Important Bird Areas in Europe – Portugal

■ PORTUGAL

RUI RUFINO AND RENATO NEVES

Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax at Campo Maior (IBA 019). (PHOTO: MÁRCIA PINTO)

GENERAL INTRODUCTION dry south-east, and from the mild south-west to the continental extremes of the east and north-east. Most of the IBAs fall within The Portuguese territory comprises a continental area located in the those areas experiencing Mediterranean conditions, and many are south-west corner of mainland Europe, and two archipelagos, the situated along the Spanish border. These are areas of low population, Azores and Madeira, both situated in the Atlantic Ocean. Portugal where the landscape, although shaped by man, is not intensively itself extends over 89,000 km2, and is delimited by the Atlantic to managed. In comparison the large coastal wetlands have been the west and south and by Spain to the east and north. This chapter affected by intense human activity. is concerned with the continental territory; the Atlantic islands are A reassessment of the 36 IBAs identified in 1989 (Grimmett and dealt with in separate chapters (Azores p. 463, Madeira p. 473). Jones 1989) was undertaken for the current review. Six sites were re- Mainland Portugal has 34 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) covering moved from the 1989 list, and five new sites were identified (Table 1). 9,421 km2 or 10.6% of the continental area (Table 1). These are The sites removed were found to be less important for birds than was unevenly distributed in the country, with a larger proportion of sites previously thought. The new sites allow for better coverage of the in the south and east (Map 1). distribution of certain species, as habitat types that were poorly Due to its geographic location, Portugal’s climate is subject to covered by the former list, such as Quercus suber montados, have strong Atlantic and Mediterranean influences. A great variety of now been included. The boundaries of several sites were reviewed. landscapes therefore occur, ranging from the wet north-west to the Four IBAs identified in 1989 were merged to form two new IBAs:

Table 1. Summary of Important Bird Areas in Portugal. 34 IBAs covering 9,421 km2 IBA 1989 code code International name National name Administrative region Area (ha) Criteria (see p. 11) 001 PT001 Minho and Coura estuaries Estuários do Minho e Coura Norte 3,393 C6 002 PT002 Gerês mountains Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês Norte 62,922 B2, C6 003 PT003, Montesinho and Nogueira mountains Serras de Montesinho e Nogueira Norte 108,089 B2, B3, C6 PT004 004 PT006 Sabôr and Maçãs Sabôr e Maçãs Norte 50,748 B2, C6 005 PT006 Upper River Douro and Águeda valleys Douro Internacional e Vale do Águeda Norte, Centro 50,744 B2, C2, C6 006 — Côa valley Vale do Côa Centro 23,727 B2, C6 007 PT010 Ria de Aveiro Ria de Aveiro Centro 52,720 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4, C6 008 — Malcata mountains Serra da Malcata Centro 16,361 C6 009 PT036 Paul do Taipal Paul do Taipal Centro 233 C6 010 PT011 Paul de Arzila Paul de Arzila Centro 482 C6 011 PT012 Paul de Madriz Paul de Madriz Centro 89 C6 012 PT035 Toulões and Idanha-a-Nova Toulões e Idanha-a-Nova Centro 10,920 A1, B2, C1, C6

445 Important Bird Areas in Europe – Portugal

Table 1 ... continued. Summary of Important Bird Areas in Portugal. 34 IBAs covering 9,421 km2 IBA 1989 code code International name National name Administrative region Area (ha) Criteria (see p. 11) 013 PT013 Upper River Tejo Tejo Internacional Centro 26,129 B2, C6 014 PT016 Berlenga and Farilhões islands Berlenga e Farilhões Lisboa e Vale do Tejo 9,560 A4ii, A4iii, B1ii, B2, C2, C4, C6 015 PT014 Paul do Boquilobo Paul do Boquilobo Lisboa e Vale do Tejo 433 A4i, B1i, C2, C3, C6 016 — Cabeção Cabeção Alentejo 20,227 A4iii, B2, C4, C6 017 PT031 Alter do Chão Alter do Chão Alentejo 7,959 A1, A4iii, B2, C1, C4, C6 018 PT029 Monforte plains Planície de Monforte Alentejo 9,426 A1, A4iii, B2, B3, C1, C4, C6 019 — Campo Maior Campo Maior Alentejo 9,355 A1, B1i, B2, C1, C2, C6 020 PT028 Vila Fernando Vila Fernando Alentejo 8,166 A1, B2, C1, C6 021 PT017 Tejo estuary Estuário do Tejo Lisboa e Vale do Tejo 45,071 A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C1, C2, C3, C4, C6 022 — Coast of the Setúbal peninsula Costa da Península de Setúbal Lisboa e Vale do Tejo 22,930 C6 023 PT018 Sado estuary Estuário do Sado Alentejo 24,633 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4, C6 024 PT019 Murta dam Açude da Murta Alentejo 498 A4i, B1i, C2, C3, C6 025 PT033 Évora plains Planície de Évora Alentejo 33,693 A1, B2, C1, C6 026 PT034 Alvito Alvito Alentejo 2,606 A1, B2, C1, C6 027 PT030 Mourão, Moura e Barrancos Mourão, Moura e Barrancos Alentejo 82,667 A1, B1i, B2, B3, C1, C2, C6 028 PT021, Santo André and Sancha lagoons Lagoas de Santo André e Sancha Alentejo Litoral 2,638 A4i, B1i, C3, C6 PT022 029 PT027 Castro Verde plains Castro Verde Alentejo 79,066 A1, B2, B3, C1, C2, C6 030 PT020 River Guadiana Rio Guadiana Alentejo 76,578 A1, B1iii, B2, B3, C1, C2, C6 031 PT023 South-west coast of Portugal Costa Sudoeste Alentejo Litoral, Algarve 74,563 B1iv, B2, C6 032 PT024 Leixão da Gaivota Leixão da Gaivota Algarve 1 C6 033 PT025 Ria Formosa (Faro lagoon) Ria Formosa Algarve 23,296 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C4, C6 034 PT026 Castro Marim Castro Marim Algarve 2,147 A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 Sites identified in the previous inventory of IBAs in Europe (Grimmett and Jones 1989) but no longer considered to be IBAs PT005 Alvão mountain; PT007 Montemuro mountain; PT008 Arada and Freita mountains; PT009 Estrela mountain; PT015 Candeeiros mountain; PT032 Moura–Safara

003 and 028 (Table 1). One IBA identified in 1989 (former site PT006) Map 1. Location, area and criteria category of Important Bird Areas in Portugal. was redrawn and divided into two different sites: 004 and 005.

ORNITHOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE

ATLANTIC Table 1 details the criteria met by each IBA, and Map 1 provides a OCEAN 1 3 summary. Two globally threatened species, Falco naumanni and 2 Otis tarda, and one near-threatened species, Tetrax tetrax, breed 4 in mainland Portugal (Table 2), with over 90% of the national population of Otis tarda occurring within IBAs (Table 4). Coastal 5 wetlands (for example, 007, 021, 023, 033 and 034) and inland 0 75 150 6 wetlands (for example, 015 and 024) hold internationally km 7 important numbers of both breeding and wintering waterbirds (Table 3). One hundred and fifteen species of European conservation 9 8 concern (SPECs) breed regularly in Portugal (Tucker and Heath 10 1994) and 46 SPECs occur outside of the breeding season. Portugal 11 12 holds the only known breeding population of Oceanodroma castro 13 near mainland Europe, located within the Berlenga and Farilhões islands (014). 14 15 SPAIN Lowland plains hold important numbers of breeding steppic 17 species (for example, the SPECs Tetrax tetrax, Burhinus oedicnemus, 18 16 19 Pterocles orientalis and Melanocorypha calandra) and wintering 21 20 Grus grus, and inland cliffs support important numbers of breeding raptors. The national breeding populations of large and colonially nesting raptors (for example, Aquila chrysaetos, Hieraaetus 23 25 fasciatus, Gyps fulvus, Neophron percnopterus and Falco naumanni) 22 24 are largely included within the IBA network (Table 4). The 26 27 following sites are particularly important in this context: 002, 005, Highest category of 28 criteria met by IBA 013 and 030. A (20 IBAs) 29 30 B (7 IBAs) C (7 IBAs) 31 Table 2. Important Bird Areas in Portugal that are important for Area of IBA (ha) 34 species of global conservation concern (meeting criterion A1). 50,748 to 108,089 32 33 22,930 to 50,747 Species IBA code 3,393 to 22,929 Falco naumanni Lesser Kestrel 019, 029, 030 1 to 3,392 Tetrax tetrax Little Bustard 017, 018, 019, 020, 021, 025, 026, 027, 029 Otis tarda Great Bustard 012, 017, 018, 019, 020, 025, 026, 027, 029

446 Important Bird Areas in Europe – Portugal

Overall, the majority of gregarious species such as shearwaters Table 3. Important Bird Areas in Portugal that support important numbers of one or more congregatory species (i.e. meeting and petrels, colonially nesting herons, raptors and waders, and criteria A4 and/or B1). IBAs meeting both criteria A4 and B1 for wintering ducks and waders are well covered by the IBA network the species are shown in bold. IBAs meeting only criterion B1 (Table 3). The network does not adequately cover dispersed species for the species concerned, and not A4, are shown in normal such as Ciconia ciconia, forest raptors (for example, Elanus caeruleus type. For key to ‘Season’, see p. 7. and Circaetus gallicus) and many passerines, for which conservation Species Season IBA code of the wider environment is required. Oceanodroma castro Madeiran Petrel B 014 Phalacrocorax carbo Cormorant W 023 Bubulcus ibis Cattle Egret R 015 HABITATS B 024 Egretta garzetta Little Egret B 015, 024 The Portuguese landscape has been shaped by intense human Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill B 015 activity over a long period of time. A variety of farmland types are W 033 found in the different regions, from the small intensively P 034 farmed fields of the north-west to the vast extensively farmed Phoenicopterus ruber Greater Flamingo W 021, 034 cereal fields of the south. Forests are a significant feature of the Anser anser Greylag Goose W 021 landscape, and are dominated by Pinus and Eucalyptus plantations Anas penelope Wigeon W 033 and managed stands of Quercus suber and Q. ilex, known as Anas crecca Teal W 021 montados. Anas clypeata Shoveler W 021 Netta rufina Red-crested Pochard W 028 Melanitta nigra Common Scoter W 007 Figure 1. Occurrence of habitats at Important Bird Areas in Falco naumanni Lesser Kestrel B 030 Portugal (see Appendix 3 for definitions of habitats). Grus grus Crane W 019, 027 Himantopus himantopus Black-winged Stilt R 033 B 021, 023, 034 Artificial landscape Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet W 007, 021, 023 Wetland Glareola pratincola Collared Pratincole B 021 Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover W 033 Forest and woodland Charadrius alexandrinus Kentish Plover R 033 Scrub W 033 Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover W 007, 021, 033 Rocky areas Calidris alpina Dunlin W 021, 023, 033 Grassland Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit W 021, 023 Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit W 033 Marine areas Tringa totanus Redshank W 021, 033 Introduced/exotic vegetation Arenaria interpres Turnstone W 033 P 033 0 10 2030 4050 60 70 80 90 Sterna albifrons Little Tern B 033 Percentage of IBAs (100% = 34 sites)

