As part of the LIFE IP AZORES NATURA project, a new monitoring and removal action was carried out against the invasive alien species Pueraria lobata (known as kudzu) on the island of São Miguel.

This creeper, native to Asia and some Pacific islands, was first detected in the Azores in 2021. Considered one of the most problematic invasive species worldwide, kudzu stands out for its extremely rapid growth, forming dense vegetation cover that suffocates native vegetation by blocking sunlight.

During the most recent monitoring action, carried out in July 2025, the reappearance of the species was identified in the same area where it was first detected. Although it is not yet predominant, its expansion is already evident in several directions, posing an increased risk to local biodiversity.

In view of this situation, and in coordination with the Directorate for Water Resources and Natural Risk Management of the Regional Directorate for the Environment and Climate Action, the identified foci were mechanically removed, thus ensuring effective and immediate control.

These actions are part of the ongoing strategy of LIFE IP AZORES NATURA for the prevention and management of invasive alien species, one of the main challenges to biodiversity conservation in the Azores.