Portugal

Current Population:

1,300 birds (2005 census by LPN (Liga para a Proteccao da Natureza))

Status:

The total population is now stable or slightly increasing.

At Castro Verde in the southern Alentejo plains (100 km North of Algarve) there has been a significant increase in numbers (following EU Life Project, up to 1999). At least 80 % of the national population is now found here.

In other more central areas, in northern Alentejo (areas west of Elvas), a decline in distribution and numbers has occurred in the past 20 years due to intensification of agriculture.

Habitats used:

Rolling plains, a cereal crop is followed by three to four years of fallow with natural regeneration of wild grasses and flowering plants which are grazed by livestock.

Great Bustards feed on insects and plants in both fallow and cereals.

Conservation:

To the east of Castro Verde, LPN has purchased 1,700 ha (4,000 acres), of farmland. A Special Protection Area (SPA) of 80,000 ha has also been established. These have led to a doubling of the local population since the 1980’s to 1,037 Great Bustards in 2005, although some birds appear to have transferred from other areas.

The SPA agricultural prescriptions include control of harvest dates, area of fallow, stocking rates, legume cultivation and hunting restrictions. Unfortunately some farmers have given up the schemes when agri-environment grants were reduced.

Juvenile mortality in the first year is 70 % to 90 % due to foxes, feral dogs and power lines.

Visiting:

Castro Verde

Flights to Faro and car hire.

Leave Faro on the new motorway towards Lisbon, after approximately 120 km, take the exit 10 km to the west of Castro Verde.

An LPN information centre in a farm house near Castro Verde is open Tuesday to Saturday (10:00 to 18:00 hrs). Take the ‘old road’, ‘Avenue Bombeiros Voluntarios’, from Castro Verde towards Beira to the north east for 6 km. and then turn right onto a farm track for 1 km. The Centre provides advice on the area’s wildlife and half-day Land Rover trips to view Great Bustards and other species. Book in advance by telephoning (00 351) 286 32 83 09. Otherwise view from public roads with telescopes, but please avoid disturbing birds.

e-mail: info@toursforyou.pt

website: www.toursforyou.pt/Eng/birdcastroverde.htm

Accommodation: Aparthotel do Castro, Rua Seara Nova, Castro Verde. Tel: (00 351) 286 32 02 50