Urgent Call for Action: Can We Save the Endangered Madeira Petrel from Extinction?

The Madeira Petrel at Risk

The Madeira petrel, an endemic bird species from Madeira, is facing a critical threat due to ongoing wildfires in its nesting area. Similar to the devastating fires of 2010, the current blaze is endangering the survival of the bird's chicks. Authorities have not disclosed the number of rescued chicks, despite efforts to relocate them to a bird rescue center.

According to Cátia Gouveia, coordinator of the Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds (SPEA), the Madeira petrel is classified as critically endangered with only about 80 breeding pairs worldwide. This species nests in the eastern mountainous region of the island, where the active wildfire poses significant threats.

Habitat and Breeding

The adult Madeira petrel spends part of the year at sea and returns to Madeira in May for breeding. Due to habitat loss and introduced predators, its population has significantly declined over the years. Currently, breeding pairs are found at altitudes above 1600 meters, making them particularly vulnerable to wildfires.

During the summer season, each pair lays one egg, and only 15 to 20 chicks survive annually to return to the sea. These chicks remain away from the island for 8 to 10 years before returning to nest as adults, which can live up to 30 years.

Critical Phase of Threat

August is a particularly dangerous month for these birds as it coincides with hatching. The impact of the fires can be devastating, not only through direct harm but also through smoke inhalation and landslides caused by the loss of vegetation.

While the authorities have announced rescue operations, Gouveia emphasizes that chicks cannot remain away from their nests for too long, as they are in a critical growth phase requiring parental care. The aftermath of the fires may lead to the colonization of invasive plants, further complicating the recovery of their habitat.

Call for Reforestation

Gouveia urges the government to allocate funds for the reforestation of burned areas and control of invasive species to create resilient forests that can withstand future fires. The loss of vegetation not only threatens the Madeira petrel but also poses risks to human populations through potential landslides and erosion.

The Madeira petrel is under maximum protection, and its habitat is part of the Madeira Natural Park and Natura 2000 Network, highlighting its crucial role in the ecosystem. Gouveia describes the Madeira petrel as a “umbrella species,” emphasizing the need for habitat protection.