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O Projecto
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Results
| Field Actions |
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Results |
| Wild prey abundance survey |
A Red-legged partridge census was carried out from February to April 2008, lasting 32 hours in 12 days, along 353 km of transects within the 18 territories studied. In total, 112 partridges were counted with an average of 0.33 (±0.33; 0-1.14) partridges/km. In August and September 2009 a Wild rabbit census was done by latrine counts carried out in 250 m transects. These transects were the same walked during a former census in 1997. In relation to 1997, the situation barely changed in areas of unsuitable habitat where the species kept scarce or almost absent. Conversely, in suitable areas, a strong populational dynamics could be observed, causing a remarkable alteration of the geographical pattern of rabbit abundance. |
| Domestic prey abundance survey |
From June to November 2007 the counting of rural domestic pigeons and pigeon lofts was carried out in order to assess their current abundance and trends between the former 1994 census and the present. We observed a decrease of 65% in the number of active lofts and a decline of 74% in the number of pigeons during the 14 years' period. In the Castro Verde and Vale do Guadiana SPAs, on the contrary, no previous data were available. In the Castro Verde SPA the count yielded 33 active lofts, with a total of 2375 pigeons and an average of 71.97 pigeons per loft. In the Vale do Gaudiana SPA there were 37 lofts with a total of 1645 pigeons and an average of 44.46 pigeons/loft. |
| Building, restoration and maintenance of pigeon lofts |
Six pigeon lofts are being built that will subsequently be installed within game estates. Specific agreements will be established with the managers of those game estates. |
| Tree lease agreements |
A tree lease contract was established within an eagle territory in the Monchique mountain. The contract included the nest tree and several other large trees in its vicinity. |
| Habitat management agreements |
Five habitat mangement agreements were established in several eagle territories of the Monchique mountain covering an area of 144.291 ha altogether. |
| Nest reinforcement and artificial nests |
A nest was reinforced and an artificial platform was built in two eagle territories of the Monchique mountain. |
| Threat surveillance and control |
We detected 23 potential threats from forestry operations, windfarms, powerlines, trekking networks, 4-wheel-drive rallies, firebrake networks, and so on. |
| Population monitoring |
During 2007-2009, the breeding parameters of the 34 pairs of the Southwest Uplands kept analogous to the values from the previous 1992-2006 period. Since 2001 the nestling survival rate increased, possibly linked with a decease in trichomonosis prevalence. The highest productivity occurred in 2007. Thirteen pairs are known so far in the Castro Verde and Vale do Guadiana SPAs and surrounding area. Their productivity keeps being the highest in Portugal, with 1.3 fledglings/pair in 2007-2009. Beyond these pairs systematically monitored, the known 16 pairs of the remaining population that ranges South of the Tejo river were irregularly monitored. In the Estremadura cluster 8 pairs are currently known, 3 of which in the areas bordering the Tejo and Sado estuaries. |
| Adult and juvenile satellite tagging |
Until now 8 adults (5 females and 3 males) of different eagle territories of Monchique were tagged with GPS satellite transmitters (PPT). They were captured in July and December 2008, and in June 2009. These territories were selected in order to assess the impact of large infrastructures such as powerlines (4 eagles) and windfarms (2 eagles), and of a high percentage land cover by eucalyptus plantations (2 eagles). Another PTT was deployed in a fresh juvenile bearing a serious trichomonosis infection, after its treatment and rehabilitation. This juvenile was found dead shortly after the onset of dispersal, c.15 days after tagging. The cause of death could not be established. |
| Regional census |
Despite being still underway, the action cover rate in suitable habitat areas was, by the end of the 2009 breeding season, satisfactory in 79% of the 10x10 km survey grid, insufficient in 18%, and only 3% remain uncovered. |
| Treatment/prophylaxis of trichomonosis |
So far, one fledgling has been treated to trichomonosis. As recommended in the workshop on trichomonosis, the prophylaxis of nestlings against the parasite will not be carried out to avoid the development of resistance to anti-parasitarian medication. |
| Technical support to landowners, forest managers, game managers and others |
Until September 2009 a large number of interventions addressed the following forestry related entities: paper pulp companies; forestry associations such as Viver Serra and Aspaflobal (project partners) and APFSC, as well as other forestry concerned institutions such as In Loco and Imobiente; 9 individual forest landowners and 3 small forestry entreprises. These interventions covered 1933 ha. Furthermore, project interventions also addressed 17 game estates in 15 eagle territories, encompassing an area of 57,795 ha. |
| Habitat management demonstrative actions in Parra Forest Estate |
