Conservation Actions

Seed collection campaigns take place between October and December, each year and in each intervention area.

At the beginning of the Project, in 2017, around 6500 seeds of various native species were collected, typical from Portuguese Laurel and Rhododendron communities. These were transported to the CICYTEX nursery, where several germination tests were carried out. However, some germination problems have been found associated in particular with the species of Prunus lusitanica, Arbutus unedo, Phillyrea angustifolia and Viburnum tinus.

In the 2018 campaign, an additional 13800 seeds and 500 cuttings of plants typical of the target habitat were collected. The purpose of collecting cuttings was to ensure that there were plants with adequate development to install them in the field, thus overcoming some of the germination problems observed in the previous year. After the initial difficulties were overcome, it was possible to propagate many plants that were later transported to the intervention areas of the Life-Relict project.

In 2019, another campaign was carried out where 19 thousand seeds and 450 cuttings were collected and new propagations were carried out giving rise to more seedlings of species characteristic of the target and associated habitats. The objective is to increase the plant material needed to enlarge and improve the condition of important habitats for conservation in the intervention areas of the Life-Relict project. By the end of 2019, 6447 plants for planting had already been delivered to the nurseries of the partners in Seia and Monchique.

In the 2020 campaign, about 27,500 seeds and 150 cuttings were collected in order to strengthen the plant’s production capacity for plantations in the Project’s intervention areas. Despite some cases of unsuccessful seed germination identified at the beginning of the Project, germination and survival rates are increasing, as can be seen in the following table.

By the end of 2021 spring,  about 34 316 plants had already been delivered to partners for targeted plantation actions. At the end of the project 35,500 plants are expected to have been delivered.

Click on the images to enlarge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ID of photos

1 – Fruits from Rhododendron ponticum subsp. baeticum

2 – Seeds from Prunus lusitanica subsp. lusitanica

3 – Germination of Rhododendron ponticum subsp. baeticum

4 – Germination of Prunus lusitanica subsp. lusitanica

5 – Plants of Quercus marianica c. vicioso.

6 – Plants of Rhododendron ponticum subsp. baeticum

7 – Plants of Prunus lusitanica subsp. lusitanica

8 – Fruits of Arbutus unedo

9 – Acclimatisation of Rhododendron ponticum subsp. baeticum

10 – Germination of Quercus spp.

11 – Development of Quercus broteroana

12 – Growing of Prunus lusitanica subsp. lusitanica

13 – Growing of Rhododendron ponticum subsp. baeticum

14 – Growing of Quercus canariensis

 

Action C2 presents the average execution of the respective sub-actions:

During 2019, several works were carried out on the water channels near the village of Cabeça, municipality of Seia. This was in a very poor state and was completely cleaned and rebuilt so that it can continue to bring water to the Portuguese Laurel communities that exist in its vicinity.

Photos showing the degraded state (from 1 to 7) – click on the images to enlarge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos showing the cleaning work (from 8 to 14) – click on the images to enlarge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos showing the result of the cleaning work (from 15 to 21) – click on the images to enlarge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos showing the water channel fully functional (from 22 to 28) – click on the images to enlarge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The work began in June 2018,  when selective control of vegetation in Mata da Margaraça was done in about 2 ha. The purpose was to reduce risk of fire by cutting heliophilous scrub (which is not characteristic of the habitat 5230 *) and was done on land that hadn’t burned in the previous year.

In 2019, in the intervention areas of serra da Estrela, all heliophilous shrubs, with special attention to species with a high risk of fire, such as the common ferns (Pteridium aquilinum), was removed in an area of ​​2.8 ha.

Of the 8 ha planned for this sub-action, the work has already been carried out on 4.8 ha.

Photos showing the work being executed in Mata da Margaraça (from 1 to 4) and the results in Cabeça, Estrela (from 5 to 7) – click on the images to enlarge

Work is still in progress to prepare the land for the new plantations and as such, at the end of 2019 this sub-action had not yet started. In the case of serra da Estrela, work on the renaturalization of the areas to be intervened is still ongoing, that is, the removal of non-invasive exotic species, such as pine and eucalyptus, is still ongoing, in order to reduce the fire risk and so that new plantings of the target species of Life-Relict are not affected.