Table 4. Species of European conservation concern and species listed on Annex I of the EC Birds Directive with significant breeding populations at IBAs in Portugal (meeting any IBA criteria). Minimum Proportion (%) of Minimum Proportion (%) of national breeding national population national breeding national population population breeding at all IBAs population breeding at all IBAs Species 1 (pairs) 2 in Portugal Species 1 (pairs) 2 in Portugal Calonectris diomedea Cory’s Shearwater 180 100 Tetrax tetrax Little Bustard 10,000 14 Oceanodroma castro Madeiran Petrel 200 100 Otis tarda Great Bustard 500 individuals 1003 Botaurus stellaris Bittern 5 100 Himantopus himantopus Black-winged Stilt 1,000 1003 Ixobrychus minutus Little Bittern 500 50 Burhinus oedicnemus Stone Curlew 1,000 27 Nycticorax nycticorax Night Heron 200 15 Glareola pratincola Collared Pratincole 250 54 Ardeola ralloides Squacco Heron 10 10 Charadrius alexandrinus Kentish Plover 1,000 80 Egretta garzetta Little Egret 1,500 94 Sterna albifrons Little Tern 150 1003 Ardea purpurea Purple Heron 100 1003 Chlidonias hybridus Whiskered Tern 20 1003 Ciconia nigra Black Stork 30 1003 Pterocles orientalis Black-bellied Sandgrouse 100 31 Ciconia ciconia White Stork 1,000 50 Bubo bubo Eagle Owl 100 72 3 Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill 1 100 Coracias garrulus Roller 100 42 Elanus caeruleus Black-winged Kite 100 36 Melanocorypha calandra Calandra Lark 10,000 2 Milvus migrans Black Kite 400 8 Calandrella brachydactyla Short-toed Lark 100,000 —4 3 Neophron percnopterus Egyptian Vulture 30 100 Anthus campestris Tawny Pipit 1,000 —4 3 Gyps fulvus Griffon Vulture 100 100 Oenanthe leucura Black Wheatear 100 —4 Aegypius monachus Cinereous Vulture 1 100 Lanius collurio Red-backed Shrike 100 1003 Circaetus gallicus Short-toed Eagle 100 34 Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Chough 100 60 Circus aeruginosus Marsh Harrier 25 1003 Emberiza hortulana Ortolan Bunting 1,000 —4 Circus cyaneus Hen Harrier 1 1003 Circus pygargus Montagu’s Harrier 900 22 1. Only those species of European conservation concern (see Box 1, p. 12) that meet IBA criteria in Portugal are listed, together with those species listed on Annex I of the EC Birds Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle 20 1003 Directive that fulfil criterion C6 in IBAs in Portugal. Hieraaetus pennatus Booted Eagle 100 72 2. Data are taken from the BirdLife/EBCC European Bird Database 1998 (Heath and Borggreve 2000). 3. The percentage of the national population in IBAs exceeds 100%. Usually this is because Hieraaetus fasciatus Bonnelli’s Eagle 83 30 the national population estimate has not been updated recently whilst the IBA population Falco naumanni Lesser Kestrel 150 63 estimate has been recently updated with new data as a result of comprehensive surveys of Falco peregrinus Peregrine 25 1003 IBAs themselves. Also, the individual site count for a species may be the maximum or average over recent years, and summing these may record more birds than are present Porzana pusilla Baillon’s Crake 10 100 nationally in any single year. Porphyrio porphyrio Purple Gallinule 5 1003 4. No population data available for Portuguese IBAs.

447 Important Bird Areas in Europe – Portugal

Figure 2. Occurrence of land-uses at Important Bird Areas in Agricultural intensification is the most significant threat to Portugal (see Appendix 3 for definitions of land-uses). many bird species, and affects 50% of IBAs (Figure 3). It is a particular problem for species dependent on non-intensive farming systems (for example Otis tarda and Pterocles orientalis), and for Agriculture farmland species in areas that have undergone intensification and Forestry are now seeing further measures being taken to increase productivity. Tourism/recreation The construction of large reservoirs threatens 38% of IBAs, Nature conservation/research particularly those in the north-east of the country. Some of these projects will lead to the flooding of a significant proportion of the Hunting breeding habitat of several cliff-nesting raptors, leaving these species Fisheries/aquaculture with few alternative breeding sites in the country. Other threats of note are the effects of dredging and canalization Water management on estuarine sediment balances and erosion events (21% of IBAs); Urban/industrial/transport the replacement of native forest with Eucalyptus plantations (24% of IBAs); and the abandonment of land (26% of IBAs) which, at Not utilized least in the first years of succession, can result in monospecific scrub Military stands and a consequent reduction in bird-species diversity and density. 01020304050 60 70 80 90 Over the last 20 years Portugal has undergone a process of Percentage of IBAs (100% = 34 sites) modernization, which is still ongoing. Further agricultural intensification is therefore expected, as are new infrastructure Whilst habitats within Portuguese IBAs reflect the dominance projects, such as roads, reservoirs and urban developments. of farmland and forest (Figure 1), wetlands and scrub are also strongly represented (71% and 47% of IBAs respectively). This is because many Portuguese wetlands hold nationally and PROTECTION STATUS internationally important numbers of waterbirds and because, in remote areas of the country, farming has been abandoned and the Table 5 and Figures 4 and 5 summarize the national and inter- fallows have given way to scrub. A number of habitat-types occur national protection status of Portuguese IBAs. more frequently within IBAs as compared to the country as a whole, as they support important bird populations. Rocky areas are present ■ National protection in 32% of IBAs, and are the stronghold of several species of raptor Most of the land in Portuguese protected areas is privately owned. (for example, vultures and eagles) and other cliff-nesting species A small proportion either belongs to the managing authority, (for example, Ciconia nigra). The southern farmland areas, also Instituto da Conservação da Natureza (ICN), or is in the public more frequent in the IBA network than the national average, hold domain (river, estuarine and coastal waters). There are three main important numbers of steppic species. site-protection designations in Portugal:

1. National Park IMPACTS ON IBAs – LAND-USE AND THREATS These cover habitats and ecosystems of national importance, which are essentially unaffected by human activities and are representative As already mentioned, the vast majority of Portugal’s land area is of characteristic natural regions. This designation allows for the covered by either farmland or forest, or a combination of both as in implementation of management actions for the maintenance of the the montados. Land-use in IBAs reflects this fact (Figure 2). In coastal integrity of habitats and ecosystems. areas tourism/recreation and fisheries/aquaculture are particularly important (50% and 44% of IBAs respectively). As the majority of 2. Nature Reserve Portuguese protected areas are included within the IBA network, These are designed for the protection of fauna and flora and their nature conservation/research is also a major land-use (50% of IBAs). habitats. This classification allows for the implementation of

Figure 3. Threats at Important Bird Areas in Portugal (see Appendix 3 for definitions of threat types and impact categories).

Disturbance to birds Agricultural intensification/expansion Recreation/tourism Infrastructure Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage Industrialization/urbanization Aquaculture/fisheries Abandonment/reduction of land management Afforestation Dredging/canalization Consequences of animal/plant introductions Natural events Firewood collection Burning of vegetation Unsustainable exploitation Groundwater abstraction High impact Other Extraction industry Medium to low impact Drainage Unknown impact Deforestation (commercial) Selective logging/cutting Intensified forest management 010 20 3040 50 60 70 Percentage of IBAs (100% = 34 sites)

448 Important Bird Areas in Europe – Portugal

Figure 4. The national protection status of Important Bird Areas Figure 5. The international protection status of Important Bird in Portugal. Areas in Portugal.

High None 5 IBAs (15%) 19 IBAs (56%) None High 7 IBAs (21%) 16 IBAs (47%)

% of area of % of area of individual individual IBA overlaps IBA overlaps with national Partial with international protected areas: 9 IBAs (26%) protected areas: High >90% High >90% Partial 10–90% Partial 10–90% Partial Low <10% Low <10% 11 IBAs (32%) Low None 1 IBA (3%) None

Total area of overlap between IBA network in Portugal and national protected-area Total area of overlap between IBA network in Portugal and international protected-area system (see Table 5 for categories) = 4,036 km2 (43% of total IBA area). system (see Table 5 for categories) = 3,751–3,780 km2 (40% of total IBA area).

Table 5. Protection status of Important Bird Areas in Portugal. Box 1. International legislation Global A tick (✔) indicates that an IBA overlaps with a protected area and initiatives that are Biodiversity Convention ✔ (to any extent). relevant to site conservation in Ramsar Convention ✔ Portugal (see Appendix 1 for a ✔ National International Bonn Convention general description of these World Heritage Convention ✔ agreements). MAB Programme ✔ IBA International Pan-European code name National Park Nature Reserve Natural Park Ramsar Site Biosphere Reserve Special Protection Area Bern Convention ✔ 001 Minho and Coura estuaries ✔ Regional ✔✔ 002 Gerês mountains EC Birds Directive ✔ 003 Montesinho and Nogueira mountains ✔✔ EC Habitats Directive ✔ 004 Sabôr and Maçãs ✔ ✔ Convention ratified/initiative supported ✔ 005 Upper River Douro and Águeda valleys ✔✔ ( ) Convention signed 006 Côa valley ✔ 007 Ria de Aveiro ✔✔designation allows for the implementation of management actions 008 Malcata mountains ✔✔for the maintenance and enhancement of landscape features. 009 Paul do Taipal ✔ 010 Paul de Arzila ✔✔✔Fifteen out of the 34 IBAs overlap, either wholly or partly, with 011 Paul de Madriz ✔✔one or more national protected areas that confer legal protection (Table 5, Figure 4). Most of the sites that remain outside of the 012 Toulões and Idanha-a-Nova ✔ national protected-area network are located in the southern 013 Upper River Tejo lowlands, and hold important populations of steppic species. ✔✔ 014 Berlenga and Farilhões islands All of the IBAs face threats, regardless of their protection status. 015 Paul do Boquilobo ✔✔✔✔This is because the majority of protected land is privately owned, 016 Cabeção making management and implementation of restrictions difficult. 017 Alter do Chão Several state authorities have jurisdiction over protected areas, and 018 Monforte plains decision-making power is therefore contested. 019 Campo Maior ✔ ■ 020 Vila Fernando International protection Box 1 shows the relevant international conventions and 021 Tejo estuary ✔✔✔ ✔✔ ✔ directives ratified by Portugal. A total of 27 IBAs have been wholly 022 Coast of the Setúbal peninsula or partly designated as Special Protection Areas (SPAs) under the ✔✔✔ 023 Sado estuary EC Birds Directive. Nine IBAs overlap with Ramsar Sites, and 024 Murta dam ✔✔Paul do Boquilobo (015) was declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1981 025 Évora plains (Table 5). 026 Alvito 027 Mourão, Moura e Barrancos ✔ 028 Santo André and Sancha lagoons ✔ CONSERVATION 029 Castro Verde plains ✔ A good knowledge of the distribution and numbers of SPECs 030 River Guadiana ✔✔• ✔✔aided the delimitation of the Portuguese IBAs. During the last 031 South-west coast of Portugal 20 years a great deal of information concerning these species ✔ 032 Leixão da Gaivota has been collected by ICN (or its predecessors: SEA-CEMPA 033 Ria Formosa (Faro lagoon) ✔✔ ✔ and SNPRCN-CEMPA). Regular monitoring schemes were set 034 Castro Marim ✔✔✔up for wintering waterbirds in cooperation with the International Total number of IBAs 1 8 6 9 1 27 Waterfowl and Wetlands Research Bureau (now Wetlands International). Special surveys of more threatened species were management actions for the maintenance of habitat conditions also conducted, in order to gather information on distributions necessary for species to survive. and population sizes. • Some of the sites that are part of the national network of 3. Natural Park protected areas already have a management plan. Those that These include natural, semi-natural and man-made landscapes of are designated as SPAs will have a management plan as a national importance, and provide examples of sustainable use. This consequence of the designation.

