Censusing at darkness: the launch of a monitoring scheme of Owls and Nightjars in Portugal.

Abstract

Population data and trends for owls (7 species) and nightjars (2 species) in Portugal are scant and limited to a few local initiatives and/or to a very few species (e.g. Little Owl and Eagle Owl). The lack of reliable information about these species is a critical handicap considering their importance in conservation grounds and land management plans. In order to cope with this drawback, the Working Group on Nocturnal Birds (GTAN) of SPEA in partnership with the LabOr-Laboratory of Ornithology, University of Évora, proposed a monitoring scheme of owls and nightjars in Portugal to be experimentally launched in 2010 (the kickoff year).