In the framework of actions C6.1 “Restoration of 𝘩𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘴 for seabirds on the islets” and D5.1 “Monitoring of terrestrial habitats, species and conservation problems” of the LIFE IP AZORES NATURA project, the monitoring of seabirds’ nests on the Praia Islet was carried out on 26 April. Of the 268 artificial nests monitored by the Park Rangers team from the Graciosa Environment and Climate Change Service, 4.5 % (12 nests) were occupied by Monteiro’s Storm-petrel (𝘏𝘺𝘥𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘪𝘳𝘰𝘪) and 5.2 % (14 nests) by Barolo Shearwater (𝘗𝘶𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘴 𝘭𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘦𝘳𝘪). Nine broods and one adult Barolo Shearwater were ringed, and were recorded 15 recaptures of Storm-petrels and one recapture of a Barolo Shearwater.

Besides the monitoring work, the first planting was also carried out on the Praia Islet, with 223 individuals of Sea Fennel (𝘊𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘮𝘶𝘮 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘶𝘮) and 42 individuals of Azorean Coastal Forget-me-not (𝘔𝘺𝘰𝘴𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘢), which were propagated in the Faial Botanic Garden, from seeds collected by Park Rangers on the island of Graciosa. The first plantations have also been carried out on Graciosa, within the scope of action C3.2 “𝘐𝘯-𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘶 conservation”: 180 individuals of Azorean Bellflower (𝘈𝘻𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘢 𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘪) at Ponta da Restinga and 50 individuals of this species at Baia dos Homiziados. The plants were marked with individual identifiers to monitor the success of the planting over time, using plant survival and growth as targets.