> Mediterranean Temporary Ponds, considered priority habitats under the Habitats Directive, can easily be confused with other temporary and non-priority water bodies.

 

The cartography was scattered, outdated and had to be updated. With the works of cartographic surveying and prospecting on the ground, the Project team was able to obtain the following results:

- 106 Mediterranean Temporary Ponds (3170*)  identified;

- 24 ponds were not referenced prior to the Project;

- Area of the largest pond: 73000 m2 and area of the smallest pond: 50 m2.

- Total area occupied by ponds in the Southwest Coast: 78 ha.

- Percentage of area occupied by ponds in the total land area of the SCI of the Southwest Coast of Portugal: <0.1%.

- Soil usage in the surrounding area of the ponds: 45% agricultural, 49% forest or uncultivated, and 6% for other uses.

The compilation of all ecological and biological information as well as the cartography of this habitat has been integrated into a Geographic Information System and will be made available to the competent authorities for the management and control of the territory. In this way, it is intended to train decision-makers and managers with efficient tools for effective decision-making in biodiversity conservation associated with this priority habitat for conservation.