Management and conservation of Prunus lusitanica and Rhododendron ponticum in Portugal

Abstract

This communication presents the management measures implemented by the LIFE-RELICT Project in Portugal. This project began in October 2017, with the main objective of improving the conservation status of Prunus lusitanica and Rhododendron ponticum communitiesin Portugal, through a set of management interventions, directed to Serra da Estrela, Mata da Margaraça and Serra de Monchique. This project is being coordinated by the University of Évora and implemented with the Municipalities of Monchique and Seia, ADRUSE (a rural development association) and CICYTEX (Spanish research center).Mannagement measures include the restoration of old humanmade water channela"levadas", fire risk minimization actions (control of the heliophilous vegetation and creation of quercíneas buffers) and control of invasive alien species (Acacia dealbata and Hakea sericea). It also expects to increase the areas occupied by these communities in the territories of Estrela and Monchique. Additionally, will be developed 2 pedestrian paths and environmental awareness action for the local population, with special incidence on the school population. Futhermore, the project hopes to replicate management interventions in other territories outside LIFE-RELICT areas. With this propose, several contacts have already been established in order to ensure the basis for its implementation in the Municipalities of Mação and Oleiros.