
Corvo
4) Encourage seabirds to nest in the newly established rat-free seabird oasis
5) Create a rat and cat-free enclosure in Corvo (“Corvo Community Reserve”) suitable
for breeding seabirds, to demonstrate and research seabird re-colonisation after alien
predators and invasive plants are cleared.
6) Deploy petrel-friendly lighting in Corvo
7) Improve waste-management in Corvo
8) Improve animal-feed hygiene standards in Corvo
9) Develop an Operational Plan for the eradication of feral goats, sheep, rodents and
cats in Corvo (including a bio-security plan)
10) Develop small scale local interpretation centre and trails in Corvo and virtual
(webbased)
information centre for Azores seabirds
Expected results (quantified as far as possible):
Vila Franca do Campo (VFC) islet will be rat-free by the end of the project
VFC islet will have biosecurity systems in place preventing future rat re-colonisation
VFC islet will not have rabbits or feral goats
At least 50% of VFC islet area will be cleaned of Cane Grass and other detrimental plant
invasive species
At least 400 nest boxes and 200 dummy birds placed in VFC islet, as well as on the island
Corvo.
10% of nestboxes placed in VFC islet and in Corvo community reserve occupied by seabirds
by the end of 2012 (40 new seabird pairs)
Rat-free seabird heaven of circa 10-20 ha established in Corvo and managed for seabirds
Map of invasive plants in Corvo produced, and exotic invasive plants controlled in at least
10Ha.
Volunteer groups in Corvo established and trained on invasive species eradication
Information and best practice on rodent eradiation from inhabited islands reviewed, analysed
and made available
Cats in Corvo de-sexed and tagged
Operational plan for the future eradication of feral goats, feral sheep, cats and rats in Corvo
produced, with the participation and contribution of all islanders and stakeholders
Small-scale interpretation center established in Corvo
Visitor trails established in Corvo
Signs, maps, DVDs and brochures about Corvo wildlife produced
Web-based virtual Azores seabird resource produced
At least 500 visitors experience Corvo wildlife tours/year
Project office established in Corvo
Name of the project area:
1) Costa e Caldeirão – Ilha do Corvo
2) Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo- Ilha de São Miguel
Surface area (ha):
1) 792 ha (15,280 m of coast)
2) 7,5 ha
EU protection status:
Ilha do Corvo : SPA, Natura 2000 Code: Costa do Corvo
pSCI, Natura 2000 Code: PTCOR0001 Costa e Caldeirão
Ilhéu de Vila Franca : None
Other protection status according to national or regional legislation:
Corvo:
Biosphere Reserve of Ilha do Corvo
Parque Natural Regional do Corvo (Decreto Legislativo Regional n.º 56/2006/A)
Zona de Reserva Integral de Apanha de Lapas (Direcção Regional das Pescas, 1993, Decreto
Regulamentar Regional n.º 14/93/A, de 31 de Julho)
Proposta de Reserva Ecológica Nacional (Direcção Regional do Ambiente, 1990, Decreto-Lei n.º 93/90
de 19 de Março)
Domínio Público Hídrico (Direcção Regional de Ordenamento do Território e Recursos Hídricos, 1971,
Decreto-Lei n.º 468/71 de 5 de Novembro)
Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo:
Reserva Natural Regional do Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo (Decreto Legislativo Regional n.º 3/83/A,
de 3 de Março, alterado pelo Decreto Legislativo Regional n.º 22/2004/A, de 3 de Junho)
Zona de Reserva Integral de Apanha de Lapas (Direcção Regional das Pescas, 1993, Decreto
Regulamentar Regional n.º 14/93/A, de 31 de Julho)
Proposta de Reserva Ecológica Nacional (Direcção Regional do Ambiente, 1990, Decreto-Lei n.º 93/90
de 19 de Março)
Domínio Público Hídrico (Direcção Regional de Ordenamento do Território e Recursos Hídricos, 1971,
Decreto-Lei n.º 468/71 de 5 de Novembro)
Main land uses and ownership status of the project area:
Corvo:
Most of the Corvo land is agricultural land owned by the local council. This land is called “Baldios” and is
managed through the “Commissão de Baldios”. The remainder land is mostly very steep cliffs and
therefore inaccessible – the realm of the Corvo wild goats. There is some privately-owned land on Corvo,
but this is minor when compared to the “baldio” areas and are not included in the study are in this
Project. Main Land Uses in Corvo are agriculture, cattle (cows, sheep), tourism-recreational, nature
conservation and research.
Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo:
The islet had in the past several owners and diverse land uses – it was once a military fort, served as a
harbor, as an operational base for whale hunting and also to grow some and vineyards.
Today the islet is managed by the Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e do Mar of Azores as a Regional
Nature Reserve. This project will significantly improve it‟s management and biodiversity value.
The islet is mostly used as a recreational resort (beach and protected bay for swimming), during spring
and summer. In peak summer times about 600 people/day visit the islet – a clearly excessive number for
such a small islet with conservation objectives.
Scientific description of project area:
Corvo: The Costa e Caldeirão do Corvo SPA includes most of the island (642 ha in 792 ha), including
virtually all the coastal cliffs and the main volcanic one in the island, which has a lake (Caldeirão do
Corvo). Important seabird colonies still exist in Corvo, including of many species that are classified as
priority by the Annex I of the Birds Directive. Corvo has the biggest number and density of Cory‟s
shearwaters (Calonectris diomedea borealis) breeding in the Azores, but also smaller numbers of little
shearwater (Puffinus assimilis baroli), manx shearwater (Puffinus puffinus), madeiran storm-petrel
(Oceanodroma castro), roseate tern (Sterna dougallii) and common tern (Sterna hirundo). Besides these
seabirds, there is also Azorean wood pigeons breeding on the island (Columba palumbus azorica).
Most of the Corvo SPA is used as grazing land through the Baldios system – private land in virtually
absent inside the SPA.
The main threat to the Corvo SPA is the impact of invasive alien species – both fauna and flora. Native
vegetation has been mostly destroyed by grazing and forestry operations, even though a big number of
endemic plant species still occur in the SPA (50 endemic plant species).
Corvo has only one village, outside the SPA, with 425 inhabitants. Most of the population live off from
cattle raising, and most people have also a small plot of land to cultivate vegetables for own
consumption. Fishing is very limited, with only a handful of fisherman. Employment in the local authority,
in education, and in construction, is also significant. In the last few years a company started to explore
the potential of Corvo for eco-tourism (diving, whalewatching, walking and trekking, birdwatching, etc).
Vila Franca do Campo islet: Small islet on the south coast of São Miguel – Azores, at about 1 km from
the village that gives it the present name (Vila Franca do Campo). The islet is a result of the marine
erosion in a volcanic cone. The islet still preserves the natural flora (Festuca Petraea, Juncus Acutus,
Erica Scoparia Azorica and Myrica Faya) and seabird fauna (Calonectris Diomedea, Sterna Hirundo and
records of occurrence of Pterodroma Feae and Oceanodroma Castro).
The islet doesn‟t have habitants but suffers a great human pressure during the summer due to the
presence of tourists (about 600 people/day – a clearly excessive number for such a small islet with
conservation objectives) that travel there by boat to take advantage of the calm bay and beach. The
creation of the natural reserve aimed to solve several problems of human pressure and overexploitation
of the natural resources.
Importance of the project area for biodiversity and/or for the conservation of the species / habitat
types targeted at regional, national and EU level (give quantitative information if possible):
At the time of their discovery by humans, the Azorean islands were dominated by Procellariiform
seabirds (petrels and shearwaters), to the same extent that many Southern Ocean islands still are:
multispecies
colonies comprising hundreds of thousands of birds of at least six species covered large parts of
the land area (Monteiro et al. 1996).
Nesting Procellariiformes would have been keystone species of terrestrial communities: their deposition
of vast quantities of marine nutrients and energy onto land would have been fundamental drivers of the
terrestrial ecosystem.
The populations of most species of Procellariiform seabirds in Azores have been reduced in the last 500
years, by several orders of magnitude. With the exception of Cory‟s Shearwater Calonectris diomedea,
petrel populations are now small (~ 1-3,000 pairs) and confined to small offshore islets, and a few
remote and inaccessible cliffs. Few petrel species have been entirely lost from the archipelago, but their
ecological functions have now effectively ceased, with profound consequences for native terrestrial
communities.
