Objectif
The aim of this project is to help recover and preserve some areas of laurel forest by eradicating the main invading species which occur within it and along its edges, and also by identifying and studying the impact of rats on the forest and on its natural means of regeneration, in particular on the long-toed pigeon. Some groups of exotic trees growing in the forest will also be removed.
Wherever measures are taken to control introduced species, environmental education is essential. The project will therefore include a number of talks and lectures and the publication of a brochure and a book on the laurel forest.
Ranging from an altitude of 300 to 1300 m, the laurel forest grows in parts of the island where relative humidity and rainfall are highest (usually over 85% and 1700 mm/year, respectively). Its high plant diversity includes several endemic species and its fauna is also of great importance to its ecological balance and conservation, in particular invertebrates and birds like the long-toed pigeon (Columba trocaz), also an endemic species.
The introduction of exotic plant or animal species in insular environments is a classic conservation problem as it often causes situations of ecological imbalance which can lead to the wiping out of indigenous species. One example of this in the laurel forest is Hedichium gardnerianum, an invading plant which is rapidly colonising the lower forest edges. Another is the large population of rats which lives on food resources from the forest (plants, shoots, berries and seeds) but also preys heavily on birds, who are the main vehicle for spreading seeds, and in so doing threaten the natural regeneration of the forest.
Thème(s)
Data not availableAppel à propositions
Data not availableRégime de financement
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinateur
9050 Madeira
Portugal