Government of the Azores begins mechanical control of invasive species in Monte da Guia, Faial Island
The Regional Secretariat for Energy, Environment and Tourism, through the Regional Directorate for the Environment, has begun, under the Life Vidália project, a significant intervention of mechanical control of invasive species in the area of Entre-Montes in Monte da Guia, Faial Island.
This control intervention will focus on the eradication of buffalo grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum), originally found on the lawns surrounding the car park near Porto Pim beach, common lantana (Lantana camara) in the moorland areas, and lily of the valley vine (Salpichroa origanifolia), with several invasion foci.
The proliferation of these species is one of the main pressure factors on the natural vegetation of this area, where there is a small population of Azorean bellflower (Azorina vidalii), one of the endemic species targeted by the Life Vidália project, in addition to being a priority habitat for grey dunes near Porto Pim beach, with its peculiar native vegetation.
With the mechanical control of these invasive species, this action contributes to the removal of the plant layer with an excavator and its elimination by an accredited operator.
Once this operation is completed, a new phase of recovery of this valuable habitat will be carried out through the reintroduction and growth of species that are characteristic of this area, namely rock fescue (Festuca petraea), Azorean Heather (Erica azorica), seaside goldenrod (Solidago azorica) and Azorean bellflower (Azorina vidalii).
The Life Vidalia project, which supports the Regional Directorate for the Environment and AZORINA, with a total investment of 1.8 million Euros, will contribute to the growth of species' natural populations, while reducing their threats. The conservation actions are taking place on the islands of Pico, Faial and São Jorge, which cover all the Natura 2000 sites on these islands.
By 2023, it is estimated that the population of Azorina vidalii on these islands will increase by more than 200% and Lotus azoricus by more than 400%.
In this context, and also to address the conservation needs in the archipelago, Life Vidália also includes the extension and adaptation of the nursery for rare plants, which, after the end of the project, should continue producing plants for the remaining six islands, among other goals set out in this project.