Current view: Text account
Site description (2002 baseline):
Site location and context
Extensive area, following coast-line, that comprises the atlantic coastal band between S. Torpes and the Burgau. Alternate dunes and sandy zones, cliffs and ravines, islets and rocks, with water lines where included firths, rivers and streams. From the main water courses that dischargue in this area, River Mira and Riveira de Odeceixe are to relate. This IBA's territory can be divided in three areas: the litoral plateau, between S. Torpes and Vila do Bispo, mainly sandy, it represents the most continous and large area; the litoral mountains, that border at the East the big plateau; and the barrocal (place full of ruts, crags and caves), that begins at S. Vicente's coast and extends to the East, in a little calcareous hills chain.
Important nesting area for rupicolous birds, like
Falco peregrinus. passage zone for soaring birds and transahrian migratory passerines. Last iberian breeding area for
Pandion haliaetus, recently extinct.The only european site where
Ciconia ciconia nests in cliffs and rocky islets. Areas of agricultural plateaus are important for steppic non-breeding species like
Tetrax tetrax,
Otis tarda and
Burhinus oedicnemus.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Due to ongoing land-abandonment, the extent of scrub is increasing at the expense of non-intensive farmland. Coastal erosion is a problem and the development of tourist infrastructure poses strong pressures. Cliff-nesting birds are disturbed by professional and amateur anglers. A few endemic plant species occur at this site.
National Natural Park Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina; Special Protection Area Costa Sudoeste; SCI propossal Costa Sudoeste.
International Special Protection Area Costa Sudoeste; SCI propossal Costa Sudoeste; Biogenetic Reserve (Council of Europe) Ponta de Sagres.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: South-west coast of Portugal (Portugal). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/south-west-coast-of-portugal-iba-portugal on 23/11/2024.