449 Important Bird Areas in Europe – Portugal

ANALYTICAL METHODS maquis dense, mostly evergreen shrub community 1–3 m high, characteristic of the Mediterranean region. • The majority of the wildfowl, wader and seaduck counts are montado open, wooded pastoral habitat, dominated by evergreen accurate and are averages of data collected over the period 1993– oak Quercus, similar to dehesa in Spain. Growth of scrub is controlled 1997. Wildfowl and wader counts began on a regular basis in 1977, and pasture is maintained by extensive rotational cultivation and/or whilst seaduck counts were initiated in 1991. grazing. • Information on migrating raptors comes from irregular counts SEA-CEMPA Serviço de Estudos do Ambiente—Centro de Estudos de organized by ICN and the Portuguese Society for the Study of Migrações e Protecção de Aves. Birds (SPEA), which have produced a large quantity of data on SNPRCN-CEMPA Serviço Nacional de Parques, Reservas e Conservação migration at Cape São Vicente. da Natureza—Centre de Estudos de Migrações e Protecção de Aves. • Breeding data for colonially nesting herons, storks, waders, cliff- SPA Special Protection Area (designated under Article 4 of the EC Birds nesting raptors and seabirds have come mostly from specially Directive). designed surveys. Data for forest raptors are from surveys conducted at the IBAs. • For some of the remaining species, namely passerines with restricted ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS distributions, data were collected either for the first national breeding bird atlas, regional atlases or during impromptu surveys. The present inventory was prepared by a group of people working at ICN, • Data on threats and land-uses were derived from information including Luis Costa, Vitor Encarnação, João Carlos Farinha, José Pedro available in 1997. Granadeiro, Renato Neves, Márcia Pinto, Miguel Pimenta, Gonçalo Rosa, Rui Rufino, Luis Silva and António Teixeira, as well as P. X. Catry, P. C. Dias, Nuno Onofre and Luis Palma. Data were compiled by L. Costa, R. GLOSSARY Neves and R. Rufino. The compilation work were funded by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (BirdLife International Partner in the ICN Instituto da Conservação da Natureza. United Kingdom).

■ SITE ACCOUNTS

Minho and Coura estuaries C6 001 Gerês mountains B2, C6 002 Admin region Norte Admin region Norte Coordinates 41°55’N 8°47’W Coordinates 41°52’N 8°08’W Altitude 0–50 m Area 3,393 ha Altitude 500–1,545 m Area 62,922 ha

■ Site description ■ Site description The medium-sized estuary of a major river (Minho) and its tributary A very large site in the north-west of Portugal, covering several (Coura), including non-estuarine areas upstream, in the north-west mountain ranges (Soajo, Peneda, Amarela and Gerês). Each range corner of Portugal (the Minho demarcates the border with Spain here). has a different exposure to the Atlantic climatic influence and therefore Habitats include saltmarshes, sand- and mudflats, extensive reedbeds there is a wide variety of habitat-types. and alluvial forest. Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest; mixed forest; broadleaved Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest; mixed forest; alluvial/very wet evergreen forest; treeline ecotone), Scrub (scrub; heathland), Grassland (alpine/ forest), Scrub (scrub), Grassland (humid grassland), Wetland (tidal river/enclosed tidal water; subalpine/boreal grassland; humid grassland), Wetland (standing fresh water; river/ mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; sand-dunes/sand beach; standing fresh water; river/stream; water- stream; raised bog), Rocky areas (scree/boulders; inland cliff), Artificial landscape fringe vegetation), Marine areas (sea inlet/coastal features), Artificial landscape (arable land) (arable land; forestry plantation) Land-use Agriculture, Fisheries/aquaculture, Forestry, Hunting, Tourism/recreation, Land-use Agriculture, Fisheries/aquaculture, Forestry, Nature conservation/research, Urban/industrial/transport Tourism/recreation

■ Birds ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Circus aeruginosus Marsh Harrier R 1996 4 10 A C6 Circus cyaneus Hen Harrier B — 3 4 A B2, C6 Circus pygargus Montagu’s Harrier B — 20 25 A C6 The IBA is internationally important for one species of raptor, and is Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle B — 3 4 A B2, C6 also nationally notable for its wintering waterfowl and for some Falco peregrinus Peregrine B — 10 15 A B2, C6 breeding passerines of very wet forest or reedbeds, e.g. Locustella Bubo bubo Eagle Owl B — 10 — B B2, C6 luscinioides. Lanius collurio Red-backed Shrike B — 600 800 A B2, C6 Emberiza hortulana Ortolan Bunting B — Frequent — C6 ■ Protection status The area supports important numbers of breeding raptors, and is the National None International High main Portuguese stronghold for Lanius collurio and Emberiza 3,393 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Estuários do hortulana. Several birds are at their south-western limit in Europe, Minho e Coura, 3,393 ha). including L. collurio and Saxicola rubetra. The avifauna is rich, with more than 120 breeding species. ■ Conservation issues ■ Protection status Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (C), Aquaculture/fisheries (B), Burning of National Partial International High vegetation (B), Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (B), Drainage (B), Dredging/ 52,883 ha of IBA covered by National Park (Peneda–Gerês, canalization (B), Firewood collection (B), Industrialization/urbanization (B), 69,869 ha). 62,922 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Serra Infrastructure (B), Recreation/tourism (C) do Gerês, 62,922 ha). Excessive dredging is changing the sediment distribution in the estuary and thus possibly reducing the feeding densities of wintering waders ■ Conservation issues and ducks. Over-fishing is certainly affecting piscivorous birds at the Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (B), Burning of vegetation (C), estuary. The construction of a large dam upstream from the site will Consequences of animal/plant introductions (C), Infrastructure (B), Recreation/ reduce the fine sediment input to the site, which will reduce the extent tourism (B) of the marginal vegetation and the productivity of intertidal areas.

450 Important Bird Areas in Europe – Portugal

An introduced species of Acacia tree is invading native vegetation ■ Birds and is considered a plague. There is a management plan for the Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria National Park. 1 Ciconia nigra Black Stork B 1996 1 5 B B2, C6 Ciconia ciconia White Stork B 1996 1 5 A C6 Milvus migrans Black Kite B 1996 1 5 A C6 Neophron percnopterus Egyptian Vulture B 1996 11 20 A B2, C6 Montesinho and Nogueira B2, B3, C6 003 Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle R 1996 11 20 A B2, C6 mountains Hieraaetus fasciatus Bonnelli’s Eagle R 1996 6 10 A B2, C6 Admin region Norte Bubo bubo Eagle Owl R 1996 11 20 B B2, C6 Coordinates 41°50’N 6°55’W Oenanthe leucura Black Wheatear R 1996 Uncommon — C6 Altitude 450–1,481 m Area 108,089 ha 1. 2–5% of national breeding population. The site holds important numbers of cliff-nesting bird species. ■ Site description A series of mountain ranges (Coroa, Montesinho and Nogueira), ■ Protection status located in the north-east corner of Portugal, with a continental-type National None International Partial climate. There is a vast forest of deciduous oak Quercus pyrenaica, IBA overlaps with Special Protection Area together with heathland and other shrublands. The site is an amalgamation of two sites featured in the previous pan-European IBA ■ Conservation issues inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989): Montesinho Mountain (former Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (B), Construction/impact of dyke/ site PT003) and Nogueira Mountain (former site PT004). dam/barrage (A), Extraction industry (B), Infrastructure (B), Recreation/tourism (C) Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest; mixed forest; treeline There are plans to build several large dams in the IBA, which will ecotone), Scrub (scrub; heathland; sclerophyllous scrub/garrigue/maquis), Grassland flood most of the area, and the construction of major roads is also (alpine/subalpine/boreal grassland; humid grassland), Wetland (standing fresh water; planned. The riverbed is exploited for shingle. river/stream), Rocky areas (scree/boulders; inland cliff), Artificial landscape (arable land; forestry plantation) Land-use Agriculture, Forestry, Hunting, Nature conservation/research, Tourism/ recreation Upper River Douro B2, C2, C6 005 and Águeda valleys Admin region Norte, Centro ■ Birds Coordinates 41°04’N 6°46’W Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Altitude 150–771 m Area 50,744 ha Circaetus gallicus Short-toed Eagle B 1994 11 13 A B2, C6 Circus cyaneus Hen Harrier B 1994 5 8 A B2, C6 ■ Circus pygargus Montagu’s Harrier B 1994 40 60 A B3, C6 Site description Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle R 1994 3 4 A B2, C6 The site comprises two valleys, located in the north-east of Portugal Anthus campestris Tawny Pipit B 1994 Common — C6 and marking the border with Spain. There is a vast area of high cliffs. Emberiza hortulana Ortolan Bunting B 1994 Common — C6 Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest; broadleaved evergreen forest), Scrub (scrub; sclerophyllous scrub/garrigue/maquis), Wetland (standing fresh These mountains support important numbers of breeding raptors. The water; river/stream), Rocky areas (inland cliff), Artificial landscape (arable land; avifauna is rich, with more than 125 breeding species. perennial crops/orchards/groves) Land-use Agriculture, Fisheries/aquaculture, Hunting, Nature conservation/research, ■ Protection status Tourism/recreation, Water management National Partial International Partial 56,844 ha of IBA covered by Natural Park (Montesinho, 74,618 ha). 56,844 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Serra de ■ Birds Montesinho, 56,844 ha). Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Ciconia nigra Black Stork B — 11 25 A B2, C6 ■ Conservation issues Neophron percnopterus B — 51 75 A B2, C6 Egyptian Vulture Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (B), Burning of vegetation (C), Gyps fulvus Griffon Vulture R 1996 320 325 A B2, C6 Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (C), Firewood collection (B), Infrastructure (C), Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle R — 11 15 A B2, C6 Recreation/tourism (C) Hieraaetus fasciatus Bonnelli’s Eagle R — 10 20 A B2, C2, C6 The area is relatively unaffected by human activities, although the Falco peregrinus Peregrine R — 20 25 A B2, C6 abandonment of agriculture is reducing landscape diversity, through Bubo bubo Eagle Owl R — 11 50 B B2, C6 Oenanthe leucura Black Wheatear R — Frequent — C6 regeneration of forest-cover and loss of the patchwork of open areas. Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Chough R — 50 100 B B2, C6 Firewood-collection in the deciduous forests, allied to lack of management, is preventing the development of forest stands of high The cliffs provide exceptionally good breeding habitat for raptors and ecological quality. other soaring birds. Breeding species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Falco naumanni (uncommon, probably extinct). Sabôr and Maçãs B2, C6 004 ■ Protection status Admin region Norte National High International Partial Coordinates 41°28’N 6°40’W 50,744 ha of IBA covered by Natural Park (Parque Natural do Douro Altitude 200–840 m Area 50,748 ha Internacional, 85,146 ha). IBA overlaps with Special Protection Area.