The population crashes have been caused by the familiar trio of over-harvesting, introduced predators,
and habitat destruction. Current population trends are not well understood, but it is clear that substantial
recovery is not under way, and some populations may be continuing in slow, long-term decline. Human
harvesting has ceased. However, introduced predators – rats Rattus spp, cats Felis catus and mustelids
Mustela spp, are ubiquitous in the main islands, and have reached several of the offshore islets. Habitat
destruction, primarily to make way for agricultural development of the islands, continues through the
spread of invasive alien plants.
Despite these losses, the archipelago remains of critical importance for the conservation of several
Annex 1 petrel species, namely Cory‟s Shearwater, Little Shearwater Puffinus assimilis and Bandrumped
Storm-petrel Oceanodroma castro. It also once held major populations of Annex 1 Bulwer‟s
Petrel Bulweria bulwer and Fea‟s Petrel Pterodroma feae (globally near-threatened), these now occur in
small remnants. The hot-season population of Band-rumped Storm-petrel, shortly to be officially
confirmed as a separate species (Oceanodroma monteiroi, Monteiro‟s Storm-petrel), is apparently
endemic to the Azores, and will qualify as globally threatened when the taxonomic assessment is
confirmed.
Several actions to conserve the remnant populations of petrels in the Azores have been developed in the
last 10 years – mostly seabird monitoring, colony identification and characterization and census. Active
management of sites has been very limited – a small scale experiment that has include habitat
restoration, predator removal and deployment of artificial nests on one small islet in Graciosa has been
largely successful, showing the great potential large-scale management and restoration of seabird
colonies. Furthermore, in other parts of the world where Procellariiformes have been massively depleted,
a number of conservation interventions have been developed and tested successfully in recent years.
Based on these experiences, large-scale restoration of major petrel colonies in the Azores is now
feasible, with consequent benefits for biodiversity and the local economy.
In order to achieve recovery, a greatly increased area of high quality nesting habitat is needed. This can
be achieved in two main ways. Firstly, habitat can be restored on offshore islets, such as the islet of Vila
Franca do Campo, creating an increased number and quality of safe refuges. However, candidate islets
are limited in extent, and can only deliver modest recovery of populations. The next step is to restore
habitat on the main islands. Of the main islands, Corvo is the obvious candidate for restoration activities.
Historical information shows that it was the stronghold for petrel species prior to the population crashes.
Currently it holds most of the species, albeit in very limited numbers. Most importantly, it is small enough
for restoration to be a feasible option.
Corvo and the islets support important populations of numerous endemic species of plants, and
invertebrates that could also benefit from actions developed to recover their original habitats.
Species:
The primary species targets of the project are the breeding seabird community, especially
Procellariiformes, of the Azores. The Azores is a major site in a European context for several
species. In addition to the Annex 1 species listed in Table 1, Puffinus puffinus is an important
target species of the Azorean seabird community. Pterodroma feae is globally near-threatened
(IUCN 2007). The Oceanodroma castro population comprises two distinct taxa – the „hot
season‟ and „cold season‟ groups, which will shortly be separated into separate species. The
“cold seasond” designated as Oceanodroma castro monteroi. The „hot season‟ species, when
formally accepted, will be classified as a globally threatened Azorean endemic, with a global
population of ~250 pairs, at only two known or probable breeding sites (the islets of Praia and
Baixo at Graciosa island, and probably the island of Corvo are such sites).
Table 1. DIRECTLY TARGETED ANNEX I SEABIRD SPECIES OF THE BIRDS DIRECTIVE
Priority SCIENTIFIC NAME POPULATION SIZE
(BREEDING PAIRS)
FOR AZORES
PERCENT EUROPEAN
POPULATION
* Pterodroma feae 0+( former breeder, probably
persists as relict population)
xx
Bulweria bulwerii 30 - 42 0.3-0.6%
Calonectris diomedea borealis 188,000 65-70%
Puffinus assimilis baroli 800-1,500 12-29%
Oceanodroma castro 900-1,250 19-34%
* Sterna dougallii 1,000 53-56%
Sterna hirundo 1,500 – 2,500 0.3-0.9%
An Annex 1 listed landbird species, Columba palumbus azorica, would also benefit from the
restoration of native terrestrial habitat and removal of invasive alien predator which the project
would undertake in Corvo.
