Madeira law bars introducing exotic plants into the Laurissilva without prior authorisation

A South African carnivorous plant, Drosera capensis, was found at Fanal in Porto Moniz, inside Madeira Natural Park and the UNESCO-listed Laurissilva forest. A University of Madeira researcher believes it was planted deliberately. A regional decree from 2023 makes introducing species on the invasive list illegal, and any other exotic species needs prior approval from the forestry and nature conservation institute (IFCN). In protected areas, the introduction must also be the only effective conservation or public-safety measure. Fines run from 500 euros up to 30,000 euros. The plant's introducer is unidentified, and there is no sign it has spread.