Data Zone
Country/territory: Portugal
IBA criteria met: A2, A4ii, B1ii, B2, B3, C2, C6 (2002)
For more information about IBA criteria, please click here
Area: 321 hectares (3.21 km2)
Site description (2002 baseline)
Rocky peninsula with cliffs and small islets that comprise the oriental tip of Madeira. Presents two main islets: the Ilhéuda Cevada or Ilhéu dos Desembarcadouros, and the Ilhéu do Farol at east extreme. The whole area is covered by shrubs and grass. Human activity includes hunting and tourism.
Key biodiversity
Ponta de SãoLourenço is a singular habitat in Madeira island, very similar to the close Desertas islands. The Ilhéu do Farol, which has not terrestrial predators, is a excelent place for breeding seabirds. The first record in Madeira of breeding Sterna dougallii is from this area. Puffinus assimilis also breeds here. The presence of Ratus norvegicus in Ilhéu da Cevada conditions seabirds establishment. However, the biggest Larus cachinnans colony in Madeira is found here. They are also common terrestrial birds like Anthus berthelotii, Petronia petronia madeirensis and Serinus canarius. The peninsula is also an important stop-over site for migrating passerines.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Ponta de São Lourenço (Portugal). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/ponta-de-são-lourenço-iba-portugal on 23/12/2024.