EDP Foz Tua: Terrestrial Birds (transects) - Ecological Monitoring Program [2009-2012]

The dataset contains records of terrestrial birds (Aves) collected in transects along the lower Tua River valley and included in the Ecological Monitoring Program of the Foz Tua Hydroelectric Dam, promoted by EDP – Energias de Portugal, S.A. Data were collected in December 2009, in January and February of 2011-2012, and in May and June of 2011, during field visits to 24 (2009/10) or 30 (>2011) sampling transects with favourable habitats for terrestrial birds in 26 2x2 km squares within a 5-km buffer around the lower Tua River valley. The occurrence of the target taxa was documented through 349 observation events. In total, 5899 observations were identified to the species rank. The most abundant species were Fringilla coelebs (939 occurrences), Erithacus rubecula (574), Sylvia atricapilla (467), Parus major (334). Turdus philomelos (333) and Sylvia melanocephala (312).

The study was conducted in part of the sub-basin of river Tua affected by the Foz-Tua Hydroelectric Dam. The sampling was centered in suitable habitats for terrestrial birds in 26 2x2 km squares in a 5 km radius buffer around the future reservoir banks and up to 45 km from the Tua mouth.

The objective of the study was to monitor changes in the distribution patterns and abundances of species of birds in the area of the Foz Tua Hydroelectric Dam, prior to (2009/10) and during (2011-2012) the dam construction. It was meant to complement the associated point count censuses, but it was discontinued after 2012.

The work was funded by EDP - Energias de Portugal, S.A.