In June, the Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds (SPEA) organised the 5th edition of the Atlas do Priolo, an initiative aimed at updating population estimates, monitoring population trends and deepening our understanding of the distribution of the Azores Bullfinch (Pyrrhula murina), a species endemic to and found exclusively on the island of São Miguel.

This edition brought together around 70 volunteers from nine countries, who participated in training sessions and field monitoring activities to conduct a simultaneous census of the global Azores Bullfinch population. At the same time, 50 AudioMoth acoustic recorders were installed, contributing to a study exploring new monitoring approaches using bioacoustics and artificial intelligence.

In addition to collecting scientific data, the Atlas do Priolo promotes knowledge sharing, community involvement, and participants’ engagement with the Azorean Laurissilva forest.

The conservation of the Azores Bullfinch forms part of Action C5 of the LIFE IP AZORES NATURA project, coordinated by the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, contributing to the recovery of the species through the restoration and management of its natural habitat. The work carried out over the years highlights the importance of cooperation among organisations, researchers, volunteers, and the local community for the conservation of this emblematic species in the Azores.

SPEA would like to thank all the volunteers, monitors and partners who contributed to the production of yet another edition of the Atlas do Priolo. With the financial support of the LIFE Programme of the European Union.