ConnectNatura is a bird conservation project run by Palombar that protects necrophagous species such as vultures and eagles by improving habitat connectivity across Natura 2000 areas in northern Portugal. It combines fieldwork with environmental education activities in local schools.
ConnectNatura is a nature conservation project developed by Palombar – Associação de Conservação da Natureza e do Património Rural, focused on protecting scavenger birds in Portugal. Its full name, 'Reinforcement of the Feeding Site Network for Necrophagous Birds and Creation of Connectivity Conditions between Natura 2000 Network Areas', reflects its core mission: safeguarding species listed in Annex I of the Birds Directive that hold unfavourable conservation status in Portugal, particularly the cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus), the Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus), the griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) and the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos).
Scavenger birds play an essential ecological role, rapidly and efficiently removing animal carcasses from the landscape, which prevents disease spread and sustains the natural food web. All scavenger bird species are legally protected in Portugal, and ConnectNatura's fieldwork actions aim to strengthen the conditions needed for their survival, particularly around the Montesinho/Nogueira Special Protection Area.
Beyond fieldwork, the project runs environmental education programmes for schools, such as those delivered in Miranda do Douro, where students learn about the importance of necrophagous species, the threats they face (including illegal poison use), and their crucial role within ecosystems. Activities include videos, group games, educational booklets, and hands-on sessions designed to build ecological awareness and active citizenship among students and teachers alike.
ConnectNatura is financed by the Fundo Ambiental of the Ministério do Ambiente e da Transição Energética, with the Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas (ICNF) as a partner. It operates alongside a sister project, Sentinelas, which focuses on tracking griffon vultures to combat illegal poison use.
Our Goal
To conserve strictly and partially necrophagous bird species with unfavourable conservation status in Portugal, such as the cinereous vulture, Egyptian vulture, griffon vulture and golden eagle, by strengthening feeding site networks and improving habitat connectivity between Natura 2000 network areas.
Our Wishes
The project seeks continued support from schools, local communities and environmental education partners to raise awareness about the ecological role of scavenger birds and the dangers of poison use in the countryside.
