Boa Vista: Bios.CV Warns of Impact of Fishing, Tourism and Cats on Marine and Birds of Prey Species

Sal Rei, 19 Nov (Inforpress) – The Bios Cabo Verde Association (Bios.CV), which specializes in monitoring and protecting seabirds and birds of prey, has raised concerns about threats such as cat predation, unsustainable fishing practices and habitat loss due to tourism and urban expansion.

The information was shared by Bios.CV camp coordinator and bird technician Ruben Tacula, who highlighted the situation observed by the association and underscored the importance of ongoing conservation actions, particularly on Boa Vista Island and surrounding islets.

One of the organization’s concerns is preventing the osprey (Pandion haliaetus) — locally known as guinche — from facing the same decline previously experienced by vultures on the island.

As part of the seabird conservation project focused on the Cabo Verde shearwater (Calonectris edwardsii), concentrated on islets such as Curral Velho and other nesting areas, the technician noted that the biggest threat is human activity, especially predation by cats, classified as an “invasive species,” which have been killing birds and destroying colonies.

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