The team from the Graciosa Environment and Climate Action Service recently carried out a monitoring action of Madeiran Storm-petrel’s (Hydrobates castro) nests on Ilhéu da Praia, as part of the LIFE IP AZORES NATURA project and Action C6.1 – Restoration of habitats on islets for seabirds.

During the survey, the team monitored both artificial and natural nests within this important seabird colony. During this visit, the team recorded 75 adult Madeira shearwaters; 21 new captures (birds ringed for the first time); 34 eggs/clutches under monitoring; 5 abandoned eggs; and 5 dead adults and 3 dead broods.

The data collected contribute to a better understanding of this species’ conservation status and the use of the nesting structures installed as part of the project. Regular monitoring enables us to track breeding success, assess potential threats and support the implementation of more effective management and conservation measures for the seabirds of the Azores.

Ilhéu da Praia is one of the most important seabird nesting areas on the island of Graciosa, and ecological restoration and monitoring efforts are essential to preserve these habitats and the species that depend on them. With the financial support of the LIFE Programme of the European Union.