Berlengas – Sanctuary for Seabirds
Berlengas: A Sanctuary for Seabirds
Become a PatronThe Challenge
The Berlengas archipelago is one of Portugal's most important refuges for seabirds. This project builds on the foundations of the LIFE Berlengas programme, ensuring the long-term protection of nesting populations through habitat restoration, biosecurity, and continuous ecological monitoring.
Impact at a Glance
Keystone Species
Cory's Shearwater (Calonectris borealis), Band-rumped Storm-petrel (Hydrobates castro), European Shag (Gulosus aristotelis), Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus), Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis)
What We’re Doing
The project combines habitat improvement, invasive species control, and long-term monitoring to create stable conditions for seabird populations. It focuses on increasing the availability and quality of nesting sites, protecting native habitats from invasive species, ensuring strict biosecurity across the island, and monitoring population dynamics over time.
Why It Matters
Island ecosystems are among the most fragile and valuable in Europe. The Berlengas serve as a critical sanctuary for seabirds, many of which depend entirely on these habitats for breeding. Protecting these populations ensures the resilience of marine ecosystems and preserves a vital part of Portugal's natural heritage.
The Team
- Partner Organisation: SPEA
- Project Leads: Tânia Nascimento, Nuno Oliveira
- Viridia Associates: Ester Serrão, Octávio Mateus
Support This Work
100% of patron contributions go directly to conservation projects like this one.
Become a Patron