Current view: Text account
Site description (2002 baseline):
Site location and context
The IBA follows the coastline of the island of Flores in three different areas: between Santa Cruz and Fajã Grande the coast is low, up to 100m; between Mosteiro and Lages, the cliffs are higher, up to 650m, and some small islets are included; finally, in the zone of Caveira, there is a seacliff of dificult access with ca. 300m high. In total there are about 20 islets, the most important being Baixa do Moinho and the Ilhéu da Lagoa.
Particular importance for seabirds, especially Cory's Shearwater, Little Shearwater and Madeiran Storm Petrel. Also important for Common and Roseate Terns, for which in some years this area has the best numbers for the Roseate Tern. Common occurrence of nearctic birds.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
All habitats are quite well protected. The colonies of terns are however threatened by human disturbance. Feral terrestrial mammals (dogs, cats, rats and weasels) affect most of the seabirds, especially those who nest in holes and burrows. Capture of Cory's Shearwaters exist in small scale. Invasive plant species like the cane reduces the available nesting habitat for seabirds. There is a management plan for the SPA Costa Nordeste. The surveillance programme of the Roseate Terns in Baixa do Moinho and Alagoa was started in 1993. Natural land slides increases erosion and reduces availability of nesting areas for the seabirds.
National:None
International:Special Protection Area Costa Nordeste; SPA Costa Sul e Sudoeste; SIC Costa Nordeste das Flores
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Costa das Flores (Portugal). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/costa-das-flores-iba-portugal on 23/12/2024.
