In the scope of the project, census on necrophagous birds will be conducted to monitor the abundances of these animals over time in the intervention area of the project.
The first counts already occurred in the 11th and 12th of October. These counts were only possible with the help of six volunteers, Anabela Amado, Juliana Carvalho, Mário Carmo, Ricardo Cunha, Valter Gonçalves and Vera Arsénio, to whom we thank for their support. CEAI’s team in the project – Alfonso Godino, David Delgado, Estrela Matilde and Pedro Lourenço – also participated in these counts which took place at the Special Protection Areas (SPA) of Mourão/Moura/Barrancos and Guadiana Valley. During the counts, besides necrophagous birds other species typical of the southeast Alentejo were observed.
In two days, 8-10 Black Vultures Aegypius monachus were detected, most of them (7-9 individuals) in the region of Mourão, Moura and Barrancos and only one individual in the Guadiana Valley. In total, 13 species of birds of prey were detected, being the most abundant the Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus (370-470 individuals), followed by the Common Buzzard Buteo buteo (18-25 indiv.s) and by the Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus (12-16 indiv.s). It is also important to highlight the detection of the Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetus and of the Bonelli’s Eagle Aquila fasciata. The results also include the observation of 4-7 Black Storks Ciconia nigra and 9 Common Ravens Corvus corax.

The next counts will happen in mid-November and the participation of volunteers is once again welcomed!