The monitoring work that made it possible to outline the LIFE VIDALIA project revealed that the presence of invasive alien species is one of the main factors affecting the viability of Azorina vidalii and Lotus azoricus. Thus, with the aim of reducing the level of invasion observed in the different intervention areas, LIFE VIDALIA carries out a set of actions for the effective control of various species of flora and fauna that negatively affect the Azorean coastal biodiversity. Among the invasive species that are targeted for intervention by the project team, we highlight plants such as Arundo donax, Delairea odorata, Hedychium gardnerianum, Metrosideros excelsa, Phytolacca americana and Pittosporum undulatum), as well as some rodent species, like rats (Rattus rattus and R. norvegicus), mice (Mus musculus) and rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).
To achieve the proposed goals within the control/mitigation of invasive species in the intervention areas, a combination of tested and pilot/demonstration methods will be applied. In addition, the project also foresees the creation of new protocols for control and eradication of the following flora species:
Invasive fauna species mitigation will also be targeted since the project aims to deliver a substantial reduction of rodent density, especially rats (Rattus rattus and Rattus norvegicus), mice (Mus musculus) and rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), on the target areas. Its interventions will focus not only on the areas of natural flora populations but also on the surroundings, whenever local conditions are recommendable.