The islands of Cabo Verde, on the west coast of Africa, are home to rich biodiversity, both terrestrial and marine. Their beaches welcome the largest population of the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) in the world, and their cliffs and islets are breeding ground for up to 9 species of seabirds, 5 of them endemic. When it comes to its flora, Cabo Verde has many endemic species of trees and shrubs.
With five Nature Reserves and ten other Protected Areas, Sal Island is no different: it has the largest colony of the red-billed tropicbird (Phaethon aethereus) of the whole west coast of Africa, four other breeding species of seabirds, and a resident population of ospreys that nest during winter; we can find 20 endemic different plant species, some of them critically endangered; many migratory birds use Sal as a wintering area or as a stopover on their migration; and two different species of terrestrial reptiles that are exclusive of Sal Island. All of these in a variety of ecosystems and beautiful landscapes: white sand beaches and sand dune systems, seasonal wetlands, salt mines, an offshore islet, and steep coastal cliffs.
The iconic red-billed tropicbird nest in hard-to-reach areas, such as steep mountains and cliffs. The nesting season is throughout the whole year, with the high reproductive season from December until February. Although decreasing in the last years, poaching is still a big threat for
this species in Sal. Introduced species such as stray cats and dogs also impose an increasing problem, once these attack their nests. The osprey or fishing eagle (Pandion haliaetus) is a cosmopolitan species with a resident population in Cabo Verde. Many threats, such as poaching of the eggs and chicks by humans, reduced considerably the population in most islands of the country. In the last decade, thanks to many conservation projects and the increase of environmental awareness in the local community, the population started increasing and it is now stable. The breeding season for this species in Sal goes from December to May.
Unfortunately, over the last decade, unregulated activities within the protected areas have put the island’s ecosystems at risk. The growing of uncontrolled coastal development poses several threats, with activities such as illegal sand removal, destruction of the dunes due to touristic excursions, poaching of protected species, and pollution.
Project Biodiversity has been working since 2015 to increase the protection of these key biodiversity areas (KBAs), implementing a monitoring programme for the seabird, plants, and reptile’s species, organizing beach clean-ups and, more recently, developing a participative programme of the Natural Reserve of Costa da Fragata alongside the authorities and local stakeholders.
Up to date we have recorded more than 500 nests, ringed more than 1.200 birds, and monitored 6 different populations of seabirds on the island. We have also collected tons of trash from beaches, dunes, and underwater clean-ups. Alongside the local authorities, we have delimited several kilometres of paths within the Natural Reserve of Costa da Fragata for the safe use of touristic excursions. We have also conducted 12 flora and fauna censuses, where we have recorded over 80 species of plants, birds, and reptiles.
During their stay, volunteers will conduct different activities in Protected Area, and work with a variety of plant and bird species, many of them endemic to Cabo Verde or even the island of Sal. Under the supervision of a coordinator or field technician, volunteers will take part in diverse tasks, which are vital to the recovery of the ecosystem:
- Monthly census of both fauna and flora;
- Replanting of endemic species;
- Delimitation and signalization of paths and sensitives areas within natural reserves;
- Signs Maintenance within the natural reserves;
- Beach and dunes clean-ups;
- Monitoring and following the colonies of seabirds and osprey;
- Ringing of seabirds and osprey chicks;
- Deployment of GPS, geolocators, and camera traps on different bird and seabird
- colonies;
- Help in the collection of samples (blood, fat, diet) from different bird species;
- Inform local and international visitors about biodiversity and how they can help to protect it.
This is a unique experience where you will learn about ecosystem recovery techniques and work side by side with experienced conservationists while enjoying an amazing landscape. You will also work with threatened species that can only be seen in very few places and will have the opportunity to make a real difference to their survival in Sal Island.