Installation of artificial nests for seabirds on Graciosa

Oct. 11, 2021

One of the LIFE IP AZORES NATURA’s goals is to contribute to the growth of the population of seabirds, through its action/measure: Restoration of habitat for seabirds on the islets*.

With this intention, the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Change installed artificial nests for the target species Hydrobates castro, Hydrobates monteiroi, Bulweria bulwerii and Puffinus lherminieri, on the Praia and Baixo islets, on Graciosa island, in collaboration with the Regional Directorate for Sea Affairs – DRAM and the Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds – SPEA.

To increase the probability of occupation of these nests, made with clay flowerpots, excrements and feathers were placed around them, and an autonomous sound system will be installed to reproduce the target species' vocalizations during the nidification period.

With this action, it is foreseeable more availability of nidification habitat, the protection of the target species against predators, and the decrease of competition between species and of the consequences of the adverse weather conditions, which will also favour the monitoring process of these birds.

Find out more about this project on www.lifeazoresnatura.eu/en.

*C6.1

With the financial support of the LIFE Programme of the European Union.