Removal of the alien invasive species Hydrangea macrophylla – Hydrangea, on Lagoa do Caiado, Pico island

April 30, 2024

The LIFE BEETLES project, continuing the renaturalization work of an old pasture in Lagoa do Caiado, is removing a Hydrangea hedge that currently delimits a small line of water runoff in the pasture. Subsequently, native species will be planted, and nature-based solutions will be applied, allowing the soil to stabilize on site.

Hydrangea – Hydrangea macrophylla, despite its ornamental nature, which is very popular in the Azores, is an alien invasive plant that can severely disrupt native habitats, leading to the loss of local biodiversity.

These nature conservation works are part of action C.3 Pilot/Demonstration works to increase the availability of habitat for the species Pseudanchomenus aptinoides – Ground Beetle, a species of beetle endemic to the island of Pico.

Find out more about this project coordinated by the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action at: www.lifebeetlesazores.com/en/.