Current view: Text account
Site description (2002 baseline):
Site location and context
This coastal IBA includes the area between the coastline and cobble beaches and the top of the seacliffs, from the stream of Ribeira do Cabeço da Cruz to the Fajã do Nortezinho. The cliffs are often covered by macaronesean woodland. The site includes the Ilhéu do Topo, an islet with 20 hectares and rocky cliffs. The islet is currently used by cattle.
One of the most important areas for breeding seabirds of the archipelago. At Ilhéu do Topo there is a potencial colony of 'cold-period' Madeiran Storm Petrel.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Cattle causes soil erosion and desctruction of the nests of the seabirds in the plateau. Feral terrestrial mammals (dogs, cats, rats and weasels) introduced in the coastal area of the island of São Jorge affect most of the seabirds, especially those who nest in holes and burrows. Invasive plant species like the cane reduces the available nesting habitat for seabirds. The absence of the establishment of the SPA by the regional law constitutes a weakness in its surveillance and legal protection. There is a management plan for the SPA Ilhéu do Topo e Costa Adjacente.
National Partial Nature Reserve Ilhéu do Topo
International Special Protection Area Ilhéu do Topo e Costa Adjacente; SCI Costa Nordeste e Ponta do Topo.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Ilhéu do Topo e Costa Adjacente (Portugal). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/ilhéu-do-topo-e-costa-adjacente-iba-portugal on 23/12/2024.
