As part of the LIFE IP AZORES NATURA project, the team from the Graciosa Environment and Climate Action Service detected the presence of the invasive alien species Mexican pokeweed (Phytolacca heterotepala) at four locations in the parish of São Mateus, on the island of Graciosa. The alert was received via the Formulário de Registo de Avistamento de Espécies Invasoras (REGAEI – in English: Invasive Species Sighting Registration Form).

Following the report of the sighting and confirmation of the species’ identification, an immediate intervention was launched, enabling the removal of all identified specimens and minimising the risk of dispersal and the establishment of new populations.

Currently, the Mexican pokeweed has a very limited distribution in the Azores, having been recorded only on the islands of Pico and Graciosa. This situation presents an important opportunity to act at an early stage of the invasion, preventing the species’ spread and potential impacts on the region’s ecosystems. This case demonstrates the importance of active surveillance, early detection, and rapid-response capacity in the management of invasive alien species. It also highlights the fundamental role of collaboration between organisations and members of the public in identifying new occurrences, thereby contributing to biodiversity conservation and the protection of Azorean ecosystems.