Eco123 Revista da Economia e Ecologia
by Uwe Heitkamp
When, after two censuses held between 2006 and 2026 (a period of just 20 years), a national bird population is found to have declined from 17,419 to fewer than 2,000 individuals, then alarm bells should definitely start ringing. It is clear that something is seriously amiss in Portugal. SPEA, the bird conservation agency, is already sounding the alarm. It is concerned about the population of the little bustard (Latin name, Tetrax tetrax), a bird species that nests on the ground. Its habitat consists of meadows, steppes and agricultural land, including arable fields. Its population has shrunk by 90% within just 20 years, placing it on the list of endangered species in the EU, and in Portugal in particular.
CensoSiso2026_ResultadosPrincipaisPT PDF
The breeding season for the little bustard is between April and June. As a ground-nester, the female lays 2–4 eggs in a shallow depression on the ground. The incubation period lasts around 24 days and the chicks are cared for by both parents.
The little bustard is a bird belonging to the bustard family. This species is native to large parts of Europe, North Africa and Central Asia. It is characterised by its long legs and stocky build. Measuring 40 to 45 cm in length and weighing between 600 and 1200 grams, the little bustard is one of the smallest members of the species.
The little bustard’s plumage is predominantly grey-brown in colour, and it has a round black patch on its breast. The male has a distinctive white beard, which is absent in females. Yellow feathers are also visible on its long legs. The little bustard feeds mainly on plant matter such as grasses, herbs and flowers. Occasionally, it also eats insects and other small animals.
The little bustard’s population status in Portugal is classified as critically endangered. The main causes for its threatened existence are the destruction of its habitat through construction and agriculture, as well as hunting. To safeguard the population, government conservation measures and targeted habitat improvements are necessary, just as is the case with the Iberian lynx, says Julieta Costa, who is responsible for coordination within SPEA.
In some southern EU countries, targeted conservation programmes and monitoring schemes are being implemented in order to monitor and support the population. The aim is to ensure that future generations also have the opportunity to see and experience the little bustard in its natural habitat.
SPEA regularly analyses bird populations in Portugal. Other bird species are also at risk. The main cause of their near extinction is agricultural practices involving the heavy use of chemical substances such as weedkillers (herbicides and pesticides) and fertilisers.
P.S.: The organisations responsible for the current BIOPOLIS-CIBIO bird count (6.2026) are: LPN, SPEA, EDIA, PALOMBAR. Volunteers: António Matos, Ana Teresa Pereira, Bruno Martins, Eduardo Realinho, Gonçalo Elias, Jaime Sousa, João Falé, Jorge Safara, Nuno Faria, Rogério Cangarato, Tiago Caldeira and others. Previous bird counts from 2022, 2016, 2003–2006.
