Sanguinho  (Frangula azorica)

The sanguinho is classified as Near Threatened (NT) on the IUCN Red List (1). It is listed on Appendix I of the Berne Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (2) and on Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive (3).

A small tree with simple leaves arranged alternately, the sanguinho (Frangula azorica) lacks the spines that are characteristic of the buckthorn family. The flowers have five petals and the shrub bears dark blue berries. The buds do not have bud scales (4).

The sanguinho is found on all of the Azorean Islands, apart from Graciosa and Corvo. It was previously found on Madeira, but is now thought to be extinct there (1).

The sanguinho inhabits laurel-juniper forests at altitudes of up to 1,000 metres (1).

A vigorous species, the sanguinho does not appear to be affected by habitat degradation, providing the damage is not too severe (1).

The sanguinho is declining as a result of habitat loss, as trees are cleared for agriculture and timber is extracted. Introduced plant species have also adversely affected this species (1).

Whilst no direct conservation action has been targeted at this species, the sanguinho is included on the Berne Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats and should be protected by its inclusion in the EC Habitats Directive (3) (4).