Wildlife to benefit from a scientific monitoring programme

The Selvagens Islands Nature Reserve now has a long-term scientific monitoring program, published in the Bulletin of the Funchal Museum of Natural History. This document is the result of a joint effort led by the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN), involving more than 80 experts from 28 institutions, with the aim of guiding new studies and research projects, serving as a strategic tool to ensure management decisions are based on scientific evidence.

Meanwhile, Madeira’s biodiversity marks a historic milestone with the return of rare species to the Desertas Islands. More than 570 land snails of the species Discula lyelliana and Geomitra coronula, which had not been seen in their natural habitat for over 150 years, have been reintroduced on the island of Bugio. This operation is the result of a captive breeding program launched in 2021 and aims to reverse the decline of these populations, which were thought to have disappeared due to pressure from invasive species on Deserta Grande.

The initial results of this reintroduction are encouraging, with data indicating positive survival rates and good adaptation of the species to their new habitat. In total, 270 Discula lyelliana and 300 Geomitra coronula are expected to be released, as part of a rigorous monitoring process set to continue until 2028. This initiative reinforces Madeira’s position as an international leader in nature conservation and habitat restoration through sustained scientific cooperation.