Cetaceans
In mainland Portugal, 28 species of marine mammals have been described. Worldwide, this number increases to 90 species. Cetaceans are an extremely diverse group, possessing different dialects, social structures, routines and feeding habits. Cetaceans are divided into two groups, Odontoceti or toothed whales and Mysticeti or baleen whales. These animals have a very significant ecological representativeness, and are severely impacted by various anthropogenic activities, such as pollution, bycatching, trafficking and by activities that interrupt breeding or feeding events.
Common Dolphin
Delphinus delphis
Little Concern
The common dolphin is a species that can be found in every ocean. Adults can measure up to 2.7m and weigh up to 200kg, while calves can reach up to 85cm and weigh around 10kg. Generally speaking, they are found in pods of hundreds of individuals. Common dolphins are considered very agile and develop aerial behaviours, often interacting with ships in a behaviour called “bow riding”. They feed mainly on fish and cephalopods (squid and octopi). Their average lifespan is 35 years.
Turtles
There are over 300 species of turtles in the world, but only 7 of them are sea turtles. In Portugal, we can observe 5 of those 7 species, the most common being the Loggerhead Turtle and the Leatherback Turtle. Having evolved from land animals, the sea turtles still have some common characteristics, such as the need to breath air and to incubate their eggs in nests dug on the beach. Female turtles return to their birthplace in order to make their nests.
Leatherback turtle
Dermochelys coriacea
Vulnerable
The leatherback turtle is the biggest species of turtle on the planet. They don’t have plates or a hard shell. This species exhibits migratory behaviours and can dive to great depths. They are solitary animals and spend most of their time in the ocean, with females going to the beaches to make nests and lay their eggs. Adults can measure up to 2.5m and weigh up to 500kg. This species feeds mainly on jellyfish and molluscs. Their average lifespan is 50 years.
Birds
In mainland Portugal, we can find 65 species of marine birds, spread across several taxonomic groups.
Yellow-legged Gull
Larus michahellis
Little Concern
The yellow/legged gull is a resident species in Portugal with a wingspan of up to 140cm. They can weigh up to 620-1100g and feed on fish, invertebrates, reptiles, small mammals and trash. In Portugal, we can observe this species all year, near the coast, in natural areas or urban areas. Their lifespan is 20 years.