Objective
The project intends to carry out research which will allow better management of the Azores ecosystems, thereby bolstering the conservation status of the species and habitats, including those considered as priority under EU legislation.
In the areas where Pyrrhula murina occurs, the aim is to roll back invasion of the natural forest by exotic plants and to expand the surface area occupied by indigenous vegetation, thus creating the preconditions for an increase in the bullfinch population.
As far as the other project subsites are concerned, the existing scientific data will be augmented by further research so that they can be described more accurately; this in turn will act as the basis on which to define management, biotope restoration and conservation plans.
These objectives will be met through the implementation of various practical measures flanked by public awareness and environmental education actions which promote sustainable development.
Following up the results of the 1994 LIFE projects "Inventory of the natural vegetation of the Azores" and "Conservation of the Azores bullfinch", this new project seeks to carry out conservation measures in the principal nature sites on the Azores. These sites are mainly located on forestry land and have been added to the draft list of sites of Community interest which have the potential to be included in the Natura 2000 network. Therefore it is important to lay the foundations for a management compatible with the maintenance of a favorable conservation status for their natural wealth.
With the exception of the marine and coastal habitats, the project covers all habitat types listed in Annex I of the Habitats Directive which occur on the Azores, as well as 80% of the islands' species which have been included in Annex II of this Directive.
On São Miguel Island, the project will target the habitat of the Azores bullfinch, Pyrrhula murina, i.e. the laurel forest. The bullfinch's status of highly endangered, endemic species mean that urgent, direct action in the field is needed to reverse the current destruction of its habitat.
Topic(s)
Data not availableCall for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinator
9500 Ponta Delgada
Portugal