Ponta de São Lourenço (11)
Portugal, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2002
National site name: Ponta de São Lourenço
Central coordinates: Latitude: 32.7333, Longitude: -16.6833
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 163
Area of KBA (km2): 3.18931
Protected area coverage (%): 99.81
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Rocky peninsula with cliffs and small islets that comprise the oriental tip of Madeira. Presents two main islets: the Ilhéuda Cevada or Ilhéu dos Desembarcadouros, and the Ilhéu do Farol at east extreme. The whole area is covered by shrubs and grass. Human activity includes hunting and tourism.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance because it meets one or more previously established criteria and thresholds for identifying sites of biodiversity importance (including Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, Alliance for Zero Extinction sites, and Key Biodiversity Areas)
Additional biodiversity: Ponta de SãoLourenço is a singular habitat in Madeira island, very similar to the close Desertas islands. The Ilhéu do Farol, which has not terrestrial predators, is a excelent place for breeding seabirds. The first record in Madeira of breeding Sterna dougallii is from this area. Puffinus assimilis also breeds here. The presence of Ratus norvegicus in Ilhéu da Cevada conditions seabirds establishment. However, the biggest Larus cachinnans colony in Madeira is found here. They are also common terrestrial birds like Anthus berthelotii, Petronia petronia madeirensis and Serinus canarius. The peninsula is also an important stop-over site for migrating passerines.
Habitats
Land use: fisheries/aquaculture | hunting | nature conservation and research | tourism/recreation
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Shrubland | 25 | |
| Marine Neritic | 25 | |
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 25 | |
| Grassland | 25 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threat was the taking of seabirds by fishermen. Since the purchase of the area by the Regional Government of Madeira in 1996 and the management by the Parque Natural da Madeira (PNM) this problem has almost disappeared and it is hoped that the seabird populations will make a full recovery. Now, sand extration and grazing are completly forbidden. This is an interesting area for tourism and recreation, that seems to be compatible with birds conservation. The usual abandonment of hunting dogs at the end of cinegetic time could be a threat. The Ilhéudo Farol is extremely important due to the absence of predators, situation that shou ld be maintained.
Additional information
References: Bannerman & Bannerman (1963), Zino & Biscoito (1994), Câmara (1997), Oliveira (1999)