Action C3 presents the average execution of the respective sub-actions:

The areas of Rhododendron existing in Monchique were degraded, forming only small patches between the heliophile scrub. Thus, Life-Relict project advanced into the control of these shrubs, within the entire planned area (3ha) in October 2018 and repeated in June 2019. This was aimed to reduce the risk of fire. Although this sub-action has already been completed, it will be repeated whenever necessary.

Photos showing the work being executed in Monchique (from 1 to 7) – click on the images to enlarge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

click on the images to enlarge

 

 

 

 

Plantations were executed from February to March 2021 in 1.9ha (63% executed) of C3.2. Species used and respective number are: Phyllirea media (40), Phyllirea angustifolia (200), Rhamnus alaternus (245) and Viburnum tinus (285) were made in C3.2 territories. Therefore, a total of 770 plants were planted. Plants were positioned in habitat clearings in order to improve its structure. plantations made in pit, with fertilization (organic compost), using the plants propagated in Action C1. Due to all the problems related to Rhododendron propagation the plantation of this species was not yet executed.

Action C4 presents the average execution of the respective sub-actions:

 

 

Plantations of typical species were executed after C4.1 and C4.3 interventions inside the C4 area of 11.3 ha (foreseen 10,5 ha; 100% executed, in maintenance, more plantations to be done). Plantations were executed according to local needs, considering the plants already present and their density. Plants were produced by CICYTEX (Action C1), using local genetic material (mainly seeds). All the available plants were used in Cabeça (8,7ha), Casal do Rei (1,9ha) and Fontão (0,7ha). Species, and respective number, are: Prunus lusitanica (4731); Viburnum tinus (243); Arbutus unedo (656); Phillyrea angustifolia (272); Crataegus monogyna (14). If possible, plantation was made between 4 x 4m. Works were done using local providers and executed from January to March 2020 and from January to march 2021.

In Estrela, the native areas of Prunus lusitanica have, in most cases, been converted to Pine forests. Hence their restoration implies, necessarily, Pine removal, as well as some dispersed eucalyptus present in this territory. These species compete with native plants, but also, largely increase fire risk and soil deterioration. This sub-action started in November 2019 and was completed in June 2020 (100% executed, no maintenance necessary). The procedures adopted are the ones described in LIFE-RELICT Project: the wood material with economic value was removed and given to land-owners (who in this particular case, reverted its value to the local parish council). In turn, the material with no commercial value was crushed and left in place, to increase organic matter and reduce the risk of fire and soil erosion. Since this process required the entry of machinery into the intervention areas, all necessary measures were taken in order to minimize their impact at ground level, namely through the exclusive use of existing paths and trails.

This action was just started and is beyond schedule. Control of heliophilic species started in January 2021. Works were done with CMM’s own resources. Plantation were made in this area.

Species used and respective number are: Phyllirea media (40); Phyllirea angustifolia (55); Rhamnus alaternus (72) and Viburnum tinus (115). In total 282 plants were used. In addicion, in January 2021, we made an experimental Rhododendron’s plantations. Individuals of seminal origin (212) and individuals of vegetative origin (42) were planted side by side (one vegetative/ +- 5 seminal). All locations were marked with sticks, numbered and georeferenced with GPS. Specimens were watered weekly during the summer of 2021, by CMMonc.

The control of eucalyptus trees in the project intervention areas was completed.

 

 

Acacia dealbata Control: Two different methodologies were carried out in the two main Acacia plots in Estrela-Cabeça: [1]. In the plot with older and larger specimens (1.05 ha) we used the debarking technique. Works started in July 2018, but were postponed due to lack of access foreseen in C7.1. Debarking work was resumed in the end of 2019 and finished (100% executed) march 2020. So far, the foreseen cut of debarked trees has not been done especially because we were advised not to do it (by the major specialists in this methodology in Portugal, Hélia Marchante team, from the University of Coimbra). By March 2021, the vast majority of the aerial part of the debarked trees were already dead, contrary to what had been observed in the summer of 2020, when only the trees debarked in 2019 had died. [2]. In the other plot (0.51 ha), with smaller plants, not suitable for debarking, physical control by cutting was carried out (100% executed). This area will now be subject to extensive fire to stimulate regeneration and eliminate the seed bank in the superficial layers of the soil. This will be done when the weather conditions will be suitable for its execution.