The Red-legged partridge, Wild rabbit and rural domestic pigeon censuses were already carried out in the area. A juvenile from the local eagle territory was treated to trichomonosis and rehabilitated. The local eagle pair has been annually monitored. The restoration of a small ruin as a pigeon loft was completed in July 2009. In September 2009 small areas of scrub were cleared to be later sowed for enhancing rabbit population. |
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| Institutional Actions |
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Results |
| Involvement of agro-forestry funds management agencies |
We contacted 7 entities responsible for the planning, administration, analysis and approval of projects that have a potential impact on the conservation of the Bonelli's eagle and the management of its habitat. |
| Stakeholder involvement |
Several activities aiming at the involvement of stakeholders were carried out. These included: the visit to the project area by researchers from foreign scientific institutions interested in the unique ecological characteristics of this eagle population; the exchange of information with Spanish technicians from the Andaluzia Wildlife Monitoring Programme; the technical support to Águas do Algarve and ERENA on the compensation measures for the Odelouca dam; the technical support to the Rota da Cortiça ("The Cork Route", a network of awareness activities concerning the cork-oak environment, cork production and manufacture). |
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| Studies and Plans |
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Results |
| Wind energy conciliation Plan |
This plan was completed in September 2009 and will be submitted to consultation by concerned institutions. |
| Powerlines impact baseline study |
This study was completed in September 2009 and will be submitted to consultation by concerned institutions. |
| Tree-nesting Bonelli's eagle conservation Action Plan |
To be completed. |
| After Life Conservation Plan |
Not started |
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| Seminaries and Workshops |
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Results |
| Workshop on Trichomonosis in the Bonelli's eagle: epidemiology, prophylaxis and treatment |
The workshop was held in 27-28 October 2007 and the digital proceedings were published in December 2008 (click here to download). |
| Organization of seminars and congress |
A seminar on "The use of radio and satellite telemetry in the impact assessment of infrastructures on birds" was held in Évora on the 3th and 4th July 2009. |
| Scientific meetings attendance |
The project technicians attended the Raptor Research Foundation 2009 Annual Conference in Pitlochry, Scotland on the 29th September - 4th October 2009, with the following presentations: "An Integrated Conservation Project for Tree-nesting Bonelli’s Eagles (Aquila fasciata)" (poster) e "An Exception to the Rule: The Fast Growing Tree-nesting Bonelli’s Eagle (Aquila fasciata) Population of Southern Portugal" (oral presentation). The abstracts are available from http://raptorresearchfoundation.org/conferences.htm. An oral presentation was presented at the Birds of Prey LIFE Nature Workshop in Arcidosso, Italy on the 22-23th October 2009: Dias, A. & Caldeira, R. LIFE08 NAT/P/000194 – Conservation of tree-nesting Bonelli’s eagle in Portugal. |
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| Dissemination |
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Results |
| Production of dissemination materials |
Two digital annual newsletters were published (click here to download). |
| Webpage |
Action completed. |
| Layman's report |
Action completed. |
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| Public awareness
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Results |
| Production of educational materials |
The project leaflet, sticker, kid's booklet, t-shirt, sweat-shirt and 3 tematic videos were already delivered. |
| Student's environmental awareness |
So far, education activities covered 37 basic education schools, corresponding to 64 classes and 1043 students of 10 counties of the area encompassing the Monchique and Caldeirão SPAs. Two raptor identification courses were organized in Sagres. |
| Awareness actions for associations, companies, local administration and local public |
In 2008 and 2009, through the collaboration of CEAI with project partners, eight awareness sessions were carried out. These conference/debates under the theme “The role of local communities and associations in nature conservation - the case of Bonelli's eagle and its habitat in the South of Portugal” adressed primarily hunters' associations and local colectivities. |
| Formation |
Not started. |
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General coordination
CEAI coordination of the project by the general coordinator and the, coordination assessor, also assisted by CEAI's directory board.
Legal advisement: external assistance to the establishment of labour contracts and management agreements (established with landowners), and to other legal procedures.
Executive commission: includes representatives from CEAI and all project partners and aims to coordinate the actions of all the partners, while debating and searching solutions to problems that may show up.
