Biodiversity inventory of the Protected Area for the Management of Habitats or Species of Matela (Terceira, Azores, Portugal)

Abstract

The database we present include data from different taxonomical groups, as bryophytes, arthropods, vascular plants, birds and mammals, from sampling campaigns performed in 2022, on an Azorean Protected Area – “Protected Area for the Management of Habitats or Species of Matela”, located on Terceira Island (Azores, Portugal). This area is a well-preserved small fragment of native forest, located at medium-low altitude (300-400 m.a.s.l.), which was recently invaded by exotic plant species. The main objectives of this study were (i) provide an updated inventory of bryophytes, vascular plants, arthropods, birds and mammals; and (ii) compare recent sampling data with historical data. The sampling protocol was based on GIMS - A Global Island Monitoring Scheme protocols, where bryophytes were sampled using 2x2quadrats and microplots, vascular plants were sampled using 5x5 sampling-plots, soil and canopy arthropods were sampled using the BALA methodology, complementarily with pitfalls and SLAM traps, birds were sampled using standardized counter points (observations and listening) and mammals were sampled using camera-traps. For bryophytes, we identified 75 taxa (43 mosses; 32 liverworts), 71 of which were indigenous, four indeterminate and one invasive (Campylopus introflexus). The temporal comparison with previous data registered a decrease in richness; however, 23 new species were added to the area. A total of 103 arthropods taxa were identified. For soil arthropods, eight indigenous and 25 introduced taxa were recorded, with the disappearance of endemic taxa and a significant increase in introduced species between 2002 and 2022. A total of 36 indigenous and 18 introduced canopy arthropods taxa were identified. Among the arthropods captured in the SLAM traps, 24 indigenous and 15 introduced taxa were recorded. For vascular plants, 54 species were identified, 28 of which were indigenous taxa and 26 were introduced. From the 54 identified species, 43 were new records for Matela. A total of 12 indigenous and one introduced bird were recorded, decreasing the number of taxa recorded for that area. Finally, eight introduced mammals were recorded, which are considered new records for Matela, and one endemic species (Nyctalus azoreum). Despite Matela harboring numerous native and endemic species, thereby maintaining a highly notable natural heritage, it has recently fallen object to the invasion of introduced species, some of them also invasive. The number of recorded species has substantially increased across almost all groups for which historical data allows comparisons. The genuine impact of these invasive species on native communities remains not fully clarified; nevertheless, the imperative to address this pressing issue for nature conservation in the Azores is unequivocal.