Installation of rodent traps on São Jorge

May 23, 2024

Rodents pose a significant challenge to the conservation actions implemented by the LIFE IP AZORES NATURA project. These animals exhibit invasive behaviour that harms other species, preying on seabird eggs and broods, competing for burrows and contributing to the decline and loss of native plant and invertebrate populations.

Addressing this issue, we have implemented robust rodent control strategies, targeting the species found here, namely the house mouse, black rat, brown rat, and rabbit. We chose to use snap and multi-capture traps because of their proven effectiveness. These traps were placed in Topo Harbour, on the island of São Jorge, since this is where the technicians carrying out conservation work on Topo Islet embark. This action is, therefore, a preventative measure to prevent the transport of rodents to Topo Islet and thus avoid the spread of fauna species with invasive behaviour.

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