Sites - Important Bird Areas (IBAs)

Ornithological information 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.

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.

Populations of IBA trigger species

Protected areas

Habitats

Land use

Management considerations 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.

Protection status National Nature Park of Madeira, Partial Nature Reserve (Ponta de São Lourenço) and Strict Nature Reserve (Ilheu dos Desembarcadouros). International

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References Bannerman & Bannerman (1963), Zino & Biscoito (1994), Câmara (1997), Oliveira (1999)

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Recommended citation  BirdLife International (2013) Important Bird Areas factsheet: Ponta de São Lourenço. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 25/05/2013

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