Click on the photos to enlarge

 

 

 

 

 

Hakea sericea Control: Hakea sericea was present in Seia-Cabeça mainly in an impenetrable formation in the undergrowth of a dense and young pine forest. The overall density of this space prevented the entry of light and the survival of native species. In a first phase Hakea sericea was cut, together with the pine trees (Phase I completed), aiming to promote the death and drying of Hakea plants, once their main propagation mechanism is seminal. As an opportunistic and pioneer, this species presents the seeds inside highly lignified follicles, which present dehiscence only in two situations: when the plant dries out, by cutting for example, or in case of fire. Only then, seeds are release, been able to quickly colonize the area. Then we used prescribed/controlled fire, in late spring 2020, taking advantage of the dead and dry fuel present, resulting from the cutting of both the Hakea and the pine trees. The prescription for the use of fire aiming to eliminate Hakea’s seed bank, requires a fire with medium intensity and medium to long residence time, so that the fire can eliminate species regeneration and seed bank, as well as the seeds that are still remain inside the follicles. However, fire intensity is controlled also in order to avoid soil damage in deepest soil horizon. This methodology was developed by the team of Prof. Dr. Joaquim Sande Silva, within the scope of the “FIRE AND INVADERS” Project of the Escola Superior Agrária de Coimbra. Hakea sericea control was executed by CMSeia on staff, especially forest fire fighter’s teams. Manual rip out of the few existing seminal regeneration, was carried out in late spring, by Seia team.

Action C7 presents the average execution of the respective sub-actions:

 

All the access roads foreseen in Project, have been restored (executed 100%). Specifically, 2 km of paths already existent in Estrela-Cabeça an 1km of paths from Estrela-Casal do Rei were reestablished by CMSeia workers. This recovery was essential for all the management actions executed so on (C2, C4, C6 and C7) and will be a good support structures for the future forest fires prevention/extinction. Works have been done in October 2019.

Photographs showing the state of degradation of the access roads (from 1 to 4) and the results (5 and 6) – Click on the photos to enlarge

 

 

 

 

 

 

This sub-action was foreseen to start just in October 2018, but it was started in April 2018 in Açor-Complexo da Margaraça. This action was foreseen for the three target territories (Estrela, Açor and Monchique) and globally has been implemented as referred below:

In Estrela territories, foreseen works were executed in 10,65 ha (100% executed, under maintenance). Selective control of heliophilous species was implemented in Cabeça (8,1ha), Casal do Rei (1,8ha) and Fontão (0,75ha). The procedures were the ones specified in the OP and the same referred in C2 description (including target species). Interventions were made by external assistance with Project staff supervision. Works started in November 2019 in Estrela-Cabeça and were finished in July 2020 in Estrela-Fontão.

Complexo da Margaraça: works started in 2018, in 1.8 ha. The intervention, comprised cutting of the burnt trees and shrubs and the creation of cords according to the contour lines, with the aim of reducing erosion and protect soil. This intervention was done to promote rapid plant growth and regeneration, in order to indorse rapid forest grow (creation of native forests to protect Prunus lusitanica remaining areas against fire) and protect all the area from soil erosion. Please see last Progress Report for details. After fire, all the area experienced the rapid growth of heliophilous shrub vegetation, as shown by the monitoring reports. In 2021 works were done in 7,9 ha, in the first months of 2021, in close collaboration between LIFE-Relict team and the Margaraça Protected Area (ICNF).

Monchique: In Cruz da Fóia and Vale Largo C7.2 was executed in the whole foreseen area (100% executed). Works started in November 2018 and were finished in the second trimester of 2021. In Vale Largo works in the additional plantations area, works were done with CMMonc own staff. In Cruz da Fóia, this service was contracted by the second trimester of 2021. As planned, a selective cut was made, with the removal of heliophilous species (only the ones not characteristics of habitats 5230 and 9230), using light machinery. However, in February 2019 heavy machinery (a tractor) was used only next to the national road, in places without characteristic spices and whenever the slope allowed (in about 0.55 ha). This was done with urgency due to legal imposition, for the passage of an important bicycle race (Algarve Tour, stage Almodovar/Alto da Foia, 21/02/2019).