■ Site description ■ Conservation issues Steep valleys with high cliffs in the watershed of the Sabôr river (a Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (B), Disturbance to birds (B), tributary of the Douro), in north-east Portugal. There is sclerophyllous Infrastructure (C), Recreation/tourism (C) scrub and farmland on the intervening plateaus. The area is almost undisturbed by human activities, although Habitats Scrub (52%; sclerophyllous scrub/garrigue/maquis), Wetland (8%; important cliff-nesting species are sometimes disturbed by boating and standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation), Rocky areas (10%; inland cliff), fishing in the reservoirs along the cliffs. The ongoing abandonment of Artificial landscape (30%; arable land; perennial crops/orchards/groves) cultivation and sheep-raising will reduce the food resources currently Land-use Agriculture, Hunting, Water management available for the large raptors.

451 Important Bird Areas in Europe – Portugal

The site holds 20,000 or more wintering waterbirds on a regular basis, Côa valley B2, C6 006 with important congregations of sea-duck offshore (Melanitta nigra) Admin region Centro and waders on the intertidal flats (notably Calidris alpina). The Coordinates 40°53’N 7°04’W freshwater marshes and estuarine areas support important breeding Altitude 200–976 m Area 23,727 ha numbers of several waterbirds.

■ Site description ■ Protection status A steep valley with cliffs, olive and almond plantations, and National Low International High sclerophyllous scrub, located in north-east Portugal and including a 681 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Dunas de S. Jacinto, part of the Côa valley (a tributary of the Douro). 681 ha). 52,720 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Ria de Aveiro, 52,720 ha). Habitats Scrub (58%; sclerophyllous scrub/garrigue/maquis), Wetland (3%; river/ stream), Rocky areas (9%; inland cliff), Artificial landscape (30%; arable land; perennial ■ Conservation issues crops/orchards/groves) Land-use Agriculture, Hunting, Tourism/recreation, Water management Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Aquaculture/fisheries (A), Consequences of animal/plant introductions (C), Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (A), Dredging/ canalization (A), Industrialization/urbanization (B), Infrastructure (B) ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria The site is subject to several important impacts. The constant dredging 1 Ciconia nigra Black Stork B 1996 1 5 A B2, C6 of the channel that connects the whole area to the sea has increased Ciconia ciconia White Stork B 1996 1 5 A C6 tidal amplitude inside the lagoon system as well as water-flow. These Neophron percnopterus B 1996 6 10 A B2, C6 two effects combine to increase erosion of sediments within the lagoon. Egyptian Vulture The drainage and conversion to agriculture of inner parts of the lagoon Gyps fulvus Griffon Vulture R 1996 1 5 A C6 are reducing the extent of alluvial forest and thus reducing the Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle R 1996 1 5 A B2, C6 landscape diversity. Salinas are being destroyed by erosion or Hieraaetus fasciatus R 1996 6 10 A B2, C6 transformed into fish-farms. An invasive species of Acacia tree is Bonnelli’s Eagle strongly competing with native vegetation. Bubo bubo Eagle Owl R 1996 11 20 B B2, C6 Oenanthe leucura Black Wheatear R 1996 Uncommon — C6 1. 2–5% of national breeding population. Malcata mountains C6 008 The site holds important numbers of cliff-nesting bird species. Admin region Centro Coordinates 40°15’N 7°02’W ■ Protection status Altitude 425–1,078 m Area 16,361 ha National None International Partial IBA overlaps with Special Protection Area. ■ Site description ■ Conservation issues A medium-sized mountain range with rolling hills covered with scrub and conifer plantations. There is a sharp difference in vegetation-types Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (B), Construction/impact of dyke/ between the northern and southern slopes, with the former having a dam/barrage (B), Infrastructure (B) colder and more continental microclimate, while the latter is more There are plans to build several large dams in the IBA, which will Mediterranean in character. flood part of the area. Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest; broadleaved evergreen forest), Scrub (sclerophyllous scrub/garrigue/maquis), Wetland (standing fresh water; river/stream; water-fringe vegetation), Rocky areas (inland cliff), Artificial landscape Ria de Aveiro A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, 007 (arable land; perennial crops/orchards/groves; forestry plantation) Admin region Centro C2, C3, C4, C6 Land-use Agriculture, Fisheries/aquaculture, Forestry, Hunting, Nature conservation/ Coordinates 40°42’N 8°40’W research, Tourism/recreation, Water management Altitude 0–79 m Area 52,720 ha ■ Birds ■ Site description Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria This site, located in the west and north-west of Portugal, includes a Aegypius monachus Cinereous Vulture R 1996 1 1 A C6 large estuarine area, salinas, freshwater marshes and alluvial forest Circaetus gallicus Short-toed Eagle B 1996 2 3 A C6 associated with the main rivers, and shallower coastal waters offshore Circus pygargus Montagu’s Harrier B 1996 4 6 A C6 (to a depth of 20 m). Hieraaetus pennatus Booted Eagle B 1996 3 4 A C6 Bubo bubo Eagle Owl R 1996 — 2 B C6 Habitats Forest and woodland (4%; native coniferous forest; alluvial/very wet forest), Coracias garrulus Roller B 1996 1 2 B C6 Grassland (10%; humid grassland), Wetland (44%; tidal river/enclosed tidal water; An important area for breeding raptors, being one of only two mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; coastal lagoon; water-fringe vegetation), Marine areas (29%; breeding sites known for Aegypius monachus in Portugal in recent open sea), Artificial landscape (13%; arable land) years. Land-use Agriculture, Fisheries/aquaculture, Forestry, Hunting, Military, Nature conservation/research, Tourism/recreation, Urban/industrial/transport ■ Protection status National High International High ■ Birds 15,523 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Serra da Malcata, Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria 16,348 ha). 16,361 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Serra Ixobrychus minutus Little Bittern B — Frequent — C6 da Malcata, 16,361 ha). Ardea purpurea Purple Heron B — 20 25 A C6 Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill P — Uncommon — C2 ■ Conservation issues Melanitta nigra Common Scoter W 1996 3,000 25,000 A B1i, C3 Habitat loss due to afforestation with non-native trees, namely Circus aeruginosus Marsh Harrier R 1996 15 30 A C6 Pseudotsuga and some Pinus species, is causing problems. Birds are Himantopus himantopus B 1996 50 100 A C6 disturbed by hunting. Black-winged Stilt Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet W 1996 800 1,800 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2 Threats Afforestation (B), Burning of vegetation (B), Construction/impact of dyke/ Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover W 1996 800 1,400 A B1i, C3 dam/barrage (C), Deforestation (commercial) (B), Disturbance to birds (C), Calidris alpina Dunlin W 1996 10,000 12,000 A B2 Firewood collection (C), Intensified forest management (B), Recreation/ Sterna albifrons Little Tern B 1996 10 15 A B2, C6 tourism (C)

452 Important Bird Areas in Europe – Portugal

■ Conservation issues Paul do Taipal C6 009 Admin region Centro Threats Disturbance to birds (C), Infrastructure (B) Coordinates 40°12’N 8°41’W There are plans to build a new road on the edge of the site. Altitude 13–116 m Area 233 ha

■ Site description Paul de Madriz C6 011 A small, densely vegetated freshwater marsh located in the lower Admin region Centro Mondego valley, west of the town of Coimbra in central Portugal. An Coordinates 40°08’N 8°38’W important part of a network of small wetlands in the Mondego valley, Altitude 5–10 m Area 89 ha which includes two other IBAs: Paul de Arzila (010) and Paul de Madriz (011). ■ Site description Habitats Wetland (standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation) A small freshwater marsh bordered by pine woodland, located in Land-use Not utilized central Portugal, very close to the town of Coimbra, on a tributary of the Mondego river. An important part of a network of small wetlands ■ Birds in the Mondego valley, which includes two other IBAs: Paul do Taipal Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria (009) and Paul de Arzila (010). Ixobrychus minutus Little Bittern B — Abundant — C6 Habitats Wetland (100%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation) Egretta garzetta Little Egret R — 100 120 A C6 Land-use Not utilized Ardea purpurea Purple Heron B — 5 6 A C6 Ciconia ciconia White Stork B — 6 10 A C6 Milvus migrans Black Kite B — Common — C6 ■ Birds Circus aeruginosus R— 2 5AC6 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Marsh Harrier Himantopus himantopus B — Common — C6 Ixobrychus minutus Little Bittern B — Common — C6 1 Black-winged Stilt Ardea purpurea Purple Heron B — — — — C6 1 Circus aeruginosus Marsh Harrier B — — — — C6 The site supports a wide variety of breeding waterbirds, and is 1. Possibly breeds. nationally important for wintering duck, as well as holding large numbers of migrating passerines during the autumn migration. The reedbeds are important for three breeding waterbirds, and support large numbers of migratory passerines during autumn migration. ■ Protection status Wintering duck numbers regularly exceed 2,000 birds. National None International Partial IBA overlaps with Special Protection Area. ■ Protection status National None International High ■ Conservation issues 89 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Paul de Madriz, 89 ha). IBA also overlaps with Ramsar Site (Paul de Madriz, 226 ha). Threats Disturbance to birds (U) ■ Conservation issues No serious threats are known at the site, which is presently undisturbed by human activities. Paul de Arzila C6 010 Admin region Centro Coordinates 40°10’N 8°33’W Altitude 5–10 m Area 482 ha Toulões and A1, B2, C1, C6 012 Idanha-a-Nova Admin region Centro ■ Site description Coordinates 39°54’N 7°01’W A small freshwater marsh with an extensive reedbed, located in central- Altitude 200–407 m Area 10,920 ha west Portugal, very close to the town of Coimbra. The marsh is bordered by pine woodland, and is situated in a relatively densely populated region. An important part of a network of small wetlands in the ■ Site description Mondego valley, which includes two other IBAs: Paul do Taipal (009) An area of steppic habitats and open woodland of evergreen oak and Paul de Madriz (011). Quercus, in central-eastern Portugal, close to Castelo-Branco.

Habitats Wetland (standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape Habitats Forest and woodland (27%; broadleaved evergreen forest), Scrub (25%; (forestry plantation) sclerophyllous scrub/garrigue/maquis), Wetland (3%; standing fresh water; water-fringe Land-use Forestry, Nature conservation/research vegetation), Artificial landscape (45%; arable land; perennial crops/orchards/groves) Land-use Agriculture, Forestry ■ Birds ■ Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Birds Ixobrychus minutus Little Bittern B — Common — C6 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Ardea purpurea Purple Heron B — — — — C6 Milvus migrans Black Kite B — — — — C6 1 Milvus migrans Black Kite B — Common — C6 Circaetus gallicus Short-toed Eagle B 1996 1 5 B C6 1. Probably the top site in Portugal. Circus pygargus Montagu’s Harrier B — — — — C6 Hieraaetus pennatus Booted Eagle B 1996 1 5 B C6 The area supports important breeding numbers of two herons and a 1 Otis tarda Great Bustard B 1996 11 11 A A1, C1, C6 raptor, as well as large numbers of migratory passerines during autumn Burhinus oedicnemus Stone Curlew B 1996 20 50 B B2, C6 migration. Pterocles orientalis R 1996 Frequent — C6 Black-bellied Sandgrouse ■ Protection status Coracias garrulus Roller B 1996 1 5 B C6 National Partial International High Melanocorypha calandra B 1996 Common — C6 315 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Paul de Arzila, 580 ha). Calandra Lark 482 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Paul de 1. Large decrease. Arzila, 482 ha). IBA also overlaps with Ramsar Site (Paul de Arzila, 585 ha). The area supports a wide diversity of bird species of steppic habitats.

