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Site description (2002 baseline):
Site location and context
This site is rich in natural habitat, some of them are associated to very specific bioclimatic and geologic conditions. The central point of Serra de Monchique has woodland with a complicated structure and with a high richness of flora, These woodland hold relics and endemismes, and due to the biodiversity of this site, it was identified as "hot-spot-forest" .The valleys of the mean rivers have populating and some agriculture practices of subsistence.
Important site for conservation of mediterranean diurnal and nocturnal raptors. Old site of breeding
Aquila chrysaetos (last pair registered in 1999) and
Aquila adalberti (last pair registered in 1980). It is the principal site of the second population of
Hieraaetus fasciatus in Portugal, ocupating forestal habitat and breeding at trees. Also important for breeding
Circaetus gallicus, located in the periphery of the areas that are ocupated for
Hieraaetus fasciatus. Bubo bubo breeding at site. Also this site has a high value for migratory passerines and some soaring species.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
The scarcity of preys and/or the degradation of habitat are the possible causes of the recent extinction of Aquila chrysaetos and Aquila adalberti, in Mountains of Algarve (due to the expansion of forestal activities and ocurrence of big fires)In this site the breeding places of big raptors are characterized by extensive areas of scrub with Quercus(especially, Q.suber).These enclaves are located in very sloping places with a dificult acessibility, reducing forestry capacity.It is possible with forestal and cynegetic management measures to promote activities for improve the habitat, increase the current populations or recolonize with the breeding species that disappear of this area
National:SIC propousal Monchique,76008 ha included in the IBA.International:SIC candidature Monchique
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2025) Important Bird Area factsheet: Serra de Monchique (Portugal). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/serra-de-monchique-iba-portugal on 17/01/2025.