We highlight a complementary action: in Açor-Complexo da Margaraça, ICNF has replicated LIFE-RELICT interventions made in C7.2. Those have been done in accordance with LIFE already implemented procedures in contiguous spaces to the project intervention areas.

Photographs showing the progressing work in Mata da Margaraça (1 to 3) and Monchique (4 to 7) – Click on the images to enlarge

 

 

Estrela: Plantations were made in C7 areas in Estrela, in function of local occupancy and needs, but new plants produced by CICYTEX, will be planted in the next winter, in order to replace lost individuals and densify other areas (100% executed, under maintenance). Plantations were implemented in Cabeça (8,1ha), Casal do Rei (1,8ha) and Fontão (0,75ha), in function of their occupation found and its previous density. They were made by external assistance. Plants were produced by CICYTEX (Action C1), using local genetic material (mainly seeds. Species, and respective estimate number, are: Quercus broteroana (3814); Quercus pyrenaica (1601); Quercus suber (1203), Arbutus unedo (2131) and Phillyrea angustifolia (60). Where possible, plantation was made respecting 4 x 4m spacing. Works were done using local providers and executed from January to March 2020 and from January to march 2021.

Monchique: In Vale Largo, plantations were carried out in 2.4 ha (0.56 ha planned and 1.84 ha additional, see complementary actions above). In the 0.56 ha foreseen in Project, 240 Q. canariensis and 90 Q. estremadurensis were planted in the spring of 2021. At Cruz da Foia, plantations have not yet been carried out in the 3.5 ha planned, but in 10 ha done by volunteers, with no cost to Life-Relict. The main reason for this delay is the existence of unauthorized grazing within the target area (which is propriety of CMMoc). As plantations made by volunteer in 2019 were completely destroyed by cattle (the same not happened in Vale Largo) we can’t make more plantation without overcoming this huge problem. To cope with it, Monchique municipality made several complaints to GNR (National Gard) with no practical result, so far. Cattle (cows, sheep and horses) continue to graze in this area. For that reason, CMMonc is now going to put a fence around their land. We expect to see this problem solve until the end of the present year and be able to start plantations in next winter.

We highlight two complementary actions had no cost for LIFE-Relict, but value and enhance respective results:

Monchique: as referred in the previous report, in areas where plantations were not planned in LIFE-RELICT, CMMon made an effort to find entities to sponsor new plantations. Therefore, in November 2019 offered plants were planted in 1.84 ha in Monchique-Vale Largo and 10.10 ha in Monchique-Cruz da Foia (executed 11.94 ha). Plantation were carried out by volunteers, with the support of municipal teams. This intervention had no cost to LIFE, but value and enhance respective results. Please see previous report for more detailed information.

Margaraça: In Margaraça, ICNF planted 2,3 ha of native species in the LIFE-Relict target areas. This was made after C7.2 executions and with the supervision of LIFE team, not foreseen in the Proposal. The cost was supported by ICNF.

In Estrela, the surrounding areas of Prunus lusitanica were, in most cases, converted to Pine forests, which greatly increases the risk of fire throughout this intervention territory. In this sense, Pine and Eucalyptus (much less than Pine) were removed from Estrela areas, as explained in C2. Its implementation was carried out by CMSeia through a contracted company. Works started in November 2019 and were finished in April 2020 total of 10,65 ha; 100%, reducing the probability of an external occurring fire will enter and damage the C2 and C4 areas.

In Monchique, in C7 areas the presence of Eucalyptus forests greatly increased the risk of fire in the entire LIFE area. Therefore, has foreseen, in December 2019, the cutting of non-invasive alien species had already been carried out in the entire C7 area (100% executed). To prevent regeneration by eucalyptus stump, the use of an

Photographs that illustrate the state before (1 to 2) and the progress of the works in Monchique (3 to 6) – Click on the images to enlarge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Monchique, in the existing chestnut forest, selective management of the vegetation cover was carried out to improve the structure of this Habitat, in order to increase the resilience
to forest fires. A total of 1.8 ha was intervened, executing 90% of this sub-action.

Photographs showing the state before the intervention (from 1 to 4) and after the intervention (from 5 to 7) – Click on the images to enlarge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seed collection campaigns take place between October and December, each year and in each intervention area.

