On the afternoon of November 24, 2025, SPEA had the opportunity to present the BESTLIFE2030 STOP Predators project at an event promoted by the Training and Development Department of the Association of Connected Young Madeirans (AJMC), a non-profit association that seeks to provide tools for the individual and collective progress and success of young Madeirans.
More than 60 students from different schools in Madeira were made aware of the work carried out under this project, which aims to mitigate the impact of introduced predators and invasive species on the island’s seabird colonies, specifically the Cory’s Shearwater (Calonectris borealis) colonies.
The meeting provided an opportunity for young people to ask questions about the introduced predators on the island, namely cats, ferrets, and rodents such as black rats, brown rats, and voles. The harmful effects that these predators have on the balance of the island’s ecosystems were discussed, given that they prey on birds, their eggs, and their young. The methods used to monitor these species were also explained, including the use of camera traps and a thermal monocular.
Another topic discussed was the illegal hunting of shearwaters, which, unfortunately, is still a common practice in some communities in the region. Finally, there was also time to share good practices to adopt in nature, in order to ensure a lower impact on natural areas during visits to them.
The event was also attended by several other entities that shared their projects and the work they do for environmental protection and conservation.
