Life Natura

Search
PT
EN
ES
rss
facebook

Contacts

Objectives

PROJECT


↗Save the Montagu's harrier, boost agriculture.


"LIFE SOS Pygargus - Urgent conservation actions to sustain Portuguese and transborder populations of the Montagu’s harrier" is an Iberian project that brings together conservationists, farmers, scientists, and public and private entities in an unprecedented effort to save this migratory bird from imminent extinction in the Iberian Peninsula.
It combines agriculture with nature conservation to protect this species, which is fundamental to the balance of ecosystems and generates benefits for farmers and rural communities. It has a total budget of almost €11 million and is 75% funded by the European Union's LIFE programme. It will last from 2024 to 2030.
  • UNPRECEDENTED EFFORT TO SAVE THE MONTAGU'S HARRIER FROM EXTINCTION.

    UNPRECEDENTED EFFORT TO SAVE THE MONTAGU'S HARRIER FROM EXTINCTION.

  • BRINGS TOGETHER 18 PARTNERS, 14 PORTUGUESE ENTITIES AND 4 SPANISH ENTITIES.

    BRINGS TOGETHER 18 PARTNERS, 14 PORTUGUESE ENTITIES AND 4 SPANISH ENTITIES.

  • IT IS IMPLEMENTED IN 49 SPECIAL PROTECTION AREAS OF THE NATURA 2000 NETWORK.

    IT IS IMPLEMENTED IN 49 SPECIAL PROTECTION AREAS OF THE NATURA 2000 NETWORK.

The main objective of the project is to halt the current sharp decline in Montagu's harrier (Circus pygargus) populations in Portugal and Spain.


To ensure their conservation in the short and long term by reducing mortality, improving reproductive success, managing habitats and mitigating threats.

↗ Learn about the specific objectives in three main groups: species, habitat and awareness.

 

SPECIES

↗ Increase the number of breeding pairs by 50%.

↗ Improve chick survival and increase productivity from 0.6 to 1.5 chicks per nest, the threshold for population viability.

↘ Reduce nest destruction and adult and chick mortality by 75%.

 

SPECIES

HABITAT

↗ Make farming practices compatible with this bird's nesting habits by promoting the use of cereal varieties that increase breeding success

↗ Encourage farmers to grow sustainable, harrier-friendly cereals, ensuring an increase in areas with value-added cereal crops.  

 

HABITAT

AWARENESS RAISING

↗ Promote public and key sector awareness of the importance of conserving the Montagu's harrier and its habitat.  

 

AWARENESS RAISING

LIFE23-NAT-PT-LIFE SOS Pygargus - 101148303

LIFE SOS Pygargus - Urgent conservation actions to sustain Portuguese and transborder populations of the Montagu’s Harrier 
Start 01.09.2024
Conclusion 31.12.2030
Total budget €10,753,468.09
Co-financed by the European Union's LIFE Programme (75%)