At the beginning of the Project, in 2017, around 6500 seeds of various native species were collected, typical from Portuguese Laurel and Rhododendron communities. These were transported to the CICYTEX nursery, where several germination tests were carried out. However, some germination problems have been found associated in particular with the species of Prunus lusitanica, Arbutus unedo, Phillyrea angustifolia and Viburnum tinus.

In the 2018 campaign, an additional 13800 seeds and 500 cuttings of plants typical of the target habitat were collected. The purpose of collecting cuttings was to ensure that there were plants with adequate development to install them in the field, thus overcoming some of the germination problems observed in the previous year. After the initial difficulties were overcome, it was possible to propagate many plants that were later transported to the intervention areas of the Life-Relict project.

In 2019, another campaign was carried out where 19 thousand seeds and 450 cuttings were collected and new propagations were carried out giving rise to more seedlings of species characteristic of the target and associated habitats. The objective is to increase the plant material needed to enlarge and improve the condition of important habitats for conservation in the intervention areas of the Life-Relict project. By the end of 2019, 6447 plants for planting had already been delivered to the nurseries of the partners in Seia and Monchique.

In the 2020 campaign, about 27,500 seeds and 150 cuttings were collected in order to strengthen the plant’s production capacity for plantations in the Project’s intervention areas. Despite some cases of unsuccessful seed germination identified at the beginning of the Project, germination and survival rates are increasing, as can be seen in the following table.

By the end of 2021 spring,  about 34 316 plants had already been delivered to partners for targeted plantation actions. At the end of the project 35,500 plants are expected to have been delivered.

Click on the images to enlarge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ID of photos

1 – Fruits from Rhododendron ponticum subsp. baeticum

2 – Seeds from Prunus lusitanica subsp. lusitanica

3 – Germination of Rhododendron ponticum subsp. baeticum

4 – Germination of Prunus lusitanica subsp. lusitanica

5 – Plants of Quercus marianica c. vicioso.

6 – Plants of Rhododendron ponticum subsp. baeticum

7 – Plants of Prunus lusitanica subsp. lusitanica

8 – Fruits of Arbutus unedo

9 – Acclimatisation of Rhododendron ponticum subsp. baeticum

10 – Germination of Quercus spp.

11 – Development of Quercus broteroana

12 – Growing of Prunus lusitanica subsp. lusitanica

13 – Growing of Rhododendron ponticum subsp. baeticum

14 – Growing of Quercus canariensis

 

Action C2 presents the average execution of the respective sub-actions:

During 2019, several works were carried out on the water channels near the village of Cabeça, municipality of Seia. This was in a very poor state and was completely cleaned and rebuilt so that it can continue to bring water to the Portuguese Laurel communities that exist in its vicinity.

Photos showing the degraded state (from 1 to 7) – click on the images to enlarge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos showing the cleaning work (from 8 to 14) – click on the images to enlarge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos showing the result of the cleaning work (from 15 to 21) – click on the images to enlarge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos showing the water channel fully functional (from 22 to 28) – click on the images to enlarge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The work began in June 2018,  when selective control of vegetation in Mata da Margaraça was done in about 2 ha. The purpose was to reduce risk of fire by cutting heliophilous scrub (which is not characteristic of the habitat 5230 *) and was done on land that hadn’t burned in the previous year.

In 2019, in the intervention areas of serra da Estrela, all heliophilous shrubs, with special attention to species with a high risk of fire, such as the common ferns (Pteridium aquilinum), was removed in an area of ​​2.8 ha.

Of the 8 ha planned for this sub-action, the work has already been carried out on 4.8 ha.

Photos showing the work being executed in Mata da Margaraça (from 1 to 4) and the results in Cabeça, Estrela (from 5 to 7) – click on the images to enlarge

Work is still in progress to prepare the land for the new plantations and as such, at the end of 2019 this sub-action had not yet started. In the case of serra da Estrela, work on the renaturalization of the areas to be intervened is still ongoing, that is, the removal of non-invasive exotic species, such as pine and eucalyptus, is still ongoing, in order to reduce the fire risk and so that new plantings of the target species of Life-Relict are not affected.

