The population of the Madeiran Storm Petrel, an endemic and endangered seabird in the Madeira archipelago, has remained stable. This is despite a fire in August 2024 that threatened its main nesting area.
The Institute for Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN) reported that due to the risk of the fire reaching the zone, five juvenile birds were removed from their nests and taken to the Wildlife Recovery Centre (CRAS) for care. These birds were returned to their nests two days later, with the fire already extinguished in the area, and continued to be monitored.
In 2024, 112 nests were recorded, with 72 active and 30 hatchlings. In 2025, approximately 73 active nests and 41 juveniles were counted. The IFCN states that reproductive success remained around 40-50%, despite the threat from fires that consumed 5,116 hectares.
The LIFE Freiras project, aimed at protecting the species, also combats invasive plants like broom around the petrels' nesting sites. In 2023 and 2025, about 10 hectares were managed, promoting the recovery of native vegetation.
