3 June 2026
The LIFE SOS Pygargus project in highlight at NATURCÔA
“Bread, Tradition and the Harrier” was the title of the talk given by Joaquim Teodósio, conservation officer at Palombar and coordinator of the LIFE SOS Pygargus project, at NATURCÔA. Photo: SPEA
The LIFE SOS Pygargus project, coordinated by Palombar – Nature and Rural Heritage Conservation, took centre stage at the NATURCÔA – Birds & Heritage event, which took place from 22 to 24 May in Sabugal, in the district of Guarda. A creative workshop and a talk were the two activities organised by the Palombar team at this festival dedicated to the birdlife and rich heritage of this border town.
In the shoes of the Montagu's harrier
The creative workshop “Harrier Survival (theatrical game)” was led by conservation officer Sandra Fernandes from Palombar and introduced participants to the Montagu’s harrier (Circus pygargus) and one of the greatest threats it faces: the destruction of its nests. Through a fun activity, the 12 participants, young and old alike, explored the solutions developed by the LIFE SOS Pygargus project to protect these nests and ensure the safety of the eggs and chicks. During this fun activity, it became clear how monitoring the species and raising awareness among farmers help ensure that the Montagu’s harrier can survive and thrive in our cornfields.
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“Bread, Tradition and the Harrier” was the theme of the talk given by Joaquim Teodósio, conservation officer at Palombar and coordinator of the LIFE SOS Pygargus project, and by Hugo Sampaio, terrestrial conservation officer at SPEA – Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds, a partner in the same project. The Montagu’s harrier lives at the heart of rural landscapes, amidst cereal fields and ancient knowledge, and the LIFE SOS Pygargus project brings together nature conservation, biodiversity-friendly farming practices and the stories of those who care for the land to protect it. This moment of sharing helped the 50 or so participants discover that protecting this incredible bird can go hand in hand with tradition, warm bread and vibrant communities.
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Bird ringing with an artistic twist
During this event, a scientific bird ringing and drawing session was also held, led by veterinary doctor and scientific illustrator Ana Silveira Botelho and Luís Pascoal Silva, a researcher at the Mértola Biological Station, with the collaboration of Palombar technician Sandra Fernandes. This activity provided an innovative and artistic experience, bringing together around 20 participants who were able to observe the scientific bird ringing method, draw and explore their creativity, with the support of the illustrator. The star of this activity was a white-throated dipper (Cinclus cinclus).
About NATURCÔA
NATURCÔA – Birds & Heritage is an annual event that aims to help visitors discover Sabugal through its rich birdlife and authentic tangible and intangible cultural heritage. It is organised by Sabugal Municipal Council, SPEA – the Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds, and CERVAS/ALDEIA Association.
About the project
LIFE SOS Pygargus – Urgent conservation actions for Montagu’s harrier populations in Portugal and Spain is an Iberian project co-funded at 75% by the European Union’s LIFE Programme. It also receives co-funding from Viridia – Conservation in Action, Lightsource bp, the Portuguese Environmental Fund, and the Biodiversity Foundation of the Spanish Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge.
It is implemented by a consortium that includes Palombar – Nature and Rural Heritage Conservation (coordinating entity), BIOPOLIS-CIBIO Association, AEPGA – Association for the Study and Protection of Donkeys, ANPOC – National Association of Protein, Oilseed and Cereal Producers, CCDR-N – North Regional Coordination and Development Commission, EDIA – Alqueva Development and Infrastructure Company SA, ICNF – Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests, INIAV – National Institute for Agricultural and Veterinary Research, LPN – Nature Protection League, MC Shared Services SA, Modelo Continente Hipermercados SA, SPEA – Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds, UTAD – University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vita Nativa – Environmental Conservation, AMUS – Action for Wild World, the Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Sustainable Development of the Regional Government of Extremadura, GREFA – Group for the Rehabilitation of Native Fauna and its Habitat, and the University of Murcia
In the shoes of the Montagu's harrier
The creative workshop “Harrier Survival (theatrical game)” was led by conservation officer Sandra Fernandes from Palombar and introduced participants to the Montagu’s harrier (Circus pygargus) and one of the greatest threats it faces: the destruction of its nests. Through a fun activity, the 12 participants, young and old alike, explored the solutions developed by the LIFE SOS Pygargus project to protect these nests and ensure the safety of the eggs and chicks. During this fun activity, it became clear how monitoring the species and raising awareness among farmers help ensure that the Montagu’s harrier can survive and thrive in our cornfields.
A group of 12 participants, ranging from children to adults, "dressed up" as the Montagu’s harrier. Photos: SPEA.
The bread that feeds people and biodiversity
“Bread, Tradition and the Harrier” was the theme of the talk given by Joaquim Teodósio, conservation officer at Palombar and coordinator of the LIFE SOS Pygargus project, and by Hugo Sampaio, terrestrial conservation officer at SPEA – Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds, a partner in the same project. The Montagu’s harrier lives at the heart of rural landscapes, amidst cereal fields and ancient knowledge, and the LIFE SOS Pygargus project brings together nature conservation, biodiversity-friendly farming practices and the stories of those who care for the land to protect it. This moment of sharing helped the 50 or so participants discover that protecting this incredible bird can go hand in hand with tradition, warm bread and vibrant communities.
The LIFE SOS Pygargus project combines agriculture with nature conservation to save the Montagu's harrier from extinction. Photo: SPEA.
Bird ringing with an artistic twist
During this event, a scientific bird ringing and drawing session was also held, led by veterinary doctor and scientific illustrator Ana Silveira Botelho and Luís Pascoal Silva, a researcher at the Mértola Biological Station, with the collaboration of Palombar technician Sandra Fernandes. This activity provided an innovative and artistic experience, bringing together around 20 participants who were able to observe the scientific bird ringing method, draw and explore their creativity, with the support of the illustrator. The star of this activity was a white-throated dipper (Cinclus cinclus).
The star of this activity was a white-throated dipper (Cinclus cinclus). Photo: SPEA.
About NATURCÔA
NATURCÔA – Birds & Heritage is an annual event that aims to help visitors discover Sabugal through its rich birdlife and authentic tangible and intangible cultural heritage. It is organised by Sabugal Municipal Council, SPEA – the Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds, and CERVAS/ALDEIA Association.
About the project
LIFE SOS Pygargus – Urgent conservation actions for Montagu’s harrier populations in Portugal and Spain is an Iberian project co-funded at 75% by the European Union’s LIFE Programme. It also receives co-funding from Viridia – Conservation in Action, Lightsource bp, the Portuguese Environmental Fund, and the Biodiversity Foundation of the Spanish Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge.
It is implemented by a consortium that includes Palombar – Nature and Rural Heritage Conservation (coordinating entity), BIOPOLIS-CIBIO Association, AEPGA – Association for the Study and Protection of Donkeys, ANPOC – National Association of Protein, Oilseed and Cereal Producers, CCDR-N – North Regional Coordination and Development Commission, EDIA – Alqueva Development and Infrastructure Company SA, ICNF – Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests, INIAV – National Institute for Agricultural and Veterinary Research, LPN – Nature Protection League, MC Shared Services SA, Modelo Continente Hipermercados SA, SPEA – Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds, UTAD – University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vita Nativa – Environmental Conservation, AMUS – Action for Wild World, the Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Sustainable Development of the Regional Government of Extremadura, GREFA – Group for the Rehabilitation of Native Fauna and its Habitat, and the University of Murcia