Action C3 presents the average execution of the respective sub-actions:

The areas of Rhododendron existing in Monchique were degraded, forming only small patches between the heliophile scrub. Thus, Life-Relict project advanced into the control of these shrubs, within the entire planned area (3ha) in October 2018 and repeated in June 2019. This was aimed to reduce the risk of fire. Although this sub-action has already been completed, it will be repeated whenever necessary.

Photos showing the work being executed in Monchique (from 1 to 7) – click on the images to enlarge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

click on the images to enlarge

 

 

 

 

Plantations were executed from February to March 2021 in 1.9ha (63% executed) of C3.2. Species used and respective number are: Phyllirea media (40), Phyllirea angustifolia (200), Rhamnus alaternus (245) and Viburnum tinus (285) were made in C3.2 territories. Therefore, a total of 770 plants were planted. Plants were positioned in habitat clearings in order to improve its structure. plantations made in pit, with fertilization (organic compost), using the plants propagated in Action C1. Due to all the problems related to Rhododendron propagation the plantation of this species was not yet executed.

Action C4 presents the average execution of the respective sub-actions:

 

 

Plantations of typical species were executed after C4.1 and C4.3 interventions inside the C4 area of 11.3 ha (foreseen 10,5 ha; 100% executed, in maintenance, more plantations to be done). Plantations were executed according to local needs, considering the plants already present and their density. Plants were produced by CICYTEX (Action C1), using local genetic material (mainly seeds). All the available plants were used in Cabeça (8,7ha), Casal do Rei (1,9ha) and Fontão (0,7ha). Species, and respective number, are: Prunus lusitanica (4731); Viburnum tinus (243); Arbutus unedo (656); Phillyrea angustifolia (272); Crataegus monogyna (14). If possible, plantation was made between 4 x 4m. Works were done using local providers and executed from January to March 2020 and from January to march 2021.

In Estrela, the native areas of Prunus lusitanica have, in most cases, been converted to Pine forests. Hence their restoration implies, necessarily, Pine removal, as well as some dispersed eucalyptus present in this territory. These species compete with native plants, but also, largely increase fire risk and soil deterioration. This sub-action started in November 2019 and was completed in June 2020 (100% executed, no maintenance necessary). The procedures adopted are the ones described in LIFE-RELICT Project: the wood material with economic value was removed and given to land-owners (who in this particular case, reverted its value to the local parish council). In turn, the material with no commercial value was crushed and left in place, to increase organic matter and reduce the risk of fire and soil erosion. Since this process required the entry of machinery into the intervention areas, all necessary measures were taken in order to minimize their impact at ground level, namely through the exclusive use of existing paths and trails.

This action was just started and is beyond schedule. Control of heliophilic species started in January 2021. Works were done with CMM’s own resources. Plantation were made in this area.

Species used and respective number are: Phyllirea media (40); Phyllirea angustifolia (55); Rhamnus alaternus (72) and Viburnum tinus (115). In total 282 plants were used. In addicion, in January 2021, we made an experimental Rhododendron’s plantations. Individuals of seminal origin (212) and individuals of vegetative origin (42) were planted side by side (one vegetative/ +- 5 seminal). All locations were marked with sticks, numbered and georeferenced with GPS. Specimens were watered weekly during the summer of 2021, by CMMonc.

The control of eucalyptus trees in the project intervention areas was completed.

 

 

Acacia dealbata Control: Two different methodologies were carried out in the two main Acacia plots in Estrela-Cabeça: [1]. In the plot with older and larger specimens (1.05 ha) we used the debarking technique. Works started in July 2018, but were postponed due to lack of access foreseen in C7.1. Debarking work was resumed in the end of 2019 and finished (100% executed) march 2020. So far, the foreseen cut of debarked trees has not been done especially because we were advised not to do it (by the major specialists in this methodology in Portugal, Hélia Marchante team, from the University of Coimbra). By March 2021, the vast majority of the aerial part of the debarked trees were already dead, contrary to what had been observed in the summer of 2020, when only the trees debarked in 2019 had died. [2]. In the other plot (0.51 ha), with smaller plants, not suitable for debarking, physical control by cutting was carried out (100% executed). This area will now be subject to extensive fire to stimulate regeneration and eliminate the seed bank in the superficial layers of the soil. This will be done when the weather conditions will be suitable for its execution.

