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Azores Bird Saved From Brink of Extinction
25 Aug
Summary
- Azores bullfinch population grew from 100 pairs to 1,300 individuals.
- Over 1,000 acres of native laurel forest were restored.
- More than 500,000 native trees were planted.
The Azores bullfinch, endemic to São Miguel Island, has seen a significant population rebound. In 1999, the species numbered about 100 breeding pairs and was critically endangered. Sustained habitat restoration efforts, focused on its native laurel forest, have transformed approximately 1,000 acres of core habitat over two decades.
These conservation initiatives involved removing invasive plants and planting over 500,000 native trees. Formal protection of the Pico da Vara/Ribeira do Guilherme region began in 1999, with dedicated restoration work starting in 2003 through programs funded by the European Union's LIFE initiative.
As a result of these long-term conservation strategies, the Azores bullfinch population was estimated at 1,300 individuals by 2023. The species has moved from critically endangered to vulnerable status, occupying a substantially larger area of suitable habitat.
