> The new data will provide better proposals of conservation measures for these species, some of which are highly threatened.
The field work carried out by LIFE Charcos Project in the Site of Community Importance of the Southwest Coast of Portugal has contributed to increase the scientific knowledge for some species regarding their distribution areas.
Cabrera’s Vole present in the south
The known southern distribution range for Cabrera’s vole was in Odeceixe (Alentejo). However, it has been confirmed it’s present further south in Algarve, specifically in Aljezur and Vila do Bispo county. Evidence of presence, such as tunnels, nests and latrines were found in the Temporary Ponds and in the surrounding areas, proving it’s existence in these particular counties. Temporary Ponds are very important for this exclusively herbivorous species, as they provide food and shelter.
Bats occupy more territories within their distribution range
In the biodiversity assessment of Temporary Ponds within the SCI of the Southwest Coast of Portugal, 17 species of bats were detected. In addition, new territories previously unknown within the distribution range were identified for the Western barbastelle (Barbastella barbastellus), the Brown long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus) and the Grey long-eared bat (Plecotus austriacus).
New locations for rare plants in Portugal
According to IUCN, Pilularia minuta is an extremely rare plant species in Portugal. Until a few years ago it was only referred to a single location in the western end of Algarve. With LIFE Charcos field work it was found that its area of occurrence is wider, with detection of a new population in a Temporary Pond located south of Vila Nova de Milfontes (Alentejo).
The same happens with the Littorella uniflora where the only reference was known for south of Portugal (extreme western). However, with the surveys carried out by LIFE Charcos it was concluded that its distribution area expands to the vicinity of Odemira. This plant was detected in ten different new locations.
Another example is Caropsis verticillato-inundata, a species that only exists in southern France, in the west and south-west Iberian, where it appears only punctually in a very dispersed form. However, it was detected in eight new Temporary Ponds in the SCI of the Southwest Coast of Portugal.
The plant Juncus emmanuelis is also frequent and is endemic to the west of the Iberian Peninsula. Their presence was confirmed in the Mediterranean Temporary Ponds that are in good conservation status.
