Ecosystem services
Ecosystem services
↗ Both the Montagu's harrier and its habitat provide various ecosystem services.
The interventions planned in the LIFE SOS Pygargus project make it possible, in many cases, to enhance some of these services.
REGULATION AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES
Biological pest control
↗ The Montagu's harrier feeds on small mammals (such as mice), insects and small reptiles, contributing to the natural control of populations that can be considered agricultural pests. A single pair of Montagu's harriers eats more than 1,000 animals harmful to agricultural crops during a breeding season. This reduces the need for pesticides and keeps ecosystems healthier and more balanced.
↗ The Montagu's harrier feeds on small mammals (such as mice), insects and small reptiles, contributing to the natural control of populations that can be considered agricultural pests. A single pair of Montagu's harriers eats more than 1,000 animals harmful to agricultural crops during a breeding season. This reduces the need for pesticides and keeps ecosystems healthier and more balanced.
Fire prevention
↗ Maintaining properly cared scrubland is extremely important for the species and plays a role in preventive fire risk management.
↗ Maintaining properly cared scrubland is extremely important for the species and plays a role in preventive fire risk management.
Biodiversity conservation and pollination
↗ The habitat of Circus pygargus, such as extensive agricultural areas, meadows and scrubland, supports a wide variety of other species, including pollinators. Its presence indicates healthier and more biodiverse agricultural ecosystems.
↗ The habitat of Circus pygargus, such as extensive agricultural areas, meadows and scrubland, supports a wide variety of other species, including pollinators. Its presence indicates healthier and more biodiverse agricultural ecosystems.
Nutrient recycling
↗ As part of the food chain, the Montagu's harrier participates in energy and nutrient flows in ecosystems
↗ As part of the food chain, the Montagu's harrier participates in energy and nutrient flows in ecosystems
Maintaining genetic diversity
↗ By regulating prey populations, it contributes to ecological balance and natural selection of these species, influencing genetic diversity.
↗ By regulating prey populations, it contributes to ecological balance and natural selection of these species, influencing genetic diversity.
CULTURAL SERVICES
↗ Aesthetic and educational value
As a charismatic and relatively rare bird, it attracts birdwatchers and nature lovers, promoting ecotourism. It also has the potential to mobilise civil society, farmers, policy makers and institutions around the importance of protecting agricultural habitats and associated biodiversity, fostering environmental education and awareness.
As a charismatic and relatively rare bird, it attracts birdwatchers and nature lovers, promoting ecotourism. It also has the potential to mobilise civil society, farmers, policy makers and institutions around the importance of protecting agricultural habitats and associated biodiversity, fostering environmental education and awareness.
Flag species of the territory
↗ This bird is deeply connected to the Portuguese rural landscape, particularly in regions dedicated to extensive dryland farming. It therefore has symbolic significance, capturing the uniqueness and sense of belonging of these territories.
↗ This bird is deeply connected to the Portuguese rural landscape, particularly in regions dedicated to extensive dryland farming. It therefore has symbolic significance, capturing the uniqueness and sense of belonging of these territories.
PROVISIONING SERVICES
↗ Sustainable agriculture
The Montagu's harrier benefits from extensive agricultural practices (such as rainfed cereals or fallow land) that provide food, creating a mutually beneficial relationship: the habitat favours the species and the presence of the bird helps to maintain an agriculture with less use of chemicals, providing more sustainable and healthier food.
The Montagu's harrier benefits from extensive agricultural practices (such as rainfed cereals or fallow land) that provide food, creating a mutually beneficial relationship: the habitat favours the species and the presence of the bird helps to maintain an agriculture with less use of chemicals, providing more sustainable and healthier food.
