Knowledge is care: two 'Bioblitz' in Rianxo help identify local biodiversity
This spring, the Montescola Foundation organized two Bioblitz events in the municipality of Rianxo, within the framework of the Barbanza Ecosocial Laboratory. These activities aimed to introduce new tools that contribute to the sustainable management of ecosystems and strengthening the bond between territory and community.
June 5, 2025 – Within the framework of the Barbanza Ecosocial Laboratory, the Montescola Foundation organized two new Bioblitz events this spring in the municipality of Rianxo, in the parishes of Araño (April 20) and Leiro (May 11). These events are in addition to the first Bioblitz held in 2024 in Baroña (Porto do Son), consolidating this tool as one of the project’s strategic methods of community innovation. Their common goal: to highlight the natural values of the area through direct and participatory observation, with the collaboration of experts and local residents.
A Bioblitz is a citizen science activity in which, over a limited period of time, as many living species as possible are identified and cataloged in a specific area. Its usefulness goes beyond a one-time record: it helps foster knowledge of local biodiversity, raise awareness of ecological values, and generate useful information for environmental decision-making.
The three sessions held so far in Barbanza featured diverse and complementary participation, allowing biodiversity to be approached from different disciplines. Among those who participated in the Araño and/or Leiro meetings were:
- Anxo Vela; a local naturalist, attended all the sessions held so far.
- Helena Rodríguez Domínguez (Moaña); a PhD in Biology specializing in fish parasitology and a keen expert in botany and lichenology, was present at both sessions.
- Jesús Tizón Taracido (Vigo); an entomology enthusiast, actively participated in insect identification at both events.
- Miguel Conde Teira (A Pobra do Caramiñal); a biologist and ornithologist, was present at the Araño event.
- Santi Corral Estévez (Bueu); a field mycologist and president of the Liboreiro Mycological-Naturalist Association, was also present at Araño.
These Bioblitzes demonstrate their potential as a tool for diagnosis, outreach, and community engagement. Incorporating them into the work of common land communities and other local stakeholders can be key in strengthening connections to the territory and guiding decisions on environmental restoration, invasive species control, or ecosystem enhancement. As biologist Helena Rodríguez Domínguez pointed out during one of the events: “You can’t protect what you don’t know.” Likewise, local expert Anxo Vela emphasized the importance of “naming what we have around us.”
Bioblitz in Araño
Held in a native and riparian forest area, the event allowed for the documentation of a wide variety of species:
- Birds: 13 species were identified, with the most notable being the dipper (Cinclus cinclus), associated with clean rivers.
- Flora: Presence of the endemic Echium lusitanicum, with unique populations in the region. Violets, daffodils, and “paxariños” (Linaria triornithophora) were also identified, along with well-preserved native forest.
- Ferns: Remarkable diversity, with species such as Osmunda regalis, Struthiopteris spicant, and Davallia canariensis.
- Lichens: Numerous species were identified thanks to the group’s specialized knowledge, such as Sticta limbata and Cladonia squamosa.
- Insects: 23 observations of 22 species were recorded by Jesús Tizón, with Vanessa atalanta (the migratory butterfly) standing out.
- Fungi: The drought reduced their presence; only Mitrula paludosa was detected.
- Invasive alien species: High presence, with species such as Acacia dealbata and Tradescantia fluminensis.
Bioblitz in Leiro
The day covered a wide diversity of habitats: coastal areas, forests, streams, and areas altered by human activity.
- Flora: Of note was the presence of two orchids (Serapias lingua and Serapias cordigera), the only ones known in the municipality. Also of interest are species such as Scilla monophyllos, Genista triacanthos, Sibthorpia europaea, and Zostera noltii (in the A Sebeira inlet).
- Ferns: Widely diverse, including Asplenium adiantum-nigrum and Polystichum setiferum.
- Invasive exotic species: Widely present, with specimens such as Phytolacca americana, Chasmanthe floribunda, Reynoutria japonica, and Melianthus major, rare but potentially invasive.
- Insects: 20 observations of 18 species, including Graphosoma italicum (ornamental bug), Melitaea deione, Pararge aegeria, Zygaena trifolii (poison moth), Cydalima perspectalis (invasive), and the striking Oedemera nobilis.
The Montescola Foundation and the Barbanza Ecosocial Laboratory will continue to promote spaces where observation, learning, and action go hand in hand. These events help strengthen the connection between scientific knowledge, local wisdom, and territorial care. If you are part of a Barbanza common land community and would like to organize a Bioblitz, please contact us at info@montescola.org.
Barbanza Ecosocial Lab has the support of the Biodiversity Foundation of the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO) of the Government of Spain, within the framework of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (PRTR), funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU.
Coordinated by Fundación RIA, the Barbanza Ecosocial Lab is a project dedicated to promoting the transition towards environmental sustainability and strengthening resilience in the territorial management of the Barbanza common land.