Nineteen native plant species listed on Annex II of the habitats directive would also targeted by
the terrestrial habitat restoration measures, in particular removal of invasive alien plants and
herbivorous mammals (rats, goats, sheep) (Table 2). A large proportion of these are Azores
endemic taxa.
Table 2. DIRECTLY TARGETED HABITATS DIRECTIVE ANNEX II SPECIES.
Annex II priority species in bold.
SCIENTIFIC NAME DISTRIBUTION OCCUPIED TARGET SITES
(status at site if known)
Woodwardia radicans Corvo
Culcita macrocarpa Corvo (rare)
Trichomanes speciosum Corvo (rare)
Isoetes azorica Azores endemic Corvo
Ammi trifoliatum Azores endemic Corvo (extirpated)
Sanicula azorica Azores endemic Corvo
Lactuca watsoniana Azores endemic Corvo
Myosotis azorica Azores endemic Corvo (endangered)
Myosotis maritima Azores endemic Corvo (endangered)
Azorina vidalii Azores endemic Corvo (least concern)
Spergularia azorica Azores endemic Corvo (endangered)
Scabiosa nitens Azores endemic Corvo (extirpated)
Erica scoparia ssp. azorica Azores endemic Corvo (vulnerable)
Euphorbia stygiana Azores endemic Corvo (endangered)
Picconia azorica Azores endemic Corvo (extirpated)
Rumex azoricus Azores endemic Corvo (endangered)
Frangula azorica Azores & Madeira endemic Corvo
Euphrasia azorica Azores endemic Corvo (endangered)
Euphrasia grandiflora Azores endemic Corvo
Habitats
A large number of terrestrial habitat types, including four Habitats Directive priority habitats,
would be targeted by the actions in the project. They would increase in area and improve in
condition as a result, in particular of measures to control invasive alien plants and invasive
alien herbivorous mammals. In the long-term, Azorean native terrestrial habitats would benefit
from the restoration of seabird-dominated ecosystems; seabirds and their nutrient inputs were
key drivers of terrestrial habitat processes in the Azores, until their population collapsed.
Table 3. DIRECTLY TARGETED HABITATS (ANNEX I OF THE HABITATS DIRECTIVE)
Priority habitats in bold.
Code Name Distribution etc
1160 Enseadas e baías pouco profundas Corvo, Vila Franca
1170 Recifes Corvo, Vila Franca
1210 Vegetação anual da zona intertidal Topo
1220 Vegetação perene das praias de calhaus rolados Corvo
1250 Falésias com flora endémica das costas macaronésias Corvo, Vila Franca
3130
Águas estagnadas, oligotróficas a mesotróficas, com
vegetação da Littorelletea uniflorae e/ou da IsoëtoNanojuncetea
Corvo
4050 Charnecas macaronésicas endémicas Corvo
5331 Formação de euforbiáceas Corvo
6180 Prados mesófilos macaronésicos Corvo
7110 Turfeiras altas activas Corvo
7130 Turfeiras de cobertura (turfeiras activas) Corvo
8230 Rochas siliciosas com vegetação pioneira da SedoScleranthion ou da Sedo albi-Veronicion dillenii
Corvo
8330 Grutas marinhas submersas ou semi submersas
91D0 Turfeiras arborizadas Corvo
Corvo
Biodiversity issues
The major biodiversity issue which this project addresses is invasive alien species. The spread
of invasive alien predators, grazing mammals and plants has been by far the most important
cause of the collapse of Azorean seabird populations and their associated terrestrial
ecosystems, and is the most significant factor preventing recovery. Current research shows
that invasive alien species is the major cause of biodiversity loss in historic times, is one of the
three major threats to current biodiversity (along with habitat conversion and climate change)
and is the pre-eminent biodiversity issue on islands. Modern developments in invasive species
control, eradication and bio-security mean that it is now possible to reverse the biodiversity
loss caused by invasives on islands.
The second key issue addressed is that of sustainable livelihoods. The Azores is a remote
economically disadvantaged region. However, its unpolluted environment, natural beauty and
wildlife spectacles offer a unique selling point that can be used to develop livelihoods built
around branded nature-friendly niche products and nature tourism. This project, feeding from
previous experiences led by SPEA in Açores and by its partners, will develop this potential in
Corvo Island.