453 Important Bird Areas in Europe – Portugal

■ Protection status A small archipelago of rocky islets, the only sizeable such group off National None International None the Portuguese mainland, located c.8 km off the west coast. The largest of the islets covers only 2.5 km². Tourists and anglers visit the area in ■ Conservation issues spring and summer. Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B) ■ Birds The intensification of agriculture (including irrigation) will reduce the Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria extent of existing steppic habitats. Calonectris diomedea Cory’s Shearwater B 1996 180 220 A C6 Oceanodroma castro Madeiran Petrel B 1995 200 400 A A4ii, B1ii, B2, C2, C6

This is the only known breeding colony of Oceanodroma castro near Upper River Tejo B2, C6 013 the European mainland. The site holds 10,000 or more pairs of seabirds Admin region Centro on a regular basis. The number of breeding Larus cachinnans has Coordinates 39°40’N 7°15’W increased dramatically in recent years and this colony is now controlled Altitude 150–316 m Area 26,129 ha by culling. Berlenga marks the southern limit in Europe for breeding Uria aalge, with 45 individuals (declined from 6,000 pairs in 1939), ■ Site description and the northern limit for breeding Calonectris diomedea. Significant Steep valleys with cliffs and Mediterranean scrub, located at the eastern proportion (≥1%) of national population breeding at site: Falco border of central Portugal. The riverbed is much wider than it was 25 peregrinus (2 pairs). years ago, due to the construction of a large dam, and now allows the small-boat traffic of professional fishermen and recreational purposes. ■ Protection status National High International High Habitats Forest and woodland (10%; broadleaved evergreen forest), Scrub (55%; 9,560 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Berlenga, 9,560 ha). sclerophyllous scrub/garrigue/maquis), Wetland (15%; standing fresh water; water-fringe 9,560 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Ilhas Berlengas, vegetation), Rocky areas (5%; scree/boulders; inland cliff), Artificial landscape (15%; 9,560 ha). arable land; perennial crops/orchards/groves; forestry plantation) Land-use Agriculture, Fisheries/aquaculture, Forestry, Hunting, Nature conservation/ ■ Conservation issues research, Tourism/recreation, Water management Threats Consequences of animal/plant introductions (B), Disturbance to birds (C), Recreation/tourism (A) ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Tourists and anglers cause a certain amount of disturbance to breeding Ciconia nigra Black Stork B 1995 15 20 A B2, C6 birds. The introduction of the non-native and highly invasive creeper Milvus migrans Black Kite B 1996 6 10 B B2 Carpobrotus has affected the natural vegetation cover. Neophron percnopterus B 1996 15 17 A B2, C6 Egyptian Vulture Gyps fulvus Griffon Vulture R 1996 70 75 A B2, C6 Circaetus gallicus Short-toed Eagle B 1996 1 5 B C6 Paul do Boquilobo A4i, B1i, C2, C3, C6 015 Hieraaetus pennatus Booted Eagle B 1996 11 50 B B2, C6 Admin region Lisboa e Vale do Tejo Hieraaetus fasciatus Bonnelli’s Eagle R 1996 1 5 B B2, C6 Coordinates 39°23’N 8°32’W Bubo bubo Eagle Owl R 1996 6 10 B C6 Altitude 10–15 m Area 433 ha Oenanthe leucura Black Wheatear R — Uncommon — C6 Important numbers of cliff-nesting species breed here, especially large ■ Site description raptors. Freshwater marshes with alluvial forest and other water-fringe vegetation, located in the centre of the country, c.90 km north-east of ■ Protection status Lisbon. The site is drained every year so that the outer areas can be National None International Partial cultivated but the core area is left flooded in most years. This IBA is IBA overlaps with Special Protection Area. located very close to the expanding town of Golegã.

Habitats Forest and woodland (alluvial/very wet forest), Wetland (standing fresh water; ■ Conservation issues river/stream; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (arable land), Introduced/ Threats Afforestation (B), Aquaculture/fisheries (C), Disturbance to birds (C), exotic vegetation Infrastructure (C), Recreation/tourism (C), Other (C) Land-use Agriculture, Nature conservation/research, Water management Important cliff-nesting species are disturbed by boating and fishing activity in the reservoirs along the cliffs. In recent years several forest ■ Birds plantations (Eucalyptus) and special hunting areas have been Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria established along the edge of the site, which have affected birds. In Ixobrychus minutus Little Bittern B 1996 Common — C6 particular, there have been attempts in the hunting areas to control Nycticorax nycticorax Night Heron B 1996 30 100 A C6 predators, including large raptors (‘Other’ threat). Ardeola ralloides Squacco Heron B 1995 Rare — C6 Bubulcus ibis Cattle Egret R 1995 1,000 2,000 A A4i, B1i, C3 Egretta garzetta Little Egret B 1996 200 400 B A4i, B1i, C2, C6 Ardea purpurea Purple Heron B 1995 6 12 A C6 Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill B 1995 20 30 A B1i, C2, C6 Berlenga and A4ii, A4iii, B1ii, B2, C2, C4, C6 014 Milvus migrans Black Kite B 1996 Common — C6 Farilhões islands Chlidonias hybridus Whiskered Tern B 1996 40 120 A C6 Admin region Lisboa e Vale do Tejo Coordinates 39°25’N 9°31’W One of the largest heronries in Iberia, also holding important numbers Altitude 0–90 m Area 9,560 ha of breeding Platalea leucorodia, Milvus migrans and Chlidonias hybridus, and nationally important numbers of wintering duck.

■ Site description ■ Protection status National Partial International High Habitats Wetland (shingle/stony beach), Marine areas (open sea; sea inlet/coastal 369 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Paul do Boquilobo, 549 ha). features), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore; rock stacks/islets), Introduced/exotic 433 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Paúl do Boquilobo, vegetation 433 ha). 395 ha of IBA covered by Biosphere Reserve (Paul do Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture, Military, Nature conservation/research, Tourism/ Boquilobo, 395 ha). IBA also overlaps with Ramsar Site (Paul do recreation Boquilobo, 529 ha).

454 Important Bird Areas in Europe – Portugal

■ Conservation issues ■ Conservation issues Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Consequences of animal/ Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Consequences of animal/plant plant introductions (A), Drainage (A), Industrialization/urbanization (B), Natural introductions (B), Disturbance to birds (B) events (B) Birds are disturbed by increasing road traffic and by aircraft used in The presence of the introduced and highly invasive water- aerial spraying for agriculture. hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes causes a certain degree of ecological disruption. The site is also subject to pressure from farmers who want to intensify farming practices and increase the extent of cultivation A1, A4iii, B2, B3, C1, C4, C6 (e.g. by further drainage). Urban expansion (Golegã) also causes Monforte plains 018 Admin region Alentejo problems. Coordinates 39°04’N 7°21’W Altitude 250–350 m Area 9,426 ha

Cabeção A4iii, B2, C4, C6 016 ■ Site description Admin region Alentejo Open country with cultivation and grassland, alternating with open Coordinates 39°00’N 8°13’W woodland of evergreen oak Quercus ilex and olive-groves. Fallow fields Altitude 100–200 m Area 20,227 ha are grazed by sheep.

Habitats Forest and woodland (10%; broadleaved evergreen forest), Artificial landscape ■ Site description (90%; arable land; perennial crops/orchards/groves) An extensive, evergreen woodland of cork oak Quercus suber, in central Land-use Agriculture (90%), Forestry (10%) Portugal, inland and south of the River Tejo. The woodland is managed and there is some cultivation. ■ Birds Habitats Forest and woodland (75%; broadleaved evergreen forest), Artificial landscape (25%; arable land; perennial crops/orchards/groves; forestry plantation) Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Land-use Agriculture (20%), Forestry (80%), Hunting, Nature conservation/research, Elanus caeruleus R 1996 6 6 A B2, C6 Tourism/recreation, Urban/industrial/transport, Water management Black-winged Kite Circus pygargus Montagu’s Harrier B 1996 Common — B3 Tetrax tetrax Little Bustard R 1996 80 100 A A1, B2, C1 ■ Birds Otis tarda Great Bustard R 1996 15 15 A A1, C1 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Burhinus oedicnemus Stone Curlew R 1996 Common — B2 Elanus caeruleus Black-winged Kite R 1996 4 7 A B2, C6 Important for breeding birds of steppic habitats. Milvus migrans Black Kite B 1996 2 4 A C6 Circaetus gallicus Short-toed Eagle B 1996 10 13 A B2, C6 ■ Hieraaetus pennatus Booted Eagle B 1996 36 40 A B2, C6 Protection status National None International None The site supports important numbers of breeding birds of prey. Significant proportion (≥1%) of national population breeding at site: ■ Conservation issues Circus pygargus (2–4 pairs). Threats Afforestation (A), Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (B), Disturbance to birds (B) ■ Protection status National None International None Nesting birds are disturbed by increasing road-traffic. Agricultural practices are undergoing moderate intensification, which will lead to ■ Conservation issues a greater human influence on the site. Threats Afforestation (C), Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Disturbance to birds (C), Natural events (C), Other (B), Selective logging/cutting (C) Campo Maior A1, B1i, B2, C1, C2, C6 019 ‘Other’ threats (see above) are forest degradation, tree-disease and Admin region Alentejo soil degradation. Coordinates 39°02’N 7°01’W Altitude 190–341 m Area 9,355 ha

Alter do Chão A1, A4iii, B2, C1, C4, C6 017 ■ Site description Admin region Alentejo Open plains used for cultivation of cereals (mostly wheat) in Coordinates 39°10’N 7°42’W rotation with melon, sunflower and tomato. Pastoral woodland and Altitude 200–300 m Area 7,959 ha fallow areas are grazed by sheep and cattle. Low level of human activity. ■ Site description Habitats Forest and woodland (30%; broadleaved evergreen forest), Artificial landscape Steppic agricultural land of wheat-fields and dry pasture, with scattered (70%; arable land) evergreen oak Quercus woodland. Land-use Agriculture (70%), Forestry (30%) Habitats Forest and woodland (10%; broadleaved evergreen forest), Artificial landscape (90%; arable land; perennial crops/orchards/groves) ■ Birds Land-use Agriculture (90%), Forestry (10%) Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria 1 Circus pygargus Montagu’s Harrier B 1996 15 20 A C6 ■ Birds Falco naumanni Lesser Kestrel B 1996 14 18 A A1, C1, C6 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Grus grus Crane W 1996 800 1,000 A B1i, C2 Circus pygargus Montagu’s Harrier B 1996 Common — C6 Tetrax tetrax Little Bustard R 1996 200 250 A A1, B2, C1, C6 Tetrax tetrax Little Bustard R 1996 100 150 A A1, B2, C1 Otis tarda Great Bustard R 1996 90 100 A A1, B2, C1, C6 Otis tarda Great Bustard R 1996 25 25 A A1, C1 Burhinus oedicnemus B 1996 20 30 B B2, C6 Stone Curlew Important for three species of steppic habitats. 1. Large decrease.

■ Protection status An important area for the conservation of Otis tarda in Portugal, as National None International None well as one of the most important wintering sites for Grus grus.

455 Important Bird Areas in Europe – Portugal

■ Protection status Habitats Forest and woodland (15%; broadleaved evergreen forest), Wetland (65%; tidal National None International Partial river/enclosed tidal water; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; coastal lagoon; water-fringe IBA overlaps with Special Protection Area. vegetation), Artificial landscape (20%; arable land; forestry plantation) Land-use Agriculture, Fisheries/aquaculture, Forestry, Hunting, Nature conservation/ ■ Conservation issues research, Urban/industrial/transport, Water management Threats Afforestation (B), Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (A), Disturbance to birds (B), Dredging/canalization (A), ■ Birds Infrastructure (B) Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria The non-intensive cultivation of cereals maintains favourable habitat Ixobrychus minutus Little Bittern B — Common — C6 for steppic bird species, but the advent of irrigated crops in the IBA Ardea purpurea Purple Heron B — 150 200 A C2, C6 and the construction of a large dam nearby, to provide water for Ciconia ciconia White Stork R 1996 50 100 B B2, C6 further irrigation, are strong indicators that further agricultural Phoenicopterus ruber Greater Flamingo W 1995 1,000 3,000 A A4i, B1i, C2 intensification will take place in the future. Birds are disturbed by the 1 Anser anser Greylag Goose W 1996 1,200 3,400 A B1i, C3 increasing road-traffic and by irrigation structures operating in the Anas crecca Teal W 1996 5,000 11,000 A B1i, C3 vicinity. Anas clypeata Shoveler W 1996 1,500 4,500 A B1i, C3 Elanus caeruleus Black-winged Kite R 1996 6 10 B B2, C6 Circus aeruginosus Marsh Harrier R 1996 30 50 B C6 Circus pygargus Montagu’s Harrier B 1996 20 40 B B3, C6 Vila Fernando A1, B2, C1, C6 020 Hieraaetus pennatus Booted Eagle B 1996 10 20 B B2, C6 Admin region Alentejo Porzana pusilla Baillon’s Crake B — Rare — C6 2 Tetrax tetrax Little Bustard W 1992 400 800 A A1, C1 Coordinates 38°54’N 7°21’W Himantopus himantopus B 1996 500 750 A A4i, B1i, C2, C6 Altitude 300–470 m Area 8,166 ha Black-winged Stilt 3 Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet W 1996 4,000 6,000 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2

■ Site description Glareola pratincola Collared Pratincole B — 100 250 A A4i,B1i, B2, C2, C6 Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover W 1996 3,000 5,000 A A4i, B1i, C3 Steppic agricultural land of wheat-fields and dry pasture, with scattered 3 Calidris alpina Dunlin W 1996 10,000 20,000 A B1i, B2, C3 evergreen oak Quercus woodland. Land-uses include cultivation and Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit W 1997 30,000 80,000 A A4i, B1i, C3 livestock-grazing. There is scattered human habitation. In the previous Tringa totanus Redshank W 1996 2,000 3,000 A A4i, B1i, C3 international IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989), this site was Sterna albifrons Little Tern B 1996 20 20 A B2, C6 called Elvas Plains (former site PT028). Melanocorypha calandra Calandra Lark R — Common — C6 Calandrella brachydactyla B — Abundant — B2, C6 Habitats Forest and woodland (20%; broadleaved evergreen forest), Artificial landscape Short-toed Lark (80%; arable land) 1. Large increase. Land-use Agriculture (80%), Forestry (20%) 2. Breeds (c.5 males). 3. Large decrease. ■ Birds The site holds 20,000 or more wintering waterbirds on a regular basis, Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria and is the most important locality in Portugal for wintering flamingos, Elanus caeruleus Black-winged Kite R 1994 6 6 A B2, C6 ducks, waders and gulls. The area also holds important numbers of a Milvus migrans Black Kite B 1994 4 4 A C6 wide variety of breeding waterbirds. The reedbeds in the upper part of Tetrax tetrax Little Bustard R 1996 80 100 A A1, B2, C1 the estuary support large numbers of migrating passerines during autumn. 1 Otis tarda Great Bustard R 1996 40 45 A A1, B2, C1, C6 Burhinus oedicnemus Stone Curlew B 1994 15 20 A B2, C6 ■ Protection status 2 Pterocles orientalis R 1996 Common — C6 National Partial International High Black-bellied Sandgrouse 14,192 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Estuário do Tejo, Coracias garrulus Roller B 1996 Common — C6 14,192 ha). 45,071 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area Melanocorypha calandra Calandra Lark B 1996 Abundant — C6 (Estuário do Tejo, 45,071 ha). 14,563 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar 1. Large decrease. Site (Estuário do Tejo, 14,563 ha). 2. Breeds regularly (numbers unknown). Important for breeding birds of steppic habitats. Significant ■ Conservation issues proportion (≥1%) of national population breeding at site: Circus Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Aquaculture/fisheries (B), pygargus (8–10 pairs). Consequences of animal/plant introductions (A), Disturbance to birds (B), Dredging/ canalization (C), Industrialization/urbanization (A), Infrastructure (A) ■ Protection status National None International None Disturbance to birds can be moderately intense locally, due to the high human population density, and due to the use of aircraft to seed ■ Conservation issues and spray chemicals onto rice-fields during the breeding season. Several construction projects, including a very large bridge across the Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Construction/impact of dyke/dam/ Tejo, are underway or are proposed for the site or along its edges. barrage (B), Disturbance to birds (A) The introduced and highly invasive water-hyacinth Eichhornia Nesting birds are disturbed by increasing road-traffic in the region. crassipes is affecting the natural vegetation cover in the network of channels and is reducing the area of open water. There is a management plan for the Nature Reserve. Tejo estuary A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, 021 Admin region Lisboa e Vale do Tejo C1, C2, C3, C4, C6 Coordinates 38°49’N 8°55’W Coast of the Setúbal peninsula C6 022 Altitude 0–43 m Area 45,071 ha Admin region Lisboa e Vale do Tejo Coordinates 38°29’N 9°04’W Altitude 0–501 m Area 22,930 ha ■ Site description The largest estuary in the country, located in central Portugal. The site includes the upper and central parts of the River Tejo estuary and ■ Site description the valley of a small tributary (Ria Enguias). Large expanses of The site, between Setúbal and Lisbon on the west coast, incorporates mudflats, saltmarshes and rice-fields predominate. Lisbon is located a wide variety of habitats and landscapes, from Mediterranean maquis at the mouth of the River Tejo, and more than two million people live to limestone cliffs, and from pine woodland to reedbeds (Phragmites), around this IBA. as well as a coastal lagoon.

456 Important Bird Areas in Europe – Portugal

Habitats Forest and woodland (17%; broadleaved deciduous forest; native coniferous Species ... continued Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria forest), Scrub (17%; sclerophyllous scrub/garrigue/maquis), Wetland (4%; sand-dunes/ 6 Glareola pratincola Collared Pratincole B 1996 5 20 B C6 sand beach; coastal lagoon; water-fringe vegetation), Marine areas (15%; open sea), Calidris alpina Dunlin W 1996 12,000 16,000 A B1i, B2, C3 Rocky areas (10%; sea cliff/rocky shore), Artificial landscape (37%; arable land; Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit W 1996 2,000 11,000 A B1i, C3 perennial crops/orchards/groves; other urban/industrial areas) Sterna albifrons Little Tern B 1996 50 100 A B2, C6 Land-use Agriculture, Fisheries/aquaculture, Forestry, Hunting, Nature conservation/ 1. Large increase; P. c. sinensis predominates. research, Tourism/recreation, Urban/industrial/transport 2. c.1,000 wintering. 3. 20–30 birds wintering. 4. 150–350 birds wintering. ■ 5. 1–2 pairs breed irregularly. Birds 6. Breeding seems to be irregular. Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Ixobrychus minutus Little Bittern B 1996 1 5 B C6 Hieraaetus fasciatus Bonnelli’s Eagle R 1996 1 1 A C6 ■ Protection status Falco peregrinus Peregrine R 1996 2 5 B C6 National Partial International High Sterna sandvicensis Sandwich Tern P 1996 300 1,000 B C6 20,011 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Estuário do Sado, Bubo bubo Eagle Owl R 1996 6 10 B C6 23,971 ha). 24,633 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area The site is important throughout the year for some waterbirds and (Estuário do Sado, 24,633 ha). IBA also overlaps with Ramsar Site raptors. The reedbeds that border the inner parts of the coastal lagoon (Estuário do Sado, 25,588 ha). support large numbers of migratory passerines during the autumn migration. ■ Conservation issues Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (C), Aquaculture/fisheries (A), ■ Protection status Dredging/canalization (B), Groundwater abstraction (C), Industrialization/ National Partial International Partial urbanization (B), Infrastructure (C), Natural events (C), Recreation/tourism (C) 10,821 ha of IBA covered by Natural Park (Arrábida, 11,054 ha). IBA also overlaps with Ramsar Site. IBA overlaps with Special Protection Over 30% of the available area of saltpans has been transformed into Area. fish-farms in the course of the last ten years. There are plans for large- scale dredging at the mouth of the estuary that may affect water-flow ■ Conservation issues and sediment deposition inside the estuary, thus indirectly affecting the bird community. Threats Extraction industry (A), Industrialization/urbanization (A), Infrastructure (A), Recreation/tourism (A), Unsustainable exploitation (B) There is a management plan for the Natural Park. Murta dam A4i, B1i, C2, C3, C6 024 Admin region Alentejo Coordinates 38°23’N 8°43’W Sado estuary A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4, C6 023 Altitude 20–35 m Area 498 ha Admin region Alentejo Coordinates 38°27’N 8°43’W ■ Site description Altitude 0–30 m Area 24,633 ha A small reservoir and marshes, very close to the west coast of Portugal, at the southern edge of the Sado estuary (023). The wetland is ■ Site description surrounded by inland sand-dunes which are planted with stone pine A large estuary with extensive mudflats and saltmarshes, located in Pinus pinea. central Portugal, c.50 km south of Lisbon. Setúbal is the main town Habitats Scrub (scrub; sclerophyllous scrub/garrigue/maquis), Wetland in its vicinity. The inner part of the estuary is bordered by rice-fields (standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (forestry and reedbeds, whereas the north-western limits are densely populated plantation) and the south-western parts are sheltered from the open sea by a Land-use Forestry, Water management (100%) sandbar.

Habitats Forest and woodland (mixed forest; broadleaved evergreen forest), Scrub ■ Birds (sclerophyllous scrub/garrigue/maquis), Wetland (tidal river/enclosed tidal water; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; sand-dunes/sand beach; coastal lagoon; standing fresh Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (arable land; forestry plantation; 1 Botaurus stellaris Bittern B — Rare — C6 other urban/industrial areas) Bubulcus ibis Cattle Egret B — 1,000 2,000 A A4i, B1i, C3 Land-use Agriculture, Fisheries/aquaculture, Forestry, Hunting, Nature conservation/ Egretta garzetta Little Egret B — 600 1,000 A A4i, B1i, C2, C6 research, Tourism/recreation, Urban/industrial/transport Ardea purpurea Purple Heron B — 5 6 A C6 1. The only confirmed breeding site in Portugal in recent years.

