Ilhéus do Porto Santo (12)
Portugal, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2002
National site name: Ilhéus do Porto Santo
Central coordinates: Latitude: 33.0167, Longitude: -16.3667
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 174
Area of KBA (km2): 2.03704
Protected area coverage (%): 99.29
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Three rocky islets (Ilhéu de Cima, Ilhéu de Baixo and Ilhéu de Ferro) covered with scrub and Macaronesian coastal flora, located off the coast of Porto Santo. Two of the islands (Ilhéu de Ferro and Ilhéu de Cima) have lighthouses and the third was once used for mining lime. Two IBAs identified in the previous European IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989) (former sites 008 and 009) have been merged to form this one site.
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: Four species of shearwater and petrel (Procellariidae: Calonectris diomedea, Bulweria bulwerii, Oceanodroma castro and Puffinus assimilis) nest on these islands but as yet no in-depth study has been carried out. Sterna dougallii, S. hirundo and Larus cachinnans also breed. On land, Anthus berthelotii madeirensis (common), Serinus canaria, Petronia petronia madeirensis and Apus unicolor are of note.
Habitats
Land use: not utilised
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Shrubland | 100 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Nesting seabirds are subject to human predation, with total disrespect to actual legislation.Control of this threat is null, and when applied has no results, due to the absence of population support and concealing of transgressors. The lighthouses are responsible for the spill of burnt oils and combustible to the sea. The accesible islets' edges present garbage acomulation from the seaa or the fishermen. The introduction of European rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus has resulted in considerable damage to the vegetation and disturbance during hunt season.There are intentions to use Ilhéu de Baixo for tourism, this option could involve an efective management and the right protection to seabirds populations.
Additional information
References: Bannerman & Bannerman (1963), Zino & Biscoito (1994), Câmara (1997), Oliveira (1999).