Threats to seabird species
See problem tree for seabird species (below) for a cause and effect model of threats and
limiting factors.
1. The presence of invasive alien rats limits seabird nesting to a very limited area of possibly
sub-optimal habitat and/or causes unsustainable reproductive failure in birds that do
attempt to nest in rat-occupied areas.
Both Rattus rattus and Rattus norvegicus are widespread in the Azores, occupying all the
main islands, and a large number of the offshore islets.
All seabird species listed in Table 1 suffer nest predation from rats where they occur
sympatrically. Smaller petrels, eg Oceanodroma castro, are entirely unable to persist in areas
where rats occur, because rats predate both nesting adults and eggs/chicks. Larger petrels
suffer varying degrees of chronic egg/chick predation by rats. The usual result is that
populations in areas in which rats are present are either extirpated, suffer long-term decline, or
become unsustainable „sinks‟, supported by immigration from predator-free areas. Sterna
populations also frequently suffer intense rat predation of eggs/chicks, resulting in reduced
productivity and in some cases, colony abandonment.
Evidence from other islands shows that in island ecosystems, rats frequently suppress
numbers of native landbirds, through a combination of nest predation and competition for food;
Columba palumbus azorica, having relatively conspicuous and accessible nests, and being a
consumer of seeds and fruits, is likely to suffer both threats.
2. The presence of invasive alien cats limits Procellariiform nesting to a very limited area of
possibly sub-optimal habitat and/or causes unsustainable reproductive failure in birds that
do attempt to nest in cat-occupied areas.
Feral cats are widespread in the Azores, occupying all the main islands, and mustelids are
present on the majority of islands. All seabird species listed in Table 1 suffer predation of both
nesting adults and eggs/chicks from these predators where they occur sympatrically. In
general, seabird populations are unable to persist in areas where there is a feral cat
population, and therefore in the Azores, seabirds are restricted to coastlines that are
inaccessible to cats, and cat-free islets. The exception is Calonectris diomedea, which still
occurs on main island coastlines in the presence of cats, but is likely to suffer considerable,
possibly unsustainable, levels of predation.
Feral cats certainly predate nest attempts of Columba palumbus azorica, and may limit
populations.
3. Areas dominated by invasive alien plants are spreading and are unsuitable as nesting
habitat for Procellariiformes,
Invasive alien plants, in particular Pittosporum undulatum, Arundo donax, Hedychium
gardneranum have come to dominate large areas of coastal cliff and islet habitat in the
Azores. Where these species form dense monospecific stands, it is likely that they physically
exclude larger seabird species from nesting.
4. Feral goats and sheep spread invasive alien plants, and cause soil erosion
Feral grazing ungulates are widespread in coastal areas of the Azores, including Corvo
and several offshore islets. Intense grazing can cause loss of vegetation cover, which
ultimately leads to erosion and landslips. This causes destruction of nests, and loss of
nesting habitat to burrow-nesting Procellariiformes. In addition, in some circumstances,
grazing ungulates, through selective grazing, propagule dispersal and alteration of
competitive interactions, can facilitate the spread of monocultures of invasive alien plants,
which further reduce available nesting habitat for Procellariiformes.
5. There is insufficient knowledge about which plants are preferred by seabirds as ideal
habitat for their breeding grounds.
Problem tree for seabird species
Insufficient economic
incentive for community
management of
biodiversity
Insufficient information
about status of seabirds
& threats, & outcomes of
management actions
Insufficient awareness
among local community of
unique natural heritage
Soil erosion &
landslip frequent in
coastal areas
Conservation
management limited
Invasive alien
ungulates widespread
on main islands &
some islets
Seabird populations have
unfavourable conservation status
Most seabird populations very
small, unable to recover
Reproductive output low
Availability of optimal
nest sites limited
Relatively few pairs
able to breed
Calonectris diomedea
large-bodied, dominant &
remains abundant
Adult survival low
Invasive alien plants
widespread & increasing,
forming dense stands
Lack of adequated habitat
(plants) securing
appropiate soil for breeding
Invasive alien predators
(rats, cats, mustelids)
widespread
Seabirds may be attracted to specific breeding sites according to the vegetation and the
implications that this vegetation has on the nesting conditions. Different plants may provoke
different habitats that would have different impacts on the seabird survival at nest.