■ Birds An important heronry. Significant proportion (≥1%) of national Several waterbird species (mainly waders) occur in winter in large, population breeding at site: Hieraaetus pennatus (1 pair). The site internationally significant numbers, and the site holds 20,000 or also holds nationally important numbers of wintering duck. more wintering waterbirds on a regular basis. There are also important numbers of breeding waterbirds, notably Himantopus ■ Protection status himantopus and Sterna albifrons. The rice-fields are an important National None International High feeding ground for the egrets and herons from the nearby 498 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Açude da Murta, breeding colony at Murta dam (024). More than 500,000 Columba 498 ha). IBA also overlaps with Ramsar Site (Estuário do Sado, palumbus roost within the IBA in winter. 25,588 ha). Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria ■ Conservation issues 1 Phalacrocorax carbo Cormorant W 1996 1,000 2,200 A B1i, C3 Ixobrychus minutus Little Bittern B 1996 Common — C6 Threats Disturbance to birds (C), Unsustainable exploitation (C), Other (B) 2 Egretta garzetta Little Egret N 1996 Common — C6 Ardea purpurea Purple Heron B — 15 15 — C6 There is illegal bird-hunting in autumn and winter, and uncontrolled Ciconia ciconia White Stork R 1996 50 70 A C6 visitors to the area can cause significant disturbance to breeding herons 3 Circus aeruginosus Marsh Harrier R 1996 5 6 B C6 and egrets. In some years the water of the reservoir, which is used for 4 Himantopus himantopus B 1996 200 800 A A4i, B1i, C2, C6 irrigating the nearby rice-fields, reaches very low levels during the Black-winged Stilt breeding season, allowing predators to reach the nesting birds (‘Other’ 5 Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet W 1996 2,000 4,000 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2 threat, above).

457 Important Bird Areas in Europe – Portugal

Évora plains A1, B2, C1, C6 025 Mourão, Moura e Barrancos A1, B1i, B2, B3, 027 Admin region Alentejo Admin region Alentejo C1, C2, C6 Coordinates 38°27’N 7°57’W Coordinates 38°09’N 7°11’W Altitude 175–300 m Area 33,693 ha Altitude 150–535 m Area 82,667 ha

■ Site description ■ Site description Open agricultural land used for cereals (mainly wheat) and other crops The area is a mixture of non-intensive cereal cultivation, semi- in rotation such as melon, sunflower and beans. There is sparse permanent pasture, and evergreen woodland of oak Quercus ilex and evergreen woodland of oak Quercus ilex and cork oak Q. suber. Fallow Q. suber. Rivers are bordered locally by vegetation and cliffs. The land is used for grazing sheep and cattle. area is grazed by sheep and cattle, and there are small olive-groves and vineyards. Housing density is very low. Habitats Forest and woodland (30%; broadleaved evergreen forest), Artificial landscape (70%; arable land) Habitats Forest and woodland (35%; broadleaved evergreen forest), Grassland (18%; steppe/dry Land-use Agriculture (70%), Forestry (30%) calcareous grassland), Artificial landscape (47%; arable land; perennial crops/orchards/groves) Land-use Agriculture (65%), Forestry (35%) ■ Birds ■ Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Birds Elanus caeruleus R — Common — C6 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Black-winged Kite Ciconia nigra Black Stork B 1996 5 8 A B2, C6 Falco naumanni Lesser Kestrel B 1996 Common — C6 Ciconia ciconia White Stork B 1996 60 100 A B2, C6 Grus grus Crane W 1996 100 200 A C6 Elanus caeruleus Black-winged Kite R 1996 6 10 B B2, C6 Tetrax tetrax Little Bustard R 1996 200 250 A A1, B2, C1, C6 Milvus migrans Black Kite B 1996 8 15 B B2 Otis tarda Great Bustard R 1996 25 30 A A1, B2, C1, C6 Circaetus gallicus Short-toed Eagle B 1996 8 15 A B2, C6 Circus pygargus Montagu’s Harrier B 1996 20 40 B B3, C6 Melanocorypha calandra R 1996 Common — C6 Aquila adalberti Spanish Imperial Eagle N 1996 2 4 — C6 Calandra Lark Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle R 1996 3 3 A B2, C6 The site supports good numbers of breeding birds of steppic habitats, Hieraaetus pennatus Booted Eagle B 1996 10 15 A B2, C6 and is important for wintering Grus grus. Grus grus Crane W 1996 500 1,500 A B1i, C2, C6 Tetrax tetrax Little Bustard R 1996 250 500 A A1, B2, C1, C6 ■ Otis tarda Great Bustard R 1996 80 100 A A1, B2, C1, C6 Protection status Burhinus oedicnemus Stone Curlew R 1996 100 250 A B2, C6 National None International None Glareola pratincola Collared Pratincole B 1996 6 10 B B2, C6 Pterocles orientalis R 1996 11 50 B C6 ■ Conservation issues Black-bellied Sandgrouse Bubo bubo Eagle Owl R 1996 6 10 B B2, C6 Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Construction/impact of dyke/dam/ An important breeding area for many species of steppic habitats, barrage (B), Disturbance to birds (B) especially raptors, as well as the most important wintering locality for Birds are disturbed by the increasing road-traffic. Current habitats, Grus grus in Portugal. favourable for steppic birds, are maintained by the traditional farming system based on non-intensive cultivation of cereals, but the ■ Protection status weakness of the rural economy might lead farmers to change National None International Partial land-uses. IBA overlaps with Special Protection Area.

■ Conservation issues Alvito A1, B2, C1, C6 026 Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (C), Afforestation (B), Agricultural Admin region Alentejo intensification/expansion (B), Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (A), Coordinates 38°12’N 7°58’W Deforestation (commercial) (B), Disturbance to birds (C), Dredging/canalization (C), Altitude 100–179 m Area 2,606 ha Industrialization/urbanization (A), Infrastructure (A), Recreation/tourism (C) Birds are disturbed by increasing road traffic in the region. ■ Site description A steppic agricultural area of wheat-fields and dry pasture, with scattered evergreen oak Quercus woodland. In the previous pan- Santo André A4i, B1i, C3, C6 028 European IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989) this site was and Sancha lagoons called Vidigueira–Beja (former site PT034). Admin region Alentejo Litoral Habitats Forest and woodland (20%; broadleaved evergreen forest), Artificial landscape Coordinates 38°03’N 8°48’W (80%; arable land; perennial crops/orchards/groves) Altitude 0–47 m Area 2,638 ha Land-use Agriculture (80%), Forestry (20%) ■ Site description ■ Birds A complex of two coastal lagoons and a stretch of well-consolidated Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria sand-dunes, on the south-west coast of Portugal, just north of the town of Sines. Both lagoons have extensive reedbeds. This site is an Tetrax tetrax Little Bustard R 1996 150 200 B A1, B2, C1, C6 amalgamation of two sites that featured in the previous pan-European Otis tarda Great Bustard R 1996 15 15 A A1, C1 IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989): Santo André Lagoon An important area for two bustard species. Significant proportion (former site PT021) and Sancha Lagoon (former site PT022). (≥1%) of national population breeding at site: Ciconia ciconia (14– Habitats Scrub (sclerophyllous scrub/garrigue/maquis), Wetland (sand-dunes/sand beach; coastal 16 pairs). lagoon; river/stream; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (forestry plantation) Land-use Agriculture, Fisheries/aquaculture, Hunting, Tourism/recreation, Urban/industrial/ ■ Protection status transport, Water management National None International None

■ Conservation issues ■ Birds Important numbers of breeding and wintering waterbirds occur, and Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Disturbance to birds (B) the site also harbours large numbers of migrating passerines during Birds are disturbed by the increasing road-traffic. autumn migration.

458 Important Bird Areas in Europe – Portugal

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria River Guadiana A1, B1iii, B2, B3, C1, C2, C6 030 Ixobrychus minutus Little Bittern B 1996 Frequent — C6 Admin region Alentejo Ardea purpurea Purple Heron B 1994 9 9 A C6 Coordinates 37°42’N 7°39’W 1 Netta rufina Red-crested Pochard W — — 1,000 — A4i, B1i, C3 Altitude 170–310 m Area 76,578 ha Elanus caeruleus Black-winged Kite R — Frequent — C6 Circus aeruginosus Marsh Harrier R — Common — C6 Porzana pusilla Baillon’s Crake B — Uncommon — C6 ■ Site description Himantopus himantopus R — 10 20 B C6 This recently designated Natural Park includes a stretch of the lower Black-winged Stilt Guadiana valley and the surrounding areas, close to the south-east Sterna albifrons Little Tern B — Common — C6 border of Portugal. The valley is steep, with cliffs and sclerophyllous 1. 10–20 pairs breed. scrub. In the remaining areas there are mainly steppic habitats, non- intensive cereal fields and scrub. ■ Protection status Habitats Forest and woodland (12%; broadleaved evergreen forest), Scrub (50%; National None International High sclerophyllous scrub/garrigue/maquis), Wetland (4%; river/stream; water-fringe 409 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Lagoa da Sancha, vegetation), Artificial landscape (34%; arable land; perennial crops/orchards/groves) 409 ha). 2,165 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Lagoa Land-use Agriculture, Fisheries/aquaculture, Hunting, Nature conservation/research, da Sto. André, 2,165 ha). Tourism/recreation ■ Conservation issues ■ Birds Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (B), Consequences of animal/plant introductions (C), Disturbance to birds (B), Industrialization/urbanization (B), Infrastructure (B) Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Ardea purpurea Purple Heron B — — — — C6 Hunting, grazing, and fishing with an excessive number of nets are Ciconia nigra Black Stork B 1996 2 5 A B2, C6 the main causes of disturbance to birds. Tourist development along Ciconia ciconia White Stork R 1996 51 100 A B2, C6 the northern border is causing habitat loss. Milvus migrans Black Kite B 1996 1 5 B C6 Neophron percnopterus B 1996 1 5 A B2, C6 Egyptian Vulture 1 Aegypius monachus Cinereous Vulture N 1996 Frequent — C6 Castro Verde plains A1, B2, B3, C1, C2, C6 029 Circus pygargus Montagu’s Harrier B 1996 11 50 B B3, C6 Admin region Alentejo Hieraaetus fasciatus Bonnelli’s Eagle R 1996 1 5 A B2, C6