Financial management under the responsibility of the project partner Caldeira & Grilo Lda., following the administrative rules of the LIFE Program as well as the Financial Coordination Guidelines of the Executive Commission.
Scientific Commission: provides the technical-scientific support to the project; it includes representatives from the CEAI and from the ICNB, as well as three independent specialists; the project coordinator attends the meetings as an observer.
Project monitoring: defines and implements procedures aiming at monitoring the results of the project, compares expected and acomplished results; it is under the responsability of the project coordinator.
Financial audit: to be carried out in the last year of the project by an independent auditor, ensuring that the final financial report is in conformity with the rules of the LIFE program and that all the project expenses are eligible, according to the project's budget. |
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Actions
| Field actions |
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Goals |
Calendar |
Participants |
| The study of wild prey abundance. |
To study the demographic trends of Wild rabbit populations since 1997 and to map Red-legged partridge relative densities across the uplands of Southwest Portugal, so that habitat management guidelines can be defined. |
2007 - 2010 |
CEAI, AFN |
| The study of domestic prey abundance |
To study the demographic trends of rural domestic pigeon populations since 1994-95 in the uplands of Southwest Portugal. To make proposals aiming at the maintenance and recovery of rural pigeon breeding. |
2007 - 2008 |
CEAI, AFN |
| Building, recovery and maintenance of pigeon lofts |
To increase food availability for the eagles, avoiding conflicts with hunters and racing pigeon fanciers; to decrease the prevalence of trichomonosis. |
2007 - 2010 |
CEAI, AFN |
| Acquisition of trees |
To preserve large trees (occupied or alternative nesting sites) |
2009 - 2010 |
CEAI |
| Habitat management agreements |
To protect nest sites by establishing management agreements with landowners in 16 eagle territories, within the Special Protection Areas of Caldeirão, Monchique and Castro Verde |
2007 - 2010 |
CEAI, Viver Serra, Aspaflobal |
| Nest consolidation |
To consolidate unstable nests. |
2007 - 2009 |
CEAI |
| Threat surveilance and control |
To detect any events presenting actual or potential risks to the breeding process. |
2007 - 2010 |
CEAI |
| Population monitoring: territory monitoring |
To monitor the breeding of known pairs and to follow the establishment of new territories |
2007 - 2010 |
CEAI, Guadiana Valley Natural Park |
| Population monitoring: tagging of adult and immature eagles using PTTs (Platform Transmiter Terminals) |
To define home ranges, study movements outside the breeding season and in areas of high shooting risk; to study interaction with powerlines and windfarms. |
2007 - 2009 |
External service provider |
| Regional census |
To increase the knowledge of the status and trends of eagle populations in Southern Portugal; to gather data to support the redefinition of limits of the extant Special Protection Areas and the declaration of new ones. |
Breeding season of 2008-2009 |
CEAI, Guadiana Valley Natural Park |
| Treatment and prophylaxis of trichomonosis in nestlings |
To treat nestlings bearing serious lesions with specific anti-parasitarian drugs: according to the conclusions of the workshop held in September 2007. |
According with the conclusions of the workshop on trichomonosis held in September 2007 the prophylaxis of the disease in nestlings is not recommended, and only nestlings bearing serious lesions should be treated with anti-parasitarians. |
| Technical support to landowners, foresters, hunters and others |
To provide advice to forest and game management, minimizing the impact of these activities over the Bonelli's eagle population; to provide consultancy to stakeholders about financial incentives to good environmental practices. |
2007 - 2010 |
CEAI, Viver Serra, Aspaflobal, AIEC |
| Demonstration of sound habitat management in the Parra State Forestry Area |
An integrated set of experimental and demonstrative actions of several project components, in order to enhance intervention techniques, while improving management guidelines. |
2007 - 2010 |
AFN, CEAI |
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| Institutional actions |
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Goals |
Calendar |
Participants |
| Involvement of public managers of agro-forestry funds |
To prevent impacts of agro-forestry activities. |
2007 - 2010 |
CEAI |
| Involving stakeholders |
To promote the debate of norms, codes and risk charts produced by the project, in order to ensure the understanding between all stakeholders and the conciliation of interests |
2007 - 2010 |
CEAI |
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| Studies and Plans |
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Goals |
Calendar |
Participants |
| Wind resource - eagle conservation compatibility plan |