Threats to Annex II plant species and Habitats Directive priority habitats
See problem tree for plants and habitats (below) for a cause and effect model of threats and
limiting factors
6. Feral goats and sheep spread invasive alien plants, cause soil erosion and change
vegetation dynamics
7. See threat (4) to seabirds. By selectively grazing some species more than others,
ungulates can change vegetation dynamics of ecosystems, favouring some taxa over
others; on islands, they frequently promote the spread of invasive alien plants, since
native plants have not evolved to be tolerant of grazing.
8. Procellariiform populations are small (except Calonectris diomedea) and confined to
coastal cliffs, so their role as keystone species in the natural terrestrial ecosystems
has effectively ceased.
9. Historically, burrow-nesting Procellariiform seabirds were present in millions of pairs,
nesting widely over the Azorean islands. Because of the vast quantities of marine
nutrients that they imported to the terrestrial ecosystem, and the soil disturbance
caused by burrowing, they were keystone species, driving terrestrial ecosystem
dynamics. The loss of this role must have transformed native vegetation communities.
Generic threats to all biodiversity values
10. Knowledge about status of key biodiversity values, threats, and management options
is limited, thereby limiting conservation interventions.
There is only limited information about the precise location and abundance of, for example,
Procellariiform seabirds in the Azores, and therefore it is difficult to target management
interventions at key locations. There is limited information about the relative, quantitative
importance of different negative factors for nesting Procellariiformes. Information about the
effectiveness of different potential management actions is scarce. Therefore, it is difficult at
present for management to be prioritised and outcomes to be quantitatively predicted.
11. Knowledge among local people of the historic heritage, causes of decline and
potential for restoration of Procellariiform seabirds is insufficient to make them take
pride and ownership of island restoration initiatives.
The Azorean public is not well aware that their islands once supported a world-class seabird
spectacle, nor that there is now potential to begin restoration of this heritage. For this reason,
restoration activities are not supported strongly and actively.
12. Opportunities for local people to benefit economically from the presence of priority
species and habitats are unrealised, therefore there is insufficient incentive for them to
take pride and ownership of island restoration initiatives.
At present relatively few people in the Azores make their livelihoods through marketing the
special nature of the islands (whether through nature-friendly products or nature tourism)
Problem tree for plants and habitats
Most seabird populations
very small relative to
historic numbers
Massive reduction in
seabird nutrient input
& soil disturbance
Invasive alien plants
widespread & increasing,
forming dense stands
Invasive alien
ungulates widespread
on main islands &
some islets
Soil erosion &
landslip frequent in
coastal areas
Conservation
management limited
Insufficient economic
incentive for community
management of
biodiversity
Insufficient information
about status of seabirds
& threats, & outcomes of
management actions
Insufficient awareness
among local community of
unique natural heritage
Modification of natural
ecosystem processes &
community dynamics
Ongoing reduction in area/quality
of native habitats & abundance
of some native species
Priority plant species & habitats have
unfavourable conservation status
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT
The project aim is to demonstrate the potential and prepare the full restoration of habitats for
seabirds in Corvo – the smallest of the large uninhabited islands in the Azores, and the one
that offers the best potential and conditions for seabird re-colonization. This will be done
through the implementation of innovative approaches and methodologies to increase the
number, density and distribution range of seabirds on that island, including predator-free
enclosures, exotic vegetation control, and seabird monitoring and management. A complete
alien mammals operational plan for Corvo will also be produced, in collaboration with and with
full support of all local stakeholders – for this, alien mammal eradication techniques will be
fully applied, tested and demonstrated at Vila Franca do Campo islet, the most heavily
humanized and visited Azores islet, and therefore the closest in context and situation to an
inhabited island.
In short - we are aiming here to demonstrate that a large-scale restoration of former important
seabirds sites is possible, through the use of innovative and pioneering (at least in the EU)
methods and approaches, with the ultimate aim of bring more seabirds back to the Azores.
The Eradication of rats and cats from Corvo would be the largest – and most challenging such project ever to be carried in Europe. This project will achieve and secure the first
essentials steps in that direction.
