Madeira's rare seabird population stable a year after wildfire threat

The freira-da-madeira, a critically endangered seabird endemic to Madeira, has remained stable despite an August 2024 wildfire that threatened its main nesting area, according to the Institute for Forests and Nature Conservation. Five juvenile birds were removed from nests and taken to a wildlife recovery centre before being returned once the fire was extinguished. In 2024, 112 nests were recorded, 72 active, with 30 births; in 2025, around 73 active nests produced roughly 41 juveniles, with reproductive success around 40-50%. A related LIFE Freiras project is also tackling invasive broom plants around nesting sites to help native vegetation recover.