Mainland Portugal Research Articles

Beyond the threshold - different accumulation of organochlorine compounds in common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) inhabiting continental and insular ecosystems in the Northeast Atlantic.

Assessing persistent organic pollutant (POP) levels across regions helps evaluate environmental health and determine ecological risks. As an apex predator, the common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) serves as an excellent model for understanding POP exposure and impact in Eastern North Atlantic marine ecosystems. In this study, we collected biopsy samples of common dolphins in two ecoregions, the pelagic system of Madeira Island (Portugal) (n = 30) and in the continental shelf of Northwest Portugal (n = 14) to analyse organochlorine concentrations (PCBs, DDTs, Mirex, HCB) from their blubber. For both ecoregions, PCBs comprised the largest proportion of the total measured organochlorines (60% in Madeira Island and 85% in Northwest Portugal), followed by DDTs, and lastly, HCB. Considerable differences in the organochlorine profile were identified between samples from Madeira and Northwest Portugal, with common dolphins showing higher PCB loads in Northwest Portugal (53 ± 37 μg.g-1 lw) compared to Madeira Island (11 ± 4.8 μg.g -1 lw). The high levels of PCBs found in individuals from mainland Portugal - reaching values up to 140 μg.g-1 lw - are some of the highest reported for the species worldwide, considerably exceeding toxicity thresholds. This is of particular concern as they may be potentially affecting important physiological processes of the animals. These results highlight the poor habitat quality in one of the studied regions, with potential impacts on ecosystem health, while offering valuable insights into the population structure of a species that remains understudied for effective management and conservation.

Burden of disease and cost of illness of overweight and obesity in Portugal.

The prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased in the last decades, posing significant health and economic impacts globally. These conditions are related to several non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes and cancer. This study estimated the disease burden and healthcare costs associated with overweight and obesity in the adult population in mainland Portugal, in 2018. Burden of disease was measured in disability-adjusted life years (DALY) following Global Burden of Disease (GBD) methodology. DALY were calculated as the sum of years of life lost (YLL) and years lived with disability (YLD). The analyses included morbidity, mortality and related costs directly related to overweight and obesity, as well as the attributable morbidity, mortality and related costs of of 25 selected diseases related to obesity (DrO). A prevalence-based cost analysis was conducted a from the perspective of the public National Health Service, including costs related to inpatient, outpatient care and pharmacological treatment. In 2018, total DALY amounted to 260,943, with 75% due to premature death (196,438 YLL) and 25% due to disability (64,505 YLD). The economic burden of overweight and obesity was estimated at approximately € 1,148 million. Of these, approximately € 13.3 million (1%) were costs related to the treatment of obesity, and the remaining were costs of DrO attributed to overweight and obesity. Outpatient care corresponded to 43% of total costs, pharmacological treatment 38%, and inpatient care 19%. Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases were the largest contributor to total costs (38%), followed by type II diabetes (34%). Overweight and obesity incur a large disease and economic burden to the public healthcare sector, representing approximately 0.6% of the country´s gross domestic product and 5.8% of public health expenditures.

Analysis of tropospheric ozone concentration and their predictors in mainland Portugal

Analysis of tropospheric ozone concentration and their predictors in mainland Portugal

Humans versus models: a comparative assessment of ecosystem services models and stakeