NEWS
OCTOBER 2025
REGULATORY MEASURES: BEST PRACTICES FOR USERS OF THE EASTERN MOUNTAIN MASSIF
REGULATORY MEASURES: BEST PRACTICES FOR USERS OF THE EASTERN MOUNTAIN MASSIF
The recent approval of the Regional Ordinance with conservation measures for the nesting habitat of the Madeiran nuthatch is an important tool within the MMO's protected area management plan. It consolidates the area's use regulations and reinforces the importance of Best Practices for the conservation of the Madeiran nuthatch.
The LIFE Freiras project launched a Best Practices campaign on IFCN's social media channels, focused on providing important guidance for all visitors to the MMO, whether locals and experts in the area or occasional tourists. In addition to its digital presence, the campaign has generated interest in regional media.
This campaign aims to raise awareness of this habitat and its weaknesses so that visitors better understand the need for appropriate behavior in this protected area. Everyone who visits the MMO is encouraged to actively protect the Madeira petrel!
Check out the Best Practices Guide!
OCTOBER 2025
THE LONGEST DISTANCE 'ULTRA TRAIL' AND 'ECOTRAIL' EVENTS PASSED THROUGH THE FREIRA-DA-MADEIRA DR. RUI SILVA CENTER, IN AREEIRO
We marked the return of trail running events to the Eastern Mountain Range with hundreds of athletes in various races, across various levels, taking advantage of the unique characteristics of Madeira's mountains to host these challenging sporting events.
At the beginning of the month, the 'Ultra Trail' event, organized by the Madeira Athletics Association, had several hundred participants. Before the month was out, the EcoTrail event, organized by the Madeiran National Highway and the Funchal City Council, also passed through Areeiro for the two longest distance races of the event, the 60km and 45km. The Dr. Rui Silva Freira-da-Madeira Center was used by the organizers as a refreshment station for the athletes, where they learned about the Freira-da-Madeira and the LIFE Freiras project.
In addition to the strong participation of athletes in these events, which provide exposure to Madeira's natural resources and protected areas, it is worth highlighting the dozens of nationalities among the participants, demonstrating the broad reach of these sporting events.
OCTOBER 2025
NATURE WATCHERS BRING LIFE FREIRAS TO ECHOO MADEIRA NATURE FEST 2025
Gil Pereira, IFCN Nature Watcher, attended Echoo Talks to discuss the Madeira petrel, a seabird endemic to Madeira, and the conservation work being carried out under the LIFE FREIRAS Project. He mentioned the various activities carried out throughout the year in the field, the work carried out by Nature Watchers, and the need to follow best practices in the use of the area where the species nests, specifically in the Eastern Mountain Range. In this regard, he released the Best Practices Guide for human activities in the Eastern Mountain Range of Madeira Island.
SEPTEMBER 2025
SPEA-ORGANIZED BLACKOUT: "HELP THE MADEIRA PETREL REACH THE SEA!"
SPEA, a partner of the FREIRA PROJECT, organized a blackout on September 27th to raise awareness among the Madeiran population about the impact of light pollution on the departure of Madeira petrel chicks from their nests.
By highlighting the passageways of this species as they move to the sea, this action also served as a reminder that we are currently at the stage when the juveniles of this endemic and "endangered" species are leaving their nests. At this stage, anyone can help the juveniles by reducing external lighting in their homes, which disorients them on their journey to the sea. Every year, some chicks are found disoriented, and knowing what to do if you encounter a bird in distress is also important. Therefore, all publicity for this action also includes contact information for the SOS Wildlife Network. Promoting proactive and conscious behavior, SPEA identifies a month (from September 15th to October 15th) in which everyone can effectively help the Madeira petrel.
SEPTEMBER 2025
RINGING OF MADEIRA PETREL BEGINS
In September, ringing of Madeira petrels juveniles began in the various "mangas," the species' nesting sites in the Eastern Mountain Range. The timing of this task is crucial, as this method allows for the largest possible number of individuals to be identified before they fledge. In this early stage of life, each juvenile, after leaving the nest, will spend its first years in a vast oceanic area. They will only return to land for their first breeding.
Ringing is a valuable tool in monitoring and conserving a population. A simple coded ring can provide a wealth of relevant information about the individual and also about the species, such as its distribution, survival, reproductive success, longevity, migration, among others. This marking method is widely used worldwide by many researchers.
AUGUST 2025
PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE 'PETRELS BY NIGHT' PROJECT VISITS AREEIRO TO FILM THE MADEIRA PETRELS
Bart Vercruysse is fascinated by photographing the invisible, to our eyes. Through his photographs, he shows us another side of nature, the animals we cannot see in the dark of night. With his mastery, extensive knowledge of the characteristics of each species he photographs, and all his equipment, Bart predicts the best shots in quick passages of the animals. Recommendations from field researchers help him in his search for the best spots and angles, but long hours of dedication are required in each photo, which amazes us with the details revealed by these seabirds as they emerge from the darkness.
In 2015, the "Petrels by Night" project was born, taking Bart to various parts of our planet to photograph these species on their only trips to land to nest. Completing a decade dedicated to this mission, the photographer is preparing to capture the last Macaronesian seabird missing from this portfolio—the Madeira Petrel, which visited Areeiro last month. On a previous trip to Desertas, the photos he captured of the Petrel allowed us to contemplate, in great detail and up close, the beauty of these birds. For now, these images remain, important for bringing us closer to the Petrels that spend most of their lives so far away, at sea.
©Bart Vercruysse, Petrels by Night project
AUGUST 2025
GOOD PRACTICES IN THE MOUNTAIN MASS DISCLOSED ON REGIONAL TV
Last month, the LIFE Freiras Project appeared on the RTP Madeira program "Verão cá dentro" (Summer Inside), promoting best practices for human activities in the Eastern Mountain Massif (MMO), the nesting area of the Madeiran nuthatch.
The increase in visitors and activities in the MMO has been a concern due to the potential negative impact it could have on this protected area, threatening the reproductive success of the Madeiran nuthatch.
The LIFE Freiras Project is working to regulate human activities in the area, with a best practices guide already available for all visitors to consult.
JULY 2025
RESULTS OF BROAD MONITORING AND NATIVE VEGETATION REGENERATION
One of the planned actions in the LIFE Pterodromas4future project is vegetation monitoring in the areas where broom (Cytisus scoparius) control work is taking place.
Last month, IFCN technicians conducted the third vegetation monitoring in the intervention areas.
Compared to the initial situation recorded in 2023, a significant reduction in broom density and an increase in native vegetation regeneration were observed in the intervention areas. These results indicate the success of the control methods applied.
Broom control has thus proven to be an essential action to promote the recovery of native species in the project area.
JULY 2025
LIFE FREIRAS TEAM, IN DESERTAS ISLANDS to MONITORS THE NESTING OF THE BUGIO PETREL
The Howler's Nuns (Pterodroma deserta) begin their nesting season in June with the arrival of the first pairs on the island and only complete their reproductive cycle in January with the fledglings leaving the nests for the sea.
On the southern plateau of Bugio, where this species nests, the first work of each nesting season began with the improvement of some nests and the installation of cameras and automatic recorders to monitor the animals' movements in this colony.
The team currently on Bugio is carrying out monitoring tasks such as confirming nest occupancy and proper equipment functioning. During this work, the beginning of the incubation phase was confirmed, with several parents found in the nest, ensuring that the eggs receive the necessary care.
JULY 2025
LIFE PETRELS FEATURED IN THE REGIONAL PRESS ON NATURE CONSERVATION DAY
July 28th is World Nature Conservation Day, which always generates significant media interest in species conservation.
The Madeira Newspaper Diário de Notícias dedicated several pages of its print publication to this topic on this day, featuring statements from regional entities responsible for nature conservation management, opinions from international experts on the status and evolution of this issue in Madeira, and presentations of several projects underway in the region.
The LIFE PTERODROMAS4FUTURE Project, with positive results and updates from the most recent Madeiran petrel nesting season, was one of the standout examples.
The four-page publication addresses the role of the IFCN in the technical management and support of several nature conservation projects, which are crucial to the necessary safeguarding of Madeira's unique natural resources and biodiversity. On the cover, the large photo of the first Madeira nuthatch chick of this nesting season, due to its uniqueness, highlighted the project and aroused much curiosity among its readers. Within the journal, a page entirely dedicated to this project allowed us to: present the biological characteristics of the species, the history of conservation projects carried out over the years to preserve it; and explain some of the methodology used in the field that has allowed us to acquire knowledge about the species and thus intervene to ensure the stability of its population, which nests exclusively on the escarpments of the Eastern Mountain Massif of Madeira Island.
The reach of these articles is crucial in connecting the entire population of the island with these projects and the species with which they coexist, transmitting information and raising awareness even to those who have no specific interest in this topic.
JUNE 2025
MADEIRA-PETREL FIRST CHICK OF 2025 IS BORN.
The Nature Watch team, while monitoring the Madeira-Petrel nests last week in Areeiro, confirmed the hatching of the first Madeira-Petrel chick of this breeding season.
The Madeira-Petrel lay only one egg per breeding season, each year.
For successful breeding, the parents must complete several steps: returning to land and preparing the nest, protecting the egg from the moment it is laid until the chick hatches, and ensuring that the chick grows to become independent. Each pair demonstrates great dedication throughout this process.
The LIFE FREIRAS project team is paying special attention to nesting areas during this time, intensifying field work until the end of the breeding season in September and October.
JUNE 2025
MONITORING WORK FOR INVASIVE PLANT CONTROL
The plant monitoring work (action D4) in the nuns' nesting area is important for verifying the results of the invasive species control actions carried out over the past few years (actions C5).
At this time of year, because they are flowering, the team responsible can better identify the species. They check the number of species and the plant cover in each sampled square, out of the eight defined for this monitoring.
The teachers who participated in the training session "The Conservation of Madeira's petrels" were able to observe this work in the field during the practical visit to Areeiro. This was an opportunity to demonstrate the positive impact of invasive species control within this project.
JUNE 2025
"GOOD PRACTICES IN MADEIRA'S PROTECTED AREAS" WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF LIFE FREIRAS
On June 18th, the online training "Good Practices in Madeira's Protected Areas" took place, led by our partner SPEA Madeira, in which LIFE FREIRAS was invited to participate. This event, part of the STOP Predators project, focused on raising awareness of the impact of invasive species on biodiversity.
The audience, mostly students and nature enthusiasts, totaling 35 participants, learned more about the invasive mammal species in Madeira and the impacts this threat has on the Madeiran nuthatch and howler monkey populations. The conservation work carried out in this area by the LIFE FREIRAS project and how important good practices are to help these birds were presented.
JUNE 2025
TEACHER TRAINING ON PETRELS AND THEIR CONSERVATION
On June 17th and 18th, another training session was held for a group of 19 teachers from the Regional Administration of Madeira (RAM) within the scope of the LIFE FREIRAS project (E2 action). On the 17th, the theoretical portion was held at the Dr. Luís Maurílio da Silva Dantas Elementary and High School (Carmo). IFCN technicians discussed the following topics: the LIFE Project and the Madeira petrels and the howler monkey, highlighting the particularities of both species; the classification of nesting areas within the Natura 2000 Network; the native and endemic flora of the MMO; the control and eradication of invasive plants in that area; the work carried out to date and the results obtained; and also the topic of light pollution, developed by a technician from SPEA, a project partner.
The practical component took place on June 18th in the Eastern Mountain Massif, nesting area of the Madeira nuthatch, and aims to raise awareness and make known in situ, the habitat and life cycle of the Madeira nuthatch, fieldwork carried out in that area, its threats and main conservation measures implemented and to be implemented.
MAY 2025
MADEIRA'S PETREL NIGHTTIME LISTENING CONDUCTED BY SPEA
During the month of May, SPEA, a partner of the LIFE FREIRAS project, hosted four nighttime listening sessions for the Madeiran petrel at Pico do Areeiro.
Held in the early evening, these awareness-raising activities allow participants to hear the characteristic vocalizations of these animals as they move ashore to prepare their nests. A total of 23 participants (SPEA members, employees, volunteers, and stakeholders) had the opportunity to verify the presence of the Madeiran petrel in its nesting area using this method (action E4 within the project).
MAY 2025
LIFE FREIRAS WITH A FUN-EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY AT THE SEA FAIR
In celebration of European Maritime Day on May 22nd, several interactive activities took place at the "Sea Fair" at the Funchal Marine Biology Station. Promoted by MARE-Madeira, ARDITI, and UMa, this fair allowed children and families to playfully explore various topics directly related to the sea.
Between games and a 360-degree video, they learned more about themselves: seaweed, sharks, and seabirds, always in a relaxed and fun way. With several stalls spread throughout the space, the LIFE Freiras project promoted a fun-educated activity about petrels and their conservation.
MAY 2025
SHARING PROJECTS TO COMBAT INTRODUCED PREDATORS AND INVASIVE PLANTS
LIFE FREIRAS presented its work with introduced predators and invasive plants at the presentation event for the project coordinated by its partner SPEA, BESTLIFE2023 STOP Predators, which took place on May 20th at the Whale Museum in Caniçal.
This new project aims to mitigate threats to seabirds on Madeira Island by assessing the impact of introduced species and raising awareness among coastal populations.
Introduced predators, such as cats, rats, and ferrets, are one of the greatest threats to seabirds, especially in island habitats, and can easily drive a species like the Madeira nuthatch to extinction.
Sharing knowledge about predator control methodologies and awareness-raising measures among civil society is extremely important for the conservation of these protected species.
MAY 2025
TEACHERS VISIT THE MADEIRA'S PETREL NESTING AREA
On May 20th, the practical component of the training session on the LIFE Freiras project took place at Pico do Areeiro, with approximately 20 teachers from Machico Elementary and Secondary School.
This activity was the culmination of the theoretical training session led at the aforementioned school by technicians from the IFCN and SPEA. The training aims to raise awareness about the project, the Petrels, the Natura 2000 Network habitats, the flora of the Mountain Range, and important threats such as terrestrial predators, invasive plants, and light pollution.
MARCH 2025
PREPARATION WORK BEGINS FOR THE MADEIRA FRUITS' BREEDING SEASON IN THE EASTERN MOUNTAIN MASSES
This month, several preparations began for the arrival of the Madeira FRUITS in its nesting area in the Eastern Mountain Range. In anticipation of the arrival of this species to breed, and to ensure a successful breeding season, we must: check the condition of the nests, install automatic cameras that will allow us to monitor the entire season, and set traps for predators (cats and rats) in the areas adjacent to the nesting areas.
The LIFE FRUITS team, technicians, and Nature Rangers, were in the field, providing the best conditions for the arrival of the Madeira FRUITS to maximize their breeding success.
FEBRUARY 2025
RAISE AWARENESS OF GOOD PRACTICES IN HUMAN ACTIVITIES
As part of the project's awareness-raising initiative on good practices in human activities in the Madeiran nuthatch's nesting area (action E2.1), initiatives were initiated targeting users of natural spaces and ecological trails, specifically the Mountain Range where this endemic bird nests.
The awareness-raising initiative, which involved approximately 20 participants from tour operators, guides, teachers, and students, took place at the Dr. Rui Silva Madeiran Nuthatch Center and covered part of the designated trail—Vereda do Areeiro—to visit the nesting area.
This initiative not only raised awareness of the importance of adopting good practices, but also promoted information about the indigenous flora and vegetation of Madeira in the Mountain Range, with a view to preserving local biodiversity.
FEBRUARY 2025
ACTIONS AND RESULTS IN LIFE FREIRAS
After 3 years of the project, there are many actions under development and results:
- More than 150 days of field work each year in the nesting areas of the Freiras, carried out by Nature Watchers and technicians from IFCN and partners;
- More than 100 nests of each species monitored annually, with around 20 automatic cameras placed in the nests to study the breeding season;
- Development of a software for screening, management and analysis of images;
- Around 10 hours of target area for broom control in Areeiro, around the nesting areas of the Madeira petrel;
- A contingency plan for fires and other disasters in Areeiro is under development;
- Preparation of a Regulation and a Guide to good practices for human activities in the Eastern Mountain Massif;
- Production of a 3D map of the nesting area of the Madeiran nuthatch, using drone technology;
- Improvement of access conditions, by sea and land, to Bugio - nesting area of the Madeira petrel;
- Monitoring and control of predators of the Madeiran nuthatch, with around 70 boxes of rodenticide and 25 capture traps;
- From the 21/22 school year to 2024, more than 480 environmental education actions carried out in schools by the IFCN and SPEA;
- Development of light pollution maps in the potential passage corridor of the Madeira petrel;
- Production of two Good Practice Guides for lighting on board and in coastal areas;
FEBRUARY 2025
EXECUTIVE MEETING OF THE PROJECT AND ITS ACTIONS
With the beginning of another year, another meeting of the Executive Committee of this nature conservation project coordinated by the IFCN was held on February 5th.
It was attended by partners Xis-Group and SPEA, as well as the various IFCN technical teams involved in the project, including technical and financial management, outreach, knowledge and monitoring of the Freiras population, mitigation and response to threats: predators, invasive plants, light pollution, human activities, and a contingency plan in response to natural disasters in the area.
The meeting aimed to share many ongoing actions, results, and the plan for 2025.
JANUARY 2025
WORKSHOP: MITIGATION OF LIGHT POLLUTION IN MARINE ENVIRONMENTS
Promoted by the partner SPEA, the action was aimed at employees of maritime tourism companies and aimed to raise awareness about the problem of light pollution, which affects seabirds, but also other species.
In this workshop, participants learned about light pollution, its situation in Madeira on land and at sea, and about the projects that have been working on this topic, such as LIFE Freiras and LIFE Natura@night.
In addition to learning about regulations and good practices that can be applied to reduce artificial lighting on vessels and in coastal areas, participants also had the opportunity to analyze some case studies of lighting on vessels and ports, discuss the environmental and socioeconomic benefits and present minimization measures.
OCTOBER 2024
LIFE FREIRAS PRESENT AT THE ECO TRAIL 2024
On October 19th, the LIFE Freiras project was present at the ECO TRAIL event, a trail running event that takes place every year on the island of Madeira and was attended by around 370 athletes.
This test passed through the Eastern Mountain Massif - a nesting area for the Madeira petrel, with the Madeira petrel Center at Pico do Areeiro as the supply point, where the LIFE Freiras conservation project was publicized.
OCTOBER 2024
LIFE FREIRAS PRESENT AT THE ULTRA MADEIRA 2024 RACE
With the aim of promoting the project, as part of its dissemination and awareness-raising actions, on October 5th, the LIFE Freiras project was present at the Ultra Madeira event, a trail running event that took place entirely on the island of Madeira and had around 560 athletes.
This test passed through the Eastern Mountain Massif - a nesting area for the Madeira petrel, with the Madeira petrel Center at Pico do Areeiro as the supply point, where the LIFE Freiras conservation project was publicized.
SEPTEMBER 2024
TRIVALOR VOLUNTEERING IN PICO DO AREEIRO
Lastly, September 21st, there was another volunteering action by Trivalor in Pico do Areeiro, continuing the work developed within the scope of the protocol of Strategic Cooperation for the Development of Restoration and Management of Forest and High-Altitude Habitats on Madeira Island, between IFCN and the aforementioned company, signed in July 2023.
This time, the intervention area was next to the viewpoint, where some protections from existing indigenous plants, previously planted, were removed and broom, an invasive plant, was cut down.
It is worth noting that the LIFE Freiras project relies on public, private and societal involvement and support, an example being this partnership that was also established in favor of the sustainability of the endemic Madeira petrel, with an underlying concern regarding threats to its nesting habitat and the protected area of the Eastern Mountain Massif.
JUNE 2024
VISIT FROM THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION TO MONITOR THE LIFE FREIRAS PROJECT
It was on the 17th and 18th of June that the LIFE Freiras project received a visit from the European Commission - CINEA, through the presence of LIFE Project Adviser - Simona Bacchereti and the External Monitor of the LIFE program, ELMEN EEIG - João Salgado.
Approximately 2 years after the start of the project, this visit aimed to evaluate the progress of its actions.
During the first day, a technical meeting took place, in which representatives of each project beneficiary (IFCN, SPEA and XGT) presented the state of play and results of the actions so far.
The following day, a visit was made to one of the project's intervention areas in the Eastern Mountain Massif - the Madeira petrels nesting area, where the project teams (technicians and IFCN Nature Watchers) showed the work carried out in the terrain, focusing on actions to control invasive plants and monitor birds and their predators.
This visit made it possible to provide useful indications for the implementation of the actions, in order to achieve the expected results and objectives defined in each action.
JUNE 2024
LOCAL COMMUNITY LISTENING TO MADEIRA PETREL
There were 18 SPEA members and volunteers who participated in three listening activities to the Madeira nun during the month of May, in addition to 5 members of the SPEA team, including interns and technicians. At the beginning of each activity, the story behind the conservation of the Madeira petrel and the most diverse threats that jeopardize the survival of this species, exclusive to the Mountain Massif and target of the LIFE Freiras project, was explained. At dusk, around 10pm, it was possible to hear the vocalizations so characteristic of this protected species, next to their nests.
MAY 2024
TRAINING FOR TEACHERS ABOUT PETRELS, HABITATS, THREATS AND CONSERVATION
As part of the project's E2 action, another training session for teachers took place with the aim of raising awareness about the LIFE Project, the petrels, the Natura 2000 habitats, the flora of the Mountain Massif and important threats, such as terrestrial predators, invasive plants and light pollution.
The training took place in a classroom and in one of the project's intervention areas in Areeiro - the nesting area of the Madeira petrel, with the support of technicians from IFCN and SPEA and Nature Watchers.
This is an important audience due to the multiplier effect created.
MAY 2024
LIFE FREIRAS AS AN EXAMPLE IN LIFE TRAINING
The LIFE Freiras project was one of the successful examples of approval of the Nature and Biodiversity (NAT) subprogram, presented during the dissemination session and regional workshop for Call 2024 of the LIFE Program in Funchal, within the scope of the National Training Project (LIFE CAP PT II - Portugal Capacity Building for Better Use of LIFE II) which aims to enhance the use of the LIFE Program in Portugal.
The session took place at the IFCN headquarters, IP-RAM on May 23rd, with the participation of several partners and entities, and dedicated to all subprograms. This was an opportunity to publicize the project.
MAY 2024
WORK FOR THE CONSERVATION OF THE
MADEIRA PETREL
With the return of the endemic Madeira petrel to its nests since March, work on the ground to monitor it continues:
Recovery of nests and the surrounding area;
Monitoring of nests with the placement of automatic cameras and recorders;
Monitoring of predator, cat and rat traps;
Georeferencing of predator nests and traps with precision GPS;
These works carried out by Nature Watchers and IFCN technicians are of fundamental importance to maintain the conservation status of this threatened seabird.
MAY 2024
CONTINUITY OF AREA RECOVERY IN THE MOUNTAIN MASSIF
On May 18th, the company Trivalor was present in Pico do Areeiro, more specifically at the Juncal viewpoint for another activity within the scope of the protocol of Strategic Cooperation for the Development of Restoration and Management of Forest and High-Altitude Habitats on Madeira Island, between IFCN and the aforementioned company, signed in July 2023. On this day, they cut down invasive plants, removed protection from existing plants, watered plants and collected rubbish in the surrounding area. It should be noted that the LIFE Freiras project counts on public, private and societal involvement and support, an example being this partnership that was also established in favor of the sustainability of the endemic Madeira nun, with underlying concern regarding threats to its nesting habitat and the protected area of the Eastern Mountain Massif.
MAY 2024
MURAL OF THE FREIRA-DA-MADEIRA IN SANTANA
The LIFE Freiras project congratulates the mural alluding to Madeira's exclusive seabird, the Madeira petrel!
This mural, whose work is by the artist Bordalo II, is part of the project “Microplastics and their impact on the Biosphere” created by 10th 1st students at Escola Básica e Secundária Bispo D. Manuel Ferreira Cabral, coordinated by Professor Ângela Morais .
Through this initiative, students join LIFE Freiras, with the aim of raising awareness among the general public about the vulnerability of this threatened seabird and the importance of its conservation. It also aims to raise awareness of habits that promote environmental sustainability.
APRIL 2024
LIFE FREIRAS PRESENT AT THE MIUT 2024
With the aim of publicizing the project, as part of publicity and awareness-raising activities, on April 27th, the LIFE Freiras project was present at the Madeira Island Ultra Trail (MIUT), one of the most important trail running events worldwide. .
This race passed through the Eastern Mountain Massif - the nesting area of the Madeira petrel, and has the Freira-da-madeira Center in Pico do Areeiro as its supply point, and was attended by around 3,580 athletes of different nationalities.
Volunteers from the event organization also collaborate in filling out a survey as part of the aforementioned project.
APRIL 2024
ATELIER ABOUT THE PETRELS
Recently, Eira do Serrado and Porto da Cruz received interpretive tables from the LIFE Freiras Project. These provide information about the endemic seabirds, Madeira Petrel and Desertas Petrel, and their conservation project initiatives.
With the Porto da Cruz interpretive table as a backdrop, project partner SPEA promoted an environmental education activity with 33 students from Escola EB 1,2,3/PE in Porto da Cruz. During this initiative, questions about Petrels and their threats, namely light pollution, were addressed.
MARCH 2024
MEETING OF THE SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE ON THE THEME OF PREDATORS
It was at the end of March that the II Scientific Meeting of the project took place on the theme of Madeira petrel predators. The project welcomed Professor Maria da Luz Mathias and researcher Sofia Gabriel, both from the Department of Animal Biology of the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, in person, with the aim of providing advice and guidance in the study and control of predators, including a visit to the intervention area of the project in Areeiro.
The introduction of terrestrial predators by humans, such as rats and cats, has become the greatest threat to seabirds, particularly in island habitats. Over the years, the implemented control program has guaranteed the conservation of the Madeira petrel, through the creation of predator exclusion zones and the effort of field work in monitoring traps. However, bird deaths due to predation are recorded almost every year, as a result of the constant presence of rats, cats and even ferrets in the area, and their resilience to the control scheme.
MARCH 2024
MONTHLY HOBBY LIFE FREIRAS
Recently, Eira do Serrado and Porto da Cruz received interpretive tables from the LIFE Freiras Project. These provide information about the endemic seabirds, Madeira Petrel and Desertas Petrel, and their conservation project initiatives.
With the Porto da Cruz interpretive table as a backdrop, project partner SPEA promoted an environmental education activity with 33 students from Escola EB 1,2,3/PE in Porto da Cruz. During this initiative, questions about Petrels and their threats, namely light pollution, were addressed.
JANUARY 2024
EXECUTIVE MEETING OF THE PROJECT LIFE FREIRAS
On January 31, 2024, another executive meeting of the LIFE Freiras project was held.
This face-to-face meeting was attended by partners and technical teams from the project's various work themes, who shared activities developed and results after the second year of the project.
It was also the time to plan for 2024, continuing work to improve the conservation status of the endemic Madeira Petrel in the archipelago, increase knowledge about these birds and raise awareness among the population of the importance of their conservation.
JANUARY 2024
LIFE PETRELS CONTINUES IN SCHOOLS
Educational activities within the scope of the LIFE Freiras conservation project continue to be promoted in schools.
The workshop “Petrels, mountaineering birds and navigators” was organized at the Presentation of Maria Kindergarten – Associação Calheta.
Young children were enchanted by the characteristics of these two seabirds, exclusive to the Madeira archipelago, and by exploring the activity booklet relating to the theme!
DECEMBER 2023
INTERPRETIVE TABLES TO BETTER KNOW THE PETRELS
Recently, Eira do Serrado and Porto da Cruz received interpretive tables from the LIFE Freiras Project. These provide information about the endemic seabirds, Madeira Petrel and Desertas Petrel, and their conservation project initiatives.
With the Porto da Cruz interpretive table as a backdrop, project partner SPEA promoted an environmental education activity with 33 students from Escola EB 1,2,3/PE in Porto da Cruz. During this initiative, questions about Petrels and their threats, namely light pollution, were addressed.
NOVEMBER 2023
LIFE FREIRAS AT THE ORNITHOLOGY CONGRESS
It was between the 22nd and 26th that LIFE Freiras was present at the XI Ornithology Congress and II Jornadas da Macaronésia in Ponta Delgada - Azores, to publicize its actions and share results with researchers, biologists, ornithologists and students. This congress is the main scientific technical event on ornithology and conservation of birds and habitats at national level, in this edition also dedicated to the Macaronesian archipelagos.
Within the scope of LIFE Freiras, an oral communication was presented by partner XGT, with the title: "AI-Driven Predator Alert for the Protection of Endemic Pterodromas in the Madeira Archipelago", about the system developed for screening and organizing images from automatic cameras used to monitor nuns and their predators. A poster was also presented to publicize the Project's general actions, focusing on the use of equipment that will help the future conservation of these endemic seabirds.
OCTOBER 2023
TRAINING IN MOUNTAIN TECHNIQUES
It was during October and November that 2 training sessions in mountain techniques took place, given to the field teams involved in the conservation and monitoring work of the Madeira Petrel, together with the teams that will work on the contingency plan in the event of a natural disaster. in the nesting area of this seabird.
The training took place within the scope of the LIFE Freiras Project and aimed to train and recycle knowledge in mountain and rescue techniques with rope access. It was aimed at Nature Wardens, Forestry Sappers and IFCN technicians, during two days of theoretical and practical components in the middle of the mountains.
SEPTEMBER 2023
ERASMUS GROUP VISIT THE MADEIRA PETREL CENTER
It was on September 26th that a group of 60 Erasmus students, from Escola Básica e Secundária de Santa Cruz, visited the Freira-da-Madeira center located in Areeiro.
The group, through a guided tour, saw the permanent exhibition alluding to the Madeira petrel and its habitat, and later, next to the nesting area (Ninho da Manta) they were made aware of the Project.
SEPTEMBER 2023
XGT PARTNER NEWS
The XIS Group joined forces and played a vital role in this project: the development of a system that recognizes the species present in the images, as well as their proper management and organization.
As a result, this system has the ability to detect potential predators, notify and act quickly against these threats.
But our commitment doesn’t end there! We are not just detecting threats and monitoring existing nests; we are venturing into unknown territory, exploring new nesting areas.
This effort has the potential to reveal a previously underestimated population count, shedding new light on the archipelago's magnificent Petrels.
Together, we are writing a brighter future for these unique inhabitants of the bird world!
AUGUST 2023
SEED COLLECTION ACTIVITY
One of the actions planned in the LIFE Freiras project is the recovery of indigenous vegetation in areas dominated by invasive species. In parallel with the control of invasive vegetation, the development of indigenous vegetation will be encouraged through seed dispersal.
In this context, an activity took place in August to collect seeds from indigenous species in the Eastern Mountain Massif, the nesting area of the Madeira petrel. These seeds will later be dispersed in areas where invasive control work is taking place, and aim to create an indigenous vegetation cover that prevents the recovery of broom (Cytisus scoparius).
In this activity, which took place in Pico do Areeiro, between Ninho da Manta and Pico do Gato, around 20 volunteers and collaborators from the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation were involved and massaroco, estreleira and pyorinono seeds were collected.
JULY 2023
LIFE FREIRAS ON REGIONAL TELEVISION
It was on the 28th of July, World Nature Conservation Day, that the IFCN was present on the RTP Madeira program “Summer inside” with the theme LIFE Petrels.
On a date to be announced, emphasis was given to a Nature Conservation project that is being developed in favor of the two endangered marine species, unique in the World and that only occur in our archipelago!
It was presented about the project, about the nuns and their threats and the actions that intend to minimize these threats.
Learn more about this conversation at min 22:50.
JULY 2023
PROTOCOL FOR RECOVERY OF AREA IN THE MOUNTAIN MASS
On the 28th of July, the date on which World Nature Conservation Day is celebrated, the Strategic Cooperation Protocol for the Development of Actions for the Restoration and Management of Forest and Altitude Habitats on the Island of Madeira was signed, between the IFCN and the TRIVALOR, SGPS, SA.
This cooperation is based on carrying out environmental information and awareness activities, as well as practical intervention actions specifically at the Juncal viewpoint, such as the removal of invasive plants and the planting of native plants from Madeira, by employees of the company TRIVALOR, accompanied and guided by the technical services of the IFCN, IP-RAM.
The LIFE Freiras project relies on public, private and society involvement and support, an example being this partnership that was also established in favor of the sustainability of the endemic Madeiran nun, with an underlying concern regarding threats to its nesting habitat and to the protected area of the Eastern Mountainous Massif.
JULY 2023
AWARENESS AND TRAINING FOR TEACHERS
From the 11th to the 14th of July, the training took place - "The conservation of the Madeiran Petrel (seabirds)", aimed at a group of 75 RAM teachers from three educational institutions, namely, the Levada school (Dr. Ângelo Augusto da Silva), Carmo (Maurílio Dantas) and Galeão (Dr. Eduardo Brazão de Castro), within the scope of the LIFE FREIRAS project.
This training activity, with theoretical and practical components, aimed to raise awareness and make known the petrel, their habitats, their threats, main conservation measures, the project and the Natura 2000 areas of intervention of the project.
The field trip in the Eastern Mountainous Massif was accompanied by technicians and Nature Watchers, with a visit to the Ninho da Manta Viewpoint, in order to get to know the conservation work of the Madeiran Petrel and its nesting area, the native and endemic flora existing in this place, as well as the presence of invaders, such as broom and gorse.
JUNE 2023
A YEAR OF NIGHT CENSES IN MADEIRA
The SPEA Madeira team - IFCN partner in the LIFE Freiras project - carried out nocturnal censuses for a year with the aim of counting "rafts" of seabirds on the high seas, carrying out nocturnal listening of seabirds and observing vessels and the respective lighting used for identify sources of light pollution at sea.
Each census lasted 4 hours, starting one hour before sunset. They were carried out at 5 observation points from the coast in the eastern part of Madeira, also covering potential areas of entry for the Madeiran petrel to their nesting sites in the Eastern Mountainous Massif.
MAY 2023
THE DESERTAS PETREL HAVE ALREADY STARTED TO REACH THEIR NESTS
In May, the first birds arrived at their nests on the Bugio plateau, in the Desertas islands. The LIFE Freiras field team was present to start monitoring this season, with the assembly of 12 automatic cameras and 6 recorders (audiomoths), cleaning of the entrance to the nests and assembly of artificial nests. Other essential works were carried out to monitor the shearwaters and gulls, birds that usually disturb and occupy the nests of the Desertas Petrel.
MAY 2023
LIFE PTERODROMAS4FUTURE - CONTROL OF INVASIVE PLANTS
One of the actions planned in the LIFE Pterodromas4future project is the control of invasive plants in Areeiro, in areas adjacent to the nesting areas of the Madeira Petrel. In this sense we started the control works of heather (Cytisus scoparius), an invasive exotic species in the project's area of intervention.
In the implementation of these control works, the project privileged the mechanical/manual control that aims to cut the entire area of the plant. The material resulting from this intervention will be left to decompose in the area, duly arranged, according to the contour lines. The control of this invasive plant is necessary to promote the regeneration of native species in the project area.
APRIL 2023
NETWORKING ACTION WITH THE LIFE VIDALIA PROJECT
LIFE VIDALIA, coordinated by the Regional Secretariat for Environmental and Climate Change - Azores Government, travelled to Madeira on the 5th and 6th of April for an action of replication of the results of its project.
It provided a technical meeting with LIFE Pterodromas4future and other projects and regional entities (LIFE DUNAS, Ecological Park of Funchal, SPEA Madeira), to share results and discuss the possibility of future joint replication in post-project LIFE VIDALIA, particularly with regard to strategies for combating invasive exotic flora species.
This meeting allowed the sharing of knowledge and experiences already acquired between projects.
MARCH 2023
MONITORING OF PETRELS WITH AUTOMATIC CAMERAS AND RECORDERS
Every year in March, the Madeira Petrel returns to their nests in Areeiro to reproduce and the reproduction cycle is monitored by IFCN Nature wardens and biologists. This year, this monitoring will be more closely followed with the placement of 13 automatic cameras and 9 recorders in different nesting areas.
The data collected will increase our knowledge about the phenology of these seabirds, i.e. to know more about the stages of their reproduction cycle, about their behaviour in the nest and also to understand which predators are threatening this species in its nest.
The placement of this equipment was made possible through this project, as part of one of the conservation actions, which aims to improve the monitoring protocol for future monitoring of the Madeira Petrel populations and to enable earlier action to be taken in face of threats.
MARCH 2023
OFFICIAL PRESENTATION OF THE PROJECT LIFE PTERODROMAS4FUTURE
The official presentation of the project LIFE Pterodromas4future (LIFE20 NAT/PT/001277) took place on the 15th March at the Ninho da Manta viewpoint (Pico do Areeiro).
LIFE Pterodromas4fututre is a nature conservation project that began in late 2021, is funded by the European Commission through the LIFE Programme and has as general and main objective the modernization of conservation actions carried out with the endangered Petrels - seabirds endemic to the archipelago of Madeira.
The presentation of the project was attended by the Regional Secretary of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, the partners SPEA and XIS-group and the technical teams.
FEBRUARY 2023
WORKSHOP "PETRELS, MOUNTAINEER BIRDS AND NAVIGATORS" IN EB1/PE/C OF SANTANA AND EB1/PE/C OF LOUROS
The educational activities in the scope of the conservation project LIFE Freiras continues to go to schools. The educational activities under the conservation project LIFE Freiras continue to go to schools. This time, the workshop "Petrels, mountaineer birds and navigators" was held last Monday at EB1/PE/C of Santana and EB1/PE/C of Louros for pre-school children and 1st cycle students respectively.
The awareness actions that approached these two seabirds, endemic to Madeira archipelago, ended in a playful and very funny way, where the youngsters put their knowledge into practice through a game created for that purpose!
JANUARY 2023
FACE-TO-FACE EXECUTIVE MEETING OF THE LIFE PTERODROMAS4FUTURE PROJECT
It was on 4 January 2022 that the second executive meeting of the LIFE Pterodromas4future project was held.
LIFE Pterodromas4future is a nature conservation project that started at the end of 2021, is funded by the European Commission through the LIFE Programme and has as a general and main objective the modernization of conservation actions carried out with the endangered petrels - endemic seabirds of the Madeira archipelago.
This was the first face-to-face executive meeting of the project, which had as main objectives to take stock of the actions one year after the beginning of the project, plan the activities for 2023 and identify and manage possible implications in its development.
It counted with the participation of SPEA and XIS-group partners and the technical teams of the various thematic sectors of work: birds, predators, invasive plants, light pollution, recreational-sports activities, contingency plan, maps, logistics, and financial and technical management of the project.
JANUARY 2023
"PETRELS, MOUNTAINEER AND NAVIGATOR BIRDS" WORKSHOP AT EB1/PE DO CANIÇO
We continue to promote educational activities in the context of the conservation project LIFE Freiras. Thus, the workshop "Petrels, mountaineer birds and navigators" was held on the 10th, at EB1/PE of Caniço for the students of the 4th year of schooling.
The activity, with a theoretical and practical component, was developed in an environment of great curiosity, where children showed great interest in the subject. It is never too much to remember the importance of these birds, the Zinos Petrel (Pterodroma madeira) and the Desertas Petrel (Pterodroma deserta), endemic seabirds of Madeira Archipelago.
JANUARY 2023
THE MADEIRA PETREL AND HUMAN ACTIVITIES IN THE CENTRAL MOUNTAINOUS MASSIF
The first meeting with the stakeholders involved in the activities that occur in the protected area of the Central Mountainous Massif took place last January 11th at the Dr. Rui Silva Freira-da- Madeira Centre.
This preparatory action (A.3) of the project LIFE Pterodromas4future, aims to update the regulation on human activities in the Eastern Mountainous Massif and create a guide to best practices.
Stakeholders involved in recreational-sports, tourism and nature interpretation activities were consulted, so that these contributions can be implemented in the regulation, increasing the improvement of the conservation status of the Zino’s Petrel and its nesting area.
DECEMBER 2022
THE MADEIRA MOUNTAINS AND THE PETRELS IN NATIONAL MAGAZINE
After one year of project, LIFE Freiras is promoted at a national level in an article published in the December INCorporate Magazine, monthly magazine of the weekly newspaper SOL.
The article is part of the celebrations of the International Mountain Day (December 11th) and divulges "The treasures of the Madeira Mountains", gives information about the Zino’s Petrel's - endemic seabirds - and their threats, and presents the objectives and actions of this nature conservation project in the Madeira archipelago.
NOVEMBER 2022
THE PETRELS GO TO SCHOOL
It was at the end of November 2022 that the Petrels went to a school in the region for the first time as part of the environmental education activities of this LIFE project.
The activity was directed to a class of 16 students of the 4th year of the 1st cycle through a children's workshop consisting of a lecture "Petrel, the mountaineer and navigator birds" and a playful activity in which they applied their new knowledge about these seabirds - the Petrels of the Madeira Archipelago.
Soon after, at the beginning of December, it was the turn of a group of ten users of the Nogueira Community Centre to receive our visit for a talk about the Petrels and this conservation project that is being developed!
NOVEMBER 2022
LIFE FREIRAS DISCLOSED IN THE X FOREST DAYS OF MACARONESIA
The LIFE FREIRAS project was present at the X Forestry Journeys of Macaronesia, which took place between 15 and 17 November 2022, on the island of São Miguel, Azores.
In this year's edition, the Journeys had the theme "The ecosystem services of the Macaronesian forest", counting with representatives from the four biogeographical regions: Azores, Madeira, Canary Islands and Cape Verde.
LIFE Freiras presented a poster to disclose the project (objectives, threats and actions), inserted in the thematic panel III of these Conferences - Desertification, forest fires and climate change.
OCTOBER 2022
THE LIFE FREIRAS PRESENT IN MOUNTAIN TRAIL RUNNING COMPETITIONS
In order to publicize the project, as part of the dissemination and awareness-raising actions, during the month of October 2022, the LIFE FREIRAS project was present in two mountain trailrunning competitions - Ultra Madeira 2022 and Ecotrail Madeira 2022.
These two races pass through the Eastern Mountainous Massif - nesting area of the Zinos Petrel, having as a supply point the Zinos Petrel Centre in Pico do Areeiro. This year, there was an average of around 500 athletes of different nationalities, in each race.
JULY 2022
FIRST MEETING OF THE SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE FOR THE BIRD STUDY GROUP
With the purpose of advising and guiding the study actions directed to the ecology and biology of the Zinos Petrel and the Rufous Petrel, the first face-to-face meeting of the Scientific Committee of the Birds Project took place in Funchal on 21 and 22 July 2022, including a visit to the project intervention area in Areeiro.
In this meeting, the scientific committee included the researchers:
Paulo Catry from MARE-Centre for Marine and Environmental Sciences, Ispa-University Institute, Mónica C. Silva from cE3c-Centre of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Change, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon (FCUL), José Pedro Granadeiro and Francesco Ventura, both from CESAM-Centre for Environment and Sea Studies, Department of Animal Biology, FCUL.
JULY 2022
TRAINING ON SEABIRD BIOLOGY | ECOLOGY, PROSPECTION AND MONITOIRZATION PROTOCOLS
The presence of the members of the Scientific Committee for the Birds in the Region (Paulo Catry, Monica Silva, José Pedro Granadeiro and Francesco Ventura), provided the opportunity to carry out a training on Biology/Ecology of seabirds, methodologies for prospection, handling and monitoring protocols, between the 18th and 21st of July 2023.
This training took place under the Training and Awareness actions of the project to target groups and was aimed at IFCN technicians, nature guards and biologists in Madeira. It had a theoretical component in the classroom and a practical component on the Desertas islands, nesting habitat of the Zinos Petrel and area of intervention of the LIFE project.
JULY 2022
TEACHERS RECEIVE TRAINING ON THE PETRELS AND THEIR CONSERVATION
In the scope of the project's Training and Awareness actions for target groups, between the 12th and 15th of July 2022, a training addressed to 3 groups of teachers of several schools of the Region, in a total of about 80 trainees, took place.
In its theoretical component, the training addressed the Petrels of the Madeira Archipelago, their characteristics as seabirds, threats and conservation work done over time. The training culminated with a visit to the Desertas Islands Natural Reserve, where the nesting area of the Zinos Petrel is located, one of the intervention areas of the LIFE project.
FEBRUARY 2022
FIRST EXECUTIVE MEETING OF THE PROJECT LIFE PTERODROMAS4FUTURE
It was on February 3, 2022 that the first executive meeting of the project LIFE Pterodormas4future/ LIFE Freiras was held online.
This meeting aimed the executive start-up of the project, with the presentation of this and the partners - SPEA and XGT and executive teams, distributed and responsible for the various thematic sectors of work: birds, predators, invasive plants, light pollution, recreational-sports activities, contingency plan, maps, software, images, logistics, and financial and technical management of the project.
These meetings are intended to take place on a regular basis and take place within the scope of action F1, which aims to ensure the technical and financial coordination and management of the project.