While marking a trail on the island of Pico, the Park Rangers from the Pico island Environment and Climate Action Service identified a new population of the Myosotis maritima (Azorean Coastal Forget-me-not) – an endemic plant protected under the Habitats Directive.

The discovery occurred in a Protected Area for the Management of Habitats or Species, located in the Morro area. It was made possible thanks to the sensitivity and technical knowledge of the Park Rangers, who, in conjunction with other entities involved in the trail marking process, immediately recognised the species and the need to implement measures to guarantee the conservation of this nucleus.

The presence of two specimens of Myosotis maritima in an area where, until now, there were no known records could indicate the emergence of a new natural population on the island of Pico – an encouraging sign for the biodiversity of the Azores.

This species is the target of conservation actions under the LIFE IP AZORES NATURA project (Action C3.2 – Conservation in situ). This action reinforces the importance of monitoring this new area and applying adequate protection and threat control measures.

This discovery highlights the inestimable value of the Azores’ natural areas and the importance of fieldwork and continuous surveillance in preserving regional biodiversity.