Description: The project successfully assessed the importance of the SAC PTMAD0001 Laurissílva da Madeira as a suitable habitat for the endangered Madeira pipistrelle, achieving 17 out of 19 targets set, with 2 partially achieved. Key results include the collection of distribution and abundance data revealing that the Madeira pipistrelle is rare and more abundant in secondary laurel forests than primary forests within the SAC. Additionally, the project developed the Madeira Bat monitoring scheme EMMA, integrated into the ObsMap app for citizen science bat monitoring, and contributed to updating the IUCN Red List conservation status of Pipistrellus maderensis. Stakeholders engaged in the project included governmental institutes, the University of Madeira, farming and tourism clusters, and observation organisations. Lessons learned highlighted challenges such as pandemic-related delays, extreme weather impact, and the importance of timing, planning, stakeholder engagement, and equipment handling. Future steps include expanding the survey area to increase sampling efforts and awareness in rural areas and focusing on finding and protecting roosts crucial for the species’ survival.
Duration: 16 months
