Ilhéu do Topo e Costa Adjacente (19701)
Portugal, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: D1a
Year of last assessment: 2002
National site name: Ilhéu do Topo e Costa Adjacente
Central coordinates: Latitude: 38.5667, Longitude: -27.7833
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 370
Area of KBA (km2): 2.30157
Protected area coverage (%): 82.31
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: This coastal IBA includes the area between the coastline and cobble beaches and the top of the seacliffs, from the stream of Ribeira do Cabeço da Cruz to the Fajã do Nortezinho. The cliffs are often covered by macaronesean woodland. The site includes the Ilhéu do Topo, an islet with 20 hectares and rocky cliffs. The islet is currently used by cattle.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that meets the thresholds for at least one criterion described in the Global Standard for the Identification of KBAs.
Additional biodiversity: One of the most important areas for breeding seabirds of the archipelago. At Ilhéu do Topo there is a potencial colony of 'cold-period' Madeiran Storm Petrel.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture | nature conservation and research | tourism/recreation
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Shrubland | 33 | |
| Introduced Vegetation | 33 | |
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 33 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Cattle causes soil erosion and desctruction of the nests of the seabirds in the plateau. Feral terrestrial mammals (dogs, cats, rats and weasels) introduced in the coastal area of the island of São Jorge affect most of the seabirds, especially those who nest in holes and burrows. Invasive plant species like the cane reduces the available nesting habitat for seabirds. The absence of the establishment of the SPA by the regional law constitutes a weakness in its surveillance and legal protection. There is a management plan for the SPA Ilhéu do Topo e Costa Adjacente.