Coordinates 37°45’N 8°00’W Falco naumanni Lesser Kestrel B 1996 51 100 A A1, B1iii, B2, C1, C2, C6 Grus grus Crane W 1996 101 250 A C6 Altitude 160–289 m Area 79,066 ha 2 Pterocles orientalis R 1996 Uncommon — C6 Black-bellied Sandgrouse ■ Site description Bubo bubo Eagle Owl R 1996 11 50 B B2, C6 Open plains used for non-intensive cultivation of cereals (mainly 1. Regular visitor; a potential new breeding site. wheat), with sparse woodland of evergreen oak Quercus ilex. Due to 2. Small numbers thought to breed regularly. the poor soils, cereals are grown on crop rotations of long duration. An important area for breeding raptors, especially cliff-nesting species, Fallow land is used for grazing sheep and cattle. There is scattered but with good numbers of some birds of steppic habitats and of human habitation. wetlands as well. Significant proportion (≥1%) of national population breeding at site: Circaetus gallicus (1–5 pairs). Habitats Forest and woodland (22%; broadleaved evergreen forest), Artificial landscape (78%; arable land) ■ Protection status Land-use Agriculture (78%), Forestry (22%) National High International Partial 69,733 ha of IBA covered by Natural Park (Guadiana, 69,733 ha). ■ Birds IBA overlaps with Special Protection Area. Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria ■ Ciconia ciconia White Stork B 1996 120 180 B B2, C6 Conservation issues Elanus caeruleus Black-winged Kite R 1996 8 10 A C6 Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (B), Construction/impact of dyke/ Milvus migrans Black Kite B 1996 6 10 B B2, C6 Circus pygargus Montagu’s Harrier B 1996 50 80 B B3, C6 dam/barrage (A), Firewood collection (B) Falco naumanni Lesser Kestrel B 1996 30 40 B A1, B2, C1, C6 Ongoing abandonment of agriculture will lead to an increase in the Grus grus Crane W 1996 80 140 A C6 extent of scrub and a reduction in extent of steppic habitats, reducing Tetrax tetrax Little Bustard R 1996 300 360 A A1, B2, C1, C6 Otis tarda Great Bustard R 1996 300 320 A A1, B2, C1, C2, C6 densities of open-country bird species. There are plans to build a dam Burhinus oedicnemus Stone Curlew B 1996 100 150 B B2, C6 downriver, which will partially flood the area, and another large reservoir Pterocles orientalis B 1996 20 40 B C6 is planned upstream, which will affect water-flow through the site. Black-bellied Sandgrouse Coracias garrulus Roller B 1996 40 60 A C6 Melanocorypha calandra Calandra Lark B 1994 200 400 B C6 South-west coast of Portugal B1iv, B2, C6 031 The area is of great importance for breeding birds of steppic habitats, Admin region Alentejo Litoral, Algarve especially Otis tarda (the most important site in Portugal). Coordinates 37°24’N 8°51’W Altitude 0–156 m Area 74,563 ha ■ Protection status National None International Partial IBA overlaps with Special Protection Area. ■ Site description A long stretch of rocky coast, from Sines to Sagres, including a large ■ Conservation issues proportion of the south-west coast of Portugal, as well as the extreme south-west point of Europe at Cape São Vicente. There are small Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (B), Afforestation (B), Agricultural beaches, river-mouths, and farmland and scrub on inland plateaus. intensification/expansion (B), Disturbance to birds (C) Habitats Forest and woodland (mixed forest; broadleaved evergreen forest), Scrub Nesting birds are disturbed by the increasing road-traffic in the region (sclerophyllous scrub/garrigue/maquis), Wetland (tidal river/enclosed tidal water; saltmarsh; and by the aircraft used in aerial spraying for agriculture. The weakness sand-dunes/sand beach; shingle/stony beach; standing fresh water), Rocky areas (sea cliff/ of the rural economy may lead farmers to change land-uses, which rocky shore; rock stacks/islets; caves), Artificial landscape (arable land; forestry plantation) will affect the present high natural value of this landscape. The Land-use Agriculture, Fisheries/aquaculture, Hunting, Nature conservation/research, continuance of low-intensity land-uses is vital for the conservation of Tourism/recreation the steppe avifauna.

459 Important Bird Areas in Europe – Portugal

■ Birds numbers increase significantly during the summer months due to the Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria influx of tourists. Ciconia ciconia White Stork R 1996 20 40 B C6 Habitats Forest and woodland (native coniferous forest), Scrub (sclerophyllous scrub/ 1 Circaetus gallicus Short-toed Eagle B 1996 Frequent — C6 Falco peregrinus Peregrine R 1996 Frequent — C6 garrigue/maquis), Wetland (tidal river/enclosed tidal water; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Chough R 1996 10 20 B B2, C6 sand-dunes/sand beach; coastal lagoon; standing fresh water; standing brackish and salt 1. Common during migration. water; river/stream; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (arable land; perennial crops/orchards/groves; forestry plantation; ruderal land), Introduced/exotic vegetation Important numbers of cliff-nesting species breed, and Cape São Land-use Agriculture, Fisheries/aquaculture, Forestry, Military, Nature conservation/ Vicente concentrates significant numbers of migrating raptors, research, Tourism/recreation, Urban/industrial/transport particularly Gyps fulvus and Hieraaetus pennatus. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Falco naumanni (probably extinct), Tetrax tetrax (resident, frequent). The area is used ■ Birds as an emergency stop-over site by migrating passerines. Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria ■ Ixobrychus minutus Little Bittern B 1996 Common — C6 Protection status Egretta garzetta Little Egret R 1996 500 700 A C6 National High International High Ciconia ciconia White Stork R 1996 10 15 A C6 67,768 ha of IBA covered by Natural Park (Costa Vicentina e Sudoeste 1 Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill W 1996 150 350 A A4i, B1i, C2 Alentejano, 89,617 ha). 74,563 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Anas penelope Wigeon W 1996 1,500 11,500 A A4i, B1i, C3 Area (Costa Sudoeste, 74,563 ha). Porphyrio porphyrio Purple Gallinule R 1996 10 15 A C6 1,2 Himantopus himantopus R 1996 350 400 A A4i, B1i, C2, C6 ■ Conservation issues Black-winged Stilt 3 Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet W 1996 650 750 A B2 Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (A), Afforestation (B), Agricultural Glareola pratincola Collared Pratincole B 1996 25 45 A B2, C6 intensification/expansion (B), Aquaculture/fisheries (C), Disturbance to birds (B), Natural Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover W 1996 2,000 4,500 A A4i, B1i, C3 events (B), Recreation/tourism (A) Charadrius alexandrinus Kentish Plover R 1996 800 1,200 A A4i, B1i, B2, C3 Charadrius alexandrinus Kentish Plover W — 2,000 4,000 — A4i, B1i, C3 Due to ongoing land-abandonment, the extent of scrub is increasing Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover W 1996 1,700 3,000 A A4i, B1i, C3 at the expense of non-intensive farmland. Coastal erosion is a problem Calidris alpina Dunlin W 1996 12,000 22,500 A A4i, B1i, B2, C3 and the development of tourist infrastructure poses strong pressures. Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit W 1996 1,900 4,200 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2 Cliff-nesting birds are disturbed by professional and amateur anglers. Tringa totanus Redshank W 1996 1,000 2,000 A B1i, C3 A few endemic plant species occur at this site. Arenaria interpres Turnstone W — 500 1,000 — A4i, B1i, C3 Arenaria interpres Turnstone P 1996 700 1,200 A A4i, B1i, C3 Sterna albifrons Little Tern B 1996 200 300 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 1. Large increase. Leixão da Gaivota C6 032 2. 600–750 wintering. Admin region Algarve 3. 40–50 pairs breed regularly. Coordinates 37°06’N 8°30’W The site is important for numerous waterbirds, especially for beach- Altitude 0–30 m Area 1 ha nesting Charadrius alexandrinus and Sterna albifrons and for wintering waders and duck, holding 20,000 or more wintering waterbirds on a ■ Site description regular basis. The reedbeds of the site are important for several nesting A small rocky islet with a flat top covered by scrub, very close to waterbird species, as well as for large numbers of migrating passerines Portimão on the south coast of Portugal. during both autumn and spring migration.

Habitats Rocky areas (100%; rock stacks/islets) ■ Protection status Land-use Not utilized National Partial International High 14,373 ha of IBA covered by Natural Park (Ria Formosa, 14,373 ha). ■ Birds 23,296 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Ria Formosa, 23,296 ha). 16,000 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Ria Formosa, Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria 16,000 ha). Egretta garzetta Little Egret B — 5 150 — C6 The most important heronry on offshore rocky islets in Portugal. ■ Conservation issues Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Aquaculture/fisheries (A), ■ Protection status Disturbance to birds (A), Dredging/canalization (B), Groundwater abstraction (A), National None International High Industrialization/urbanization (A), Natural events (B), Recreation/tourism (A), 1 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Leixão da Gaivota, Unsustainable exploitation (A) 1 ha). Tourists cause disturbance to birds, which can be moderately high ■ Conservation issues locally, especially for beach-nesting species. The intensification of farming in the vicinity is increasing the flow into the lagoon of Threats Industrialization/urbanization (U), Recreation/tourism (U) pollutants (herbicides, pesticides and nutrients), and is also using The heronry is inaccessible and therefore not prone to disturbance. excessive amounts of groundwater, thus disturbing the water balance The egrets do however feed in a nearby estuary that is subject to at the site. The bivalves and polychaete worms of the intertidal flats pressure from port development and tourism activities. are very intensively exploited by man, thus reducing the food supply for some waterbird species. Natural erosion is an additional threat. There is a management plan for the Natural Park. Ria Formosa (Faro lagoon) A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, 033 Admin region Algarve C2, C3, C4, C6 Coordinates 37°02’N 7°48’W Castro Marim A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 034 Altitude 0–25 m Area 23,296 ha Admin region Algarve Coordinates 37°13’N 7°26’W Altitude 0–50 m Area 2,147 ha ■ Site description An extensive lagoon system with large areas of sandflats, mudflats and saltmarshes, located on the south coast of Portugal. The lagoons ■ Site description are protected from the open sea by a long, thin, discontinuous belt of The Portuguese side of the Guadiana estuary, at the country’s sand-dunes. Several thousand people live around the IBA, and south-east corner. There is an extensive area of saltpans and of

460 Important Bird Areas in Europe – Portugal

claimed land (used for cattle and sheep-grazing) that was formerly Species ... continued Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria saltmarsh. 3 Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet W 1996 400 600 A B2 Habitats Wetland (tidal river/enclosed tidal water; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; coastal lagoon; Glareola pratincola Collared Pratincole B 1996 Frequent — C6 standing brackish and salt water), Artificial landscape (arable land; perennial crops/orchards/ Sterna albifrons Little Tern B 1996 50 75 B B2, C6 Melanocorypha calandra Calandra Lark B — Common — C6 groves; ruderal land) Land-use Agriculture, Fisheries/aquaculture, Nature conservation/research, Tourism/recreation 1. Large increase. 2. Similar numbers present during migratory periods. 3. 50–100 pairs breed. ■ Birds Important numbers of breeding, wintering and migrating waterbirds ■ Protection status use this site, as do some steppic species such as Tetrax tetrax. Species National Partial International High of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Falco 1,876 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Sapal de Castro Marim, naumanni (extinct; 10–20 pairs bred formerly). 2,154 ha). 2,147 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Sapais Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria de Castro Marim, 2,147 ha). IBA also overlaps with Ramsar Site 1 Ciconia ciconia White Stork R 1996 100 150 B B2, C6 (Sapais de Castro Marim, 2,235 ha). Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill P 1996 200 500 B A4i, B1i, C2 2 Phoenicopterus ruber Greater Flamingo W 1996 500 1,000 A A4i, B1i, C2 ■ Conservation issues Tetrax tetrax Little Bustard B 1996 Frequent — C6 Himantopus himantopus B 1996 300 400 B A4i, B1i, C2, C6 Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (B), Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (C), Black-winged Stilt Groundwater abstraction (B), Industrialization/urbanization (C), Recreation/tourism (C)

REFERENCES

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