EDP Foz-Tua: Bonneli’s Eagle Prey Species: Columba spp., Alectoris rufa and Oryctolagus cuniculus (line transects) – Compensatory Measures Program, Compensatory Measure MC46B (Management of Raptors’ Feeding Habitats) [2018-2020]

Study Extent

The data were collected within a 5-km buffer around the two territories of the Bonelli’s Eagle (Aquila fasciata) in lower valley of the River Tua (Northeast Portugal), up to 45 km from the mouth, in the municipalities of Alijó, Carrazeda de Ansiães, Vila Flor and Mirandela.

Sampling

Sampling was designed to compare the abundances of the target species inside (“intervention” points) and outside (“control” points) the areas were actions of the Compensatory Measure MC46B took place, in the known breeding territories of the Bonelli’s Eagle in the lower Tua valley. A total of 64 sampling transects (30 in intervened areas - 10 in deforested areas, 10 in feeders/drinkers, 10 in artificial shelters – and 34 in non-affected areas (“controls”) were set, which are to be surveyed in the long term. All transects were sampled at least once in late spring and autumn, in the early morning or late afternnon. Each transect had a length of 250 m, in which all birds from the target species and all evidences from O. cuniculus were recorded. In the case of birds, species identification and assessment of age and sex (when possible) were made “in loco”, with the help of appropriate field guides.

Quality Control

All observations were made by qualified technicians

Method steps

1. To be completed

The taxonomic coverage of this dataset spans 1 phylum, 2 classes, 3 orders, 3 families, 3 genus and 4 species.

1. Animalia
   rank: kingdom
2. Chordata
   rank: phylum
3. Aves
   rank: class
4. Mamalia
   rank: class
5. Galliformes
   rank: order
6. Columbiformes
   rank: order
7. Lagomorpha
   rank: order
8. Columbidae
   rank: family
9. Phasianidae
   rank: family
10. Leporidae
    rank: family

The data were collected within a 5-km buffer around the two territories of the Bonelli’s Eagle (Aquila fasciata) in lower valley of the River Tua (Northeast Portugal), up to 45 km from the mouth, in the municipalities of Alijó, Carrazeda de Ansiães, Vila Flor and Mirandela.