Cereal Fields with Biodiversity: Save the Montagus harrier
Protecting the species from extinction with the involvement of farmers
On May 17, 2022, Palombar signed the protocol of the project 'Cereal Fields with Biodiversity: Save the Montagu's harrier', which aims to protect and conserve this one of the species of terrestrial fauna most threatened with extinction in Portugal.
Watch the videos
Watch the videos
17 May, 2022
Cereal Fields with Biodiversity: Save the Montagu's harrier
Palombar - Nature and Rural Heritage Conservation signed, on May 17, 2022, the protocol of the project 'Cereal Fields with Biodiversity: Save the Montagu's harrier'.
This project is developed by Palombar, Association of Cereals, Oilseeds and Protein Crops Producers (ANPOC), Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources (CIBIO/BIOPOLIS) of the University of Porto and the Continente Producers Club (CPC) and is funded by these last three entities. It also counts on the collaboration of several other institutions and organizations in its various actions.
The central focus of this project is to promote the protection and conservation of the montagu's harrier (Circus pygargus) in Portugal, one of the most endangered species of terrestrial fauna in the country and in danger of disappearing.
The montagu's harrier is a migratory bird of prey and its populations have seen a continued and sharp decline in the national territory in recent years. This decline is most likely the result of two decisive factors affecting the species: the early cutting of hay crops (forage) in the middle of the breeding season (this bird makes its nest in the ground, which is often destroyed by agricultural machinery, as well as eggs and chicks) and the loss of habitat associated with the very significant reduction in areas cultivated with cereals for grain production.
The project is strongly committed to the involvement of farmers in the conservation of the species, which depends almost exclusively on the habitat of the cereal fields to ensure its life cycle, especially as far as reproduction and feeding are concerned.
This bird of prey is an ally to farmers, as it hunts and eliminates agricultural pests such as small rodents, insects, and small birds. A single pair of montagu's harrier catches more than 1,000 animals harmful to agriculture in a breeding season.
The main actions of the project are:
Coordination Palombar and BIOPOLIS/CIBIO
Territory Portugal
Funding Continente Producers Club and BIOPOLIS/CIBIO
This project is developed by Palombar, Association of Cereals, Oilseeds and Protein Crops Producers (ANPOC), Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources (CIBIO/BIOPOLIS) of the University of Porto and the Continente Producers Club (CPC) and is funded by these last three entities. It also counts on the collaboration of several other institutions and organizations in its various actions.
The central focus of this project is to promote the protection and conservation of the montagu's harrier (Circus pygargus) in Portugal, one of the most endangered species of terrestrial fauna in the country and in danger of disappearing.
The montagu's harrier is a migratory bird of prey and its populations have seen a continued and sharp decline in the national territory in recent years. This decline is most likely the result of two decisive factors affecting the species: the early cutting of hay crops (forage) in the middle of the breeding season (this bird makes its nest in the ground, which is often destroyed by agricultural machinery, as well as eggs and chicks) and the loss of habitat associated with the very significant reduction in areas cultivated with cereals for grain production.
The project is strongly committed to the involvement of farmers in the conservation of the species, which depends almost exclusively on the habitat of the cereal fields to ensure its life cycle, especially as far as reproduction and feeding are concerned.
This bird of prey is an ally to farmers, as it hunts and eliminates agricultural pests such as small rodents, insects, and small birds. A single pair of montagu's harrier catches more than 1,000 animals harmful to agriculture in a breeding season.
The main actions of the project are:
- 1st National Census of Montagu's harrier, carried out with the aim of identifying the number of breeding pairs that exist in the national territory;
- Rescue campaign, which aims to prospect colonies and nests and includes the rescue of eggs that are in agricultural parcels whose harvest coincides with the breeding season, as well as protection actions;
- Awareness and environmental education activities for the conservation of the species;
- Disseminate and expand the 'Network of Owners Friends of the Montagu's harrier';
- Study to understand the importance of cereal fields for bird biodiversity.
Coordination Palombar and BIOPOLIS/CIBIO
Territory Portugal
Funding Continente Producers Club and BIOPOLIS/CIBIO
Documents