To determine dangerous locations and wind turbine types; to propose mitigation measures, guidelines and risk charts for the activity |
2007 - 2008 |
CEAI + External service provider |
| Base study on the impact of powerlines on Bonelli's eagles |
To characterize the impacts of powerlines upon the breeding and pre-adult settlement areas of Bonelli's eagles; to define/correct powerline routes; to establish a normative |
2007 - 2008 |
CEAI + External service provider |
| Action plan for the conservation of tree-nesting Bonelli's eagles |
To prepare a reference document integrating legal issues, redefinition of Natura 2000 sites, compatibility measures between economic activities and eagle conservation, etc |
2007 - 2009 |
CEAI + Project's Scientific Commission |
| After-Life Conservation Plan |
To define a set of measures of continuity of the project goals after its end |
2010 |
CEAI |
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| Seminaries and Workshops |
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Goals |
Calendar |
Participants |
| Workshop: "trichomonosis in the Bonelli's Eagle: epidemiology, prophylaxis and treatment" |
To establish the state of the art on trichomonosis; to establish the appropriate measures to mitigate the disease effects; to define a strategy towards trichomonosis treatment and prevention in the Bonelli's eagle. |
2007 |
CEAI |
| Organization of seminars and congress |
To organize 2 seminars and 1 congress |
2009 - 2010 |
CEAI |
| Participation in scientific meetings |
To establish contacts with the scientific community at national and international meetings; to publish the results of the project |
To be defined |
CEAI |
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| Communication strategy |
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Goals |
Calendar |
Participants |
| Disseminating information about the project and its results |
To publicize the actions and results of the project: annual bulletin in digital format, book about the Bonelli's eagle |
2007 - 2010 |
CEAI |
| Website |
To present the project (and also the target species, entities involved, etc.) and to publicize its actions and results, as well as the planned events |
2008 - 2010 |
CEAI |
| Non-scientific report |
To inform the general public about the project |
2010 |
CEAI |
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| Environmental Awareness
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Goals |
Calendar |
Participants |
| Education material |
To raise the awareness of school children, hunters and game managers, landowners, foresters, etc. of Bonelli's eagle conservation needs by producing: a project presentation leaflet, brochure addressing several themes (target-species, Natura 2000 network, Birds Directive, etc.), a Manual of Good Practices for Hunting and Forestry, a children's bulletin, a CD-ROM and documentaries |
2007 - 2010 |
CEAI, External service provider |
| Environmental Education aimed at school children |
Make children and young people sensible to the issue of Bonelli's eagle conservation |
2007 - 2010 |
CEAI |
| Education actions aimed at institutions, companies and local administration |
To raise the awareness of entities which play a role in the management and exploitation of natural resources about Bonelli's eagle conservation and the relevance of the Natura 2000 network |
2007 - 2009 |
CEAI, AIEC, Almodôvar City Hall |
| Education actions directed at the general public at the local level |
To raise the local public awareness about Bonelli's eagle conservation |
2008 e 2010 |
CEAI, Viver Serra, Aspaflobal, AIEC, Almodôvar City Hall |
| Training sessions |
To provide training to local and regional administration technical staff with direct intervention in the territory, as well as to NGO members |
2009-2010 |
CEAI, Viver Serra, Aspaflobal, Almodôvar City Hall |
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Participants
Promotor
Partners
Co-sponsors
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Studies and Plans
| Actions |
Goals |
Calendar |
Participants |
| Wind resource - eagle conservation compatibility plan |
To determine dangerous locations and wind turbine types; to propose mitigation measures, guidelines and risk charts for the activity |
2007 - 2008 |
CEAI + External service provider |
| Base study on the impact of powerlines on Bonelli's eagles |
To characterize the impacts of powerlines upon the breeding and pre-adult settlement areas of Bonelli's eagles; to define/correct powerline routes; to establish a normative |
2007 - 2008 |
CEAI + External service provider |
| Action plan for the conservation of tree-nesting Bonelli's eagles |
To prepare a reference document integrating legal issues, redefinition of Natura 2000 sites, compatibility measures between economic activities and eagle conservation, etc |
2007 - 2009 |
CEAI + Project's Scientific commission |
| After-Life Conservation Plan |
To define a set of measures of continuity of the project goals after its end |
2010 |
CEAI |
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