The “SOS Cagarro” (SOS Cory’s Shearwater) campaign started in the Azores today in order to save thousands of these seabirds that crash on land, normally attracted and dazzled by lights.
The world’s largest colony of Cory’s Shearwaters is identified in the archipelago, thereby “he have the responsibility to protect them,” as Álamo Meneses mentioned at the campaign’s opening ceremony that took place at the António José Ávila Basic Education School in the city of Horta on Faial.
“It is one of the most important campaigns that we have organised in the Azores,” underlined the Regional Secretary for the Environment and the Sea, who reminded that nearly 75% of world population of Cory’s Shearwaters is located in the Azores, a protected bird by national and international laws.
The Secretary also pointed out that the Azorean population respects the good practices to protect the species; therefore this annual campaign is not the consequence of the negative influence of human beings.
The “SOS Cagarro” campaign intends to save all young birds that crash near roads and houses when they try to leave their nests at a time where their parents have begun their annual migration,” mentioned Álamo Meneses.
The Regional Secretary reminded that last year’s campaign has saved five thousand birds, which demonstrates that more Azores are increasingly aware of this campaign.
The action takes place until mid-November, counting upon the participation of the Ecotecas (Environmental Awareness Raising Centres) Regional Network, firefighters, GNR (Portuguese Republican National Guard), PSP (Public Security Police), Maritime Police, scout groups, schools communities and non-governmental organisations.