Latest news and stories about biodiversity in Portugal for expats and residents.
A study by scientists from the Universities of the Azores and Lisbon, published in the scientific journal Nature, reveals that there is hope for the insects inhabiting the archipelago if protected areas are preserved.
Hélia Marchante, a researcher at the Polytechnic University of Coimbra, warns about the lack of control over this invasive plant. The ICNF action plan continues to remain unpublished.
A bee-eater, a stork, or a northern gannet could end up on euro banknotes. However, the spotlight could also be taken by another theme. Biodiversity or culture? The vote is open. Opinion by Henrique Miguel Pereira
The algae was detected about 10 years ago and, since then, constant records have been made.
The presence of this species, named Rugulopteryx okamurae and originating from the Mediterranean Sea, has grown significantly. Rising water temperatures and abnormal sea turbulence are among the main causes.
The sharp increase of an invasive algae species on the seabed of the Sines coast over the last few years is raising concerns about its impact on local biodiversity. Researcher Joaquim Parrinha warns that the Rugulopteryx okamurae species has expanded exponentially due to rising water temperatures, suffocating native species by blocking light and oxygen. The researcher suggests removing the accumulated biomass and exploring its potential use in agriculture to help restore the natural marine environment.
The Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre (MARE) has documented 231 non-native marine species currently present in Portuguese waters.
Iconic birds such as the little bustard, the great bustard, and the Montagu's harrier are at risk of extinction if nothing is done
The plan aims to “reverse ecosystem degradation and halt biodiversity loss.” Portugal is expected to invest 500 million per year until 2030 in nature restoration.
In Matosinhos, operational assistants are learning how to manage tanks and ponds to protect amphibians and invertebrates that inhabit municipal gardens.
The Portuguese government is set to deliver its national plan for nature restoration to European authorities in Brussels at the beginning of September.
Increasingly confined to a small part of the territory, the black wheatear is yet another bird species classified as Critically Endangered in the country.
The environmental association Zero expresses approval for the restrictions applied to the seventh stage of the cycling race.
Environmental groups have welcomed the decision to restrict public access to the Gerês area during the cycling race stage of the Volta a Portugal to protect the local ecosystem.
The Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests has granted conditional approval for the Volta a Portugal cycling race to pass through the Gerês region.
The European roller is experiencing a decline in its range within Portugal, even though the overall number of these birds is rising.
A study released today concluded that the European roller, a migratory bird with bluish tones that is threatened in Portugal where it nests, has lost breeding territory despite an increase in its population.
Portugal has a group of birds classified as Critically Endangered. The European roller, which nests here, is one of them. It is the bird with one of the smallest breeding populations in the country.
A work released this Monday focuses on the distribution and environmental status of seabirds and coastal birds in Portugal. There is also a new digital platform on the subject.
A report indicates that bird populations linked to farmland have been decreasing steadily over the last twenty years.
An otter has been spotted in the grounds of Pena Park, marking the first confirmed record of the species in the heart of the Sintra hills for several decades. The The post Otter returns to Sintra hills after decades-long absence appeared first on Portugal Resident.
An otter (Lutra lutra) was recently observed in Pena Park, Sintra. This is the first confirmed record of this species within the Sintra mountains in several decades, revealed Parques de Sintra on Friday, July 24th, highlighting the importance of this observation for understanding the region's biodiversity. The animal was captured by camera trap footage used to monitor wildlife and support conservation efforts. João Sousa Rego, chairman of the board, noted that it is currently unclear if the otter is a transient or a resident, but emphasized that its presence is a key biological indicator of the habitat quality in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. Consequently, the company announced a five-million-euro investment in climate resilience and biodiversity for this year, doubling previous efforts.
Agricultural areas are where the most bird species show a negative trend. In forest areas and urban zones, the news is slightly more encouraging.
In the S. Jacinto Dunes Nature Reserve, nature wardens always follow the same route to monitor butterflies. The Pollinator Action Plan is already underway.
Environmental groups have raised concerns and are seeking further information regarding the planned route of the Volta a Portugal cycling race through the Peneda-Gerês National Park.
Researchers from the Change Associated Laboratory warn about the lack of ambition and stable funding in the National Biodiversity Strategy.
Researcher and professor at the University of Porto, Paulo Talhadas dos Santos passed away at 66, leaving behind a legacy of teaching, science, and the defence of biodiversity.
Helena Freitas, an expert in ecology and biodiversity, analyses the causes leading to recurring wildfire seasons in Portugal.