Specific objectives of the project are:
1) Eradicate introduced rats (Rattus sp.) from the islet of Vila Franca do Campo (VFC)
(São Miguel Island) and from the Corvo Community Reserve, and demonstrate the
establishment of biosecurity systems to prevent future recolonisations.
The islet of VFC and the island of Corvo have got rats (Rattus sp.), which partly explain the
low seabird numbers breeding on them. There is widespread evidence that rats are one of the
main factors limiting seabird distribution and density all over the world. Rats predate eggs and
chicks of burrow-nesting or open nesting seabirds. In this project we will apply aerial and/or
ground broadcasting and bait station eradication methods that will make sure that lethal doses
of rat poison reaches every single individual on VFC islet and the enclosure area in Corvo.
These methodologies have been tried and tested in many parts of the world, and there is
currently broad knowledge and expertise on this matter – one of the project partners (Royal
Society for the protection of Birds) is one of the world leaders in this matter. Further, we have
already concluded a feasibility study for rat eradication on the Azorean islets, that has
suggested they are feasible and suggested a number of methodological adaptations.
2) Remove introduced wild herbivorous mammals from the Corvo Community Reserve
and from the islet of VFC
Several islets and islands in the Azores have introduced wild goats, and rabbits (which are
only absent from Corvo, incidentally). These animals reduce the quality of nesting habitat for
Procellariiformes and of native vegetation communities, through disturbance, trampling,
selective grazing and erosion. During this project we will test and develop eradication methods
for feral goats, and rabbits
3) Remove invasive alien plants, and restore native vegetation on selected sites in
Corvo
The coastal areas of mainland Corvo, the Corvo community reserve and the islet of Vila
Franca all have introduced, invasive plants. Some of these reduce the quality of nesting
habitat for Procellariiformes. Notably the Cane Grass Arundo donax, which dominates many
cliff and cliff-top areas in Corvo and elsewhere in the Azores, is now covering large areas of
surface area otherwise suitable for nesting seabirds. During this project we will produce a map
of invasive plants in Corvo and the VFC islet, and local control of invasive plants will be done
in areas near the main petrel breeding areas and in the Corvo community reserve. Established
control methods will be used (e.g. for hedychium the methods now being used in SPEA‟s
Azores Bullfinch LIFE project), with utmost control for possible erosion problems related with
invasive plant control. We will test and demonstrate for the first time ever Cane Grass control
techniques in the Azores.
4) Encourage seabirds to nest in the newly established rat-free seabird oasis
Once rats are removed from the focus areas, tested methods to attract breeding seabirds will
be used to attract prospecting birds, and therefore accelerate re-colonisation and density
increases. These are a) Use of acoustic lures; b) use of dummy birds; and c) building of nest
boxes, designed to fit specific species. This, and other species, will require the collection of
baseline information on seabirds and other biodiversity in Corvo and the VFC islet.
5) Create a rat and cat-free enclosure in Corvo (“Corvo Community Reserve”) suitable
for breeding seabirds, to demonstrate and research seabird re-colonisation after alien
predators and invasive plants are cleared.
A circa 50 ha area in a suitable part of Corvo will be cleared of rats and invasive plants to
create a seabird heaven on the islands, that will be used to demonstrate to the locals the
benefit, and impacts of rat eradication and invasive plant control, and provide
research opportunities to test methodologies that could be useful for future work in the wider
Azores, and elsewhere. A Predator-proof fenced area will be established, and all predators,
and invasive plants, will be eradicated from within. Acoustic lures, dummy birds and nest
boxes will be built to attract prospecting birds
6) Deploy petrel-friendly lighting in Corvo
Bright white lights attract petrel and shearwaters, particularly young birds leaving the nest.
Many are then killed on roads or when they fly against human infrastructure. Lights in the
village of Corvo will be changed so that they are less attractive to seabirds.
7) Improve waste-management in Corvo
Poor-waste management is one of the root causes of persistent high densities of rats
anywhere. Waste-management in Corvo is rather basic, so this project will look into it and
promote and implement corrective measures that reduce availability of food to rats – and help
increase the quality of life in the island.
8) Improve animal-feed hygiene standards in Corvo
In Corvo and elsewhere the other major source of food to rats are animal rations distributed
inappropriately. This project will also improve the situation in Corvo, by producing best practice
guidelines to all involved – thus again reducing food availability to rats and improving
livelihoods through less waste of expensive animal food.
9) Develop an Operational Plan for the eradication of feral goats, sheep, rodents and
cats in Corvo (including a bio-security plan)
The single most important activity required to restore Corvo as a large-scale Procellariiform
breeding site is rat eradication. Localised recovery is possible using predator-fencing etc, but
large-scale restoration is not possible while rats remain on the island. An initial feasibility study
by an expert consultant who led the world‟s largest rodent eradication (Campbell Island, New
Zealand), noted that rat eradication from Corvo is well within the bounds of previously
successful eradications, in terms of island size, terrain and climate. More problematic and
unusual is the presence of a substantial human population and associated livestock and pets.
Eradicating rats while avoiding harm or major inconvenience to the human population and
livestock would be a major challenge, though according to the expert consultant it is one that
can be overcome, given strong local support. This project will produce a step-by-step plan for
a future rat eradication campaign, with the participation and contribution of all islanders.
Cats are, after rats, the second most important threat to nesting seabirds. Feral cats have
contributed to large scale seabird declines around the world, Corvo also has feral cats, often
released to control the rats. Feral cat eradication from Corvo is possible, as feral cats have
been eradicated in other large islands with human population (one such experiment was led by
the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, which is a partner in this project). This project will
also produce a step-by-step plan for a future feral cat eradication campaign, with the
participation and contribution of all islanders – and will already start it by implementing a
desexing
and tagging programme for all pet cats.
Feral goats are widespread and numerous on Corvo. Their grazing activities are detrimental to
the native vegetation, and can cause erosion problems; erosion is particularly evident on the
steep western slopes of the island. Goats occur in Corvo in the uncultivated areas which are
the main refuge for nesting seabirds Goat eradication has now been successfully executed on
islands many times the size of Corvo, so despite the difficult terrain it is highly probable that
goat eradication is feasible. However, it will be a considerable logistical challenge, requiring
specialist knowledge. Therefore a detailed operational plan needs to be developed in advance,
using consultant expertise.
These plans will include feasible bio-security guidelines, that if strictly adhered, would make
sure that rats (and feral cats) would not re-colonise Corvo after a successful eradication. This
would include the development of systems that a) check that unloaded cargo is rodent-free; b)
increase the probability that arriving vessels are rodent-free (eg departing after dawn, carrying
traps/bait stations); c) early detection and eradication of any arriving rodents (at the harbour or
from shipwrecks or other vessels that arrive close to shore). Roles and responsibilities for
biosecurity
among long-term personnel on Corvo would be determined, and training provided. A
contingency plan for rat detection would also be prepared as part of this project.
10) Develop small scale local interpretation centre and trails in Corvo and virtual
(webbased)
information centre for Azores seabirds
Visitors to Corvo currently have little interpretation and information available to enjoy and learn
more about it‟s wildlife. This project would develop some signs, interpretation boards and
materials to fulfil this role, and establish trails throughout the island, most notably in the Corvo
Community Reserve. A suitable available building, owned by the regional environment agency,
already exists and will be used for this purpose. Further, this project will develop a website
promoting Azores as a prime seabird viewing destination, with links to live webcams, etc.
These activities would contribute to gather local and international support for future rat
eradication operations, as it would provide a link between increased seabirds, tourism and
local development.
11) Establish local office with permanent staff in Corvo
This staff will be responsible for: providing information about (a) potential benefits; (b) potential
risks and costs; (c) state of the art with rodent eradications; promoting a vision of what a ratfree
Corvo would be like (wildlife-rich, improved agricultural productivity, reduced domestic
nuisance, marketable as a clean, green nature island); have open participatory discussions
about how to overcome the obstacles to eradication, encouraging the local people to take
ownership of the problem and the project; estimate current costs of rodent control and rodent
damage for the island of Corvo; promote nature-based tourism, which would greatly benefit
from increased seabird numbers and also the image of a clean green island work out where
and how to show seabirds other than Cory‟s to people (boat trips etc) training for bird guides
and provision of materials; control of invasive plants in localised areas good for nesting
seabird; manage the seabird enclosure (rat and cat-free);develop petrel viewing facilities
(monitored burrows that can be viewed via webcams; develop small scale local interpretation
centre and virtual (web-based) information centre for Azores.