Click on the photos to enlarge

 

 

 

 

 

Hakea sericea Control: Hakea sericea was present in Seia-Cabeça mainly in an impenetrable formation in the undergrowth of a dense and young pine forest. The overall density of this space prevented the entry of light and the survival of native species. In a first phase Hakea sericea was cut, together with the pine trees (Phase I completed), aiming to promote the death and drying of Hakea plants, once their main propagation mechanism is seminal. As an opportunistic and pioneer, this species presents the seeds inside highly lignified follicles, which present dehiscence only in two situations: when the plant dries out, by cutting for example, or in case of fire. Only then, seeds are release, been able to quickly colonize the area. Then we used prescribed/controlled fire, in late spring 2020, taking advantage of the dead and dry fuel present, resulting from the cutting of both the Hakea and the pine trees. The prescription for the use of fire aiming to eliminate Hakea’s seed bank, requires a fire with medium intensity and medium to long residence time, so that the fire can eliminate species regeneration and seed bank, as well as the seeds that are still remain inside the follicles. However, fire intensity is controlled also in order to avoid soil damage in deepest soil horizon. This methodology was developed by the team of Prof. Dr. Joaquim Sande Silva, within the scope of the “FIRE AND INVADERS” Project of the Escola Superior Agrária de Coimbra. Hakea sericea control was executed by CMSeia on staff, especially forest fire fighter’s teams. Manual rip out of the few existing seminal regeneration, was carried out in late spring, by Seia team.

Action C7 presents the average execution of the respective sub-actions:

 

All the access roads foreseen in Project, have been restored (executed 100%). Specifically, 2 km of paths already existent in Estrela-Cabeça an 1km of paths from Estrela-Casal do Rei were reestablished by CMSeia workers. This recovery was essential for all the management actions executed so on (C2, C4, C6 and C7) and will be a good support structures for the future forest fires prevention/extinction. Works have been done in October 2019.

Photographs showing the state of degradation of the access roads (from 1 to 4) and the results (5 and 6) – Click on the photos to enlarge

 

 

 

 

 

 

This sub-action was foreseen to start just in October 2018, but it was started in April 2018 in Açor-Complexo da Margaraça. This action was foreseen for the three target territories (Estrela, Açor and Monchique) and globally has been implemented as referred below:

In Estrela territories, foreseen works were executed in 10,65 ha (100% executed, under maintenance). Selective control of heliophilous species was implemented in Cabeça (8,1ha), Casal do Rei (1,8ha) and Fontão (0,75ha). The procedures were the ones specified in the OP and the same referred in C2 description (including target species). Interventions were made by external assistance with Project staff supervision. Works started in November 2019 in Estrela-Cabeça and were finished in July 2020 in Estrela-Fontão.

Complexo da Margaraça: works started in 2018, in 1.8 ha. The intervention, comprised cutting of the burnt trees and shrubs and the creation of cords according to the contour lines, with the aim of reducing erosion and protect soil. This intervention was done to promote rapid plant growth and regeneration, in order to indorse rapid forest grow (creation of native forests to protect Prunus lusitanica remaining areas against fire) and protect all the area from soil erosion. Please see last Progress Report for details. After fire, all the area experienced the rapid growth of heliophilous shrub vegetation, as shown by the monitoring reports. In 2021 works were done in 7,9 ha, in the first months of 2021, in close collaboration between LIFE-Relict team and the Margaraça Protected Area (ICNF).

Monchique: In Cruz da Fóia and Vale Largo C7.2 was executed in the whole foreseen area (100% executed). Works started in November 2018 and were finished in the second trimester of 2021. In Vale Largo works in the additional plantations area, works were done with CMMonc own staff. In Cruz da Fóia, this service was contracted by the second trimester of 2021. As planned, a selective cut was made, with the removal of heliophilous species (only the ones not characteristics of habitats 5230 and 9230), using light machinery. However, in February 2019 heavy machinery (a tractor) was used only next to the national road, in places without characteristic spices and whenever the slope allowed (in about 0.55 ha). This was done with urgency due to legal imposition, for the passage of an important bicycle race (Algarve Tour, stage Almodovar/Alto da Foia, 21/02/2019).

We highlight a complementary action: in Açor-Complexo da Margaraça, ICNF has replicated LIFE-RELICT interventions made in C7.2. Those have been done in accordance with LIFE already implemented procedures in contiguous spaces to the project intervention areas.

Photographs showing the progressing work in Mata da Margaraça (1 to 3) and Monchique (4 to 7) – Click on the images to enlarge

 

 

Estrela: Plantations were made in C7 areas in Estrela, in function of local occupancy and needs, but new plants produced by CICYTEX, will be planted in the next winter, in order to replace lost individuals and densify other areas (100% executed, under maintenance). Plantations were implemented in Cabeça (8,1ha), Casal do Rei (1,8ha) and Fontão (0,75ha), in function of their occupation found and its previous density. They were made by external assistance. Plants were produced by CICYTEX (Action C1), using local genetic material (mainly seeds. Species, and respective estimate number, are: Quercus broteroana (3814); Quercus pyrenaica (1601); Quercus suber (1203), Arbutus unedo (2131) and Phillyrea angustifolia (60). Where possible, plantation was made respecting 4 x 4m spacing. Works were done using local providers and executed from January to March 2020 and from January to march 2021.

Monchique: In Vale Largo, plantations were carried out in 2.4 ha (0.56 ha planned and 1.84 ha additional, see complementary actions above). In the 0.56 ha foreseen in Project, 240 Q. canariensis and 90 Q. estremadurensis were planted in the spring of 2021. At Cruz da Foia, plantations have not yet been carried out in the 3.5 ha planned, but in 10 ha done by volunteers, with no cost to Life-Relict. The main reason for this delay is the existence of unauthorized grazing within the target area (which is propriety of CMMoc). As plantations made by volunteer in 2019 were completely destroyed by cattle (the same not happened in Vale Largo) we can’t make more plantation without overcoming this huge problem. To cope with it, Monchique municipality made several complaints to GNR (National Gard) with no practical result, so far. Cattle (cows, sheep and horses) continue to graze in this area. For that reason, CMMonc is now going to put a fence around their land. We expect to see this problem solve until the end of the present year and be able to start plantations in next winter.

We highlight two complementary actions had no cost for LIFE-Relict, but value and enhance respective results:

Monchique: as referred in the previous report, in areas where plantations were not planned in LIFE-RELICT, CMMon made an effort to find entities to sponsor new plantations. Therefore, in November 2019 offered plants were planted in 1.84 ha in Monchique-Vale Largo and 10.10 ha in Monchique-Cruz da Foia (executed 11.94 ha). Plantation were carried out by volunteers, with the support of municipal teams. This intervention had no cost to LIFE, but value and enhance respective results. Please see previous report for more detailed information.

Margaraça: In Margaraça, ICNF planted 2,3 ha of native species in the LIFE-Relict target areas. This was made after C7.2 executions and with the supervision of LIFE team, not foreseen in the Proposal. The cost was supported by ICNF.

In Estrela, the surrounding areas of Prunus lusitanica were, in most cases, converted to Pine forests, which greatly increases the risk of fire throughout this intervention territory. In this sense, Pine and Eucalyptus (much less than Pine) were removed from Estrela areas, as explained in C2. Its implementation was carried out by CMSeia through a contracted company. Works started in November 2019 and were finished in April 2020 total of 10,65 ha; 100%, reducing the probability of an external occurring fire will enter and damage the C2 and C4 areas.

In Monchique, in C7 areas the presence of Eucalyptus forests greatly increased the risk of fire in the entire LIFE area. Therefore, has foreseen, in December 2019, the cutting of non-invasive alien species had already been carried out in the entire C7 area (100% executed). To prevent regeneration by eucalyptus stump, the use of an

Photographs that illustrate the state before (1 to 2) and the progress of the works in Monchique (3 to 6) – Click on the images to enlarge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Monchique, in the existing chestnut forest, selective management of the vegetation cover was carried out to improve the structure of this Habitat, in order to increase the resilience
to forest fires. A total of 1.8 ha was intervened, executing 90% of this sub-action.

Photographs showing the state before the intervention (from 1 to 4) and after the intervention (from 5 to 7) – Click on the images to enlarge