Since September, SPEA has been visiting the municipalities participating in the LIFE Natura@night project — Câmara de Lobos, Funchal, Santa Cruz, Machico, and Santana — as part of the “Save a Seabird” campaign, with the aim of recruiting supporters and alerting the population and various entities to the impacts of light pollution on nocturnal biodiversity.
The awareness-raising actions take place at a critical time for seabirds, namely for juvenile Madeira shearwaters, between September 15 and October 15, and Cory’s shearwaters, between October 15 and November 15, which, when leaving their nests to make their first flights towards the sea, can become disoriented by artificial lighting. These juveniles often end up falling in urban areas, where they are vulnerable to being run over, attacked by predators, and other threats.
Throughout these initiatives, local communities and public and private entities—including city councils, parish councils, hotels, restaurants, and commercial establishments—have received informational materials and practical guidance on how to contribute to the protection of seabirds.
Among the materials distributed are leaflets with information on the impacts of light pollution on these birds, ways to join the campaign, and procedures to follow if you encounter a dazzled seabird. In addition, special boxes are provided for the safe rescue of these birds: citizens are instructed to place the bird in this box, keep it in a dark and quiet place, and immediately contact the SOS Wildlife Network, managed by the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation.
Informative leaflets about the LIFE Natura@night project are also available, as well as themed gifts—such as magnets, bookmarks, and cloth bags—that reinforce the message of preserving nocturnal biodiversity.
Among the various ways to join the “Save a Seabird” campaign presented by the team, it highlights the patrol brigades for the rescue of seabirds dazzled by light pollution, which will take place between October 23 and November 5, as well as the “Night with Life” award, which distinguishes entities that adopt good outdoor lighting practices for their buildings.
SPEA reminds us that joining the campaign does not only mean rescuing birds: simple gestures, such as reducing outdoor lighting during this critical period, can also have a positive impact and save many lives.
