At the beginning of LIFE Saramugo Project a survey and identification of threats to the saramugo (and its habitat) was carried out. Among the identified threats are the destruction of the riparian vegetation by trampling resulting from the presence of cattle in the water lines.
The absence of riparian vegetation promotes an increase in the evaporation of water, a problem that worsens in summer when the streams are reduced to ponds, as well as the lack of food and adequate shelters for the fish fauna. In turn, the lack of shadowing of watercourses has consequences on the temperature and oxygenation of water, compromising the entire aquatic life.
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One of the places where there was a greater degradation and even the absence of vegetation on the banks was in the Murtigão river (in SCI Moura/Barrancos), in a section that borders the estate of Coutada dos Frades, where it was necessary to intervene.
Beginning in March and ending in April, the intervention occurred in an extension of the left bank of the river with about 550m and comprised the planting and staking of several native trees and shrubs, such as: ash (Fraxinus sp.), Willow trees (Salix sp.), "rosa canina" (Rosa pouzinii), "tamuje" (Flueggea tinctoria) and oleander (Nerium oleander). The rooted plants were supplied by the LIFE Saramugo Project partner - ICNF, through its Valverde nurseries (Alcácer do Sal). All specimens placed on the ground were protected using tree guards to ensure their growth and to provide a deterrent effect to animals that may attempt to feed on the newly planted plants.
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To ensure the success of this intervention, the Project team will monitor plant growth, which will be subject to periodic watering, especially during the hottest months of the year.
