Oleander hawk-moth confirmed in Portugal for the first time
Entomologists Eduardo Marabuto and Albano Soares have documented the first confirmed occurrences in Portugal of the oleander hawk-moth (Daphnis nerii), one of Europe's largest moths, in a study published in Zoodiversity. Five records were found between 2014 and 2024, including proof of local breeding found in Montijo in 2018. The species, native to sub-Saharan Africa and the Mediterranean basin, appears to be expanding westward, likely aided by climate change, with sightings rising across European countries in recent years. Researchers say it is not yet established as a resident species but could become one if warming continues.
56 black vulture chicks now tracked by GPS in Portugal
Portugal's LIFE Aegypius Return project has fitted 13 more black vulture chicks with GPS/GSM trackers this breeding season, bringing the total monitored since 2023 to 56. Field teams visited breeding colonies in Douro Internacional, Tejo Internacional, Herdade da Contenda and Vidigueira/Portel, also ringing chicks and collecting biological samples for research. The tracking data helps assess environmental threats and informs technical opinions on renewable energy projects near vulture habitats. The species, extinct as a breeder in Portugal for 40 years until 2010, remains classified as endangered, with wildfires, extreme weather and expanding wind and solar projects among the risks facing its recovery.
Portuguese hatchery raises trout to survive in the wild
At the Posto Aquícola de Campelo, in Figueiró dos Vinhos, fish are raised in tanks fitted with pebbles, roots and shelters, fed live prey and kept away from human contact, as part of a rewilding process. The approach follows years in which Portugal's nature conservation institute, ICNF, released farmed trout into rivers to restock them, only for genetic monitoring to show that almost none survived to adulthood or reproduced. Campelo's method aims to prepare fish to fend for themselves once released into the wild.
Leiria council to install 152 bark beetle traps by August
A council in the Leiria region is deploying 152 traps by the end of August to monitor bark beetles that attack maritime pine trees. The insects, small beetles that live under tree bark, target weakened trees, particularly those affected by fires, droughts or storms, and can worsen forest health problems by burrowing into trunks. The traps, fitted with a chemical attractant and clearly marked, will be placed in the highest-risk areas to track beetle populations and inform future management measures. The council has asked residents not to interfere with the devices.
Bussaco forest given "therapeutic forest" status
The Confederação dos Agricultores de Portugal (CAP), working with the European People's Party group in the European Parliament, has been involved in classifying the Mata do Bussaco as a "therapeutic forest". The EPP group includes 42 MEPs acting as ambassadors for the 27 EU member states. Further details on the classification and its implications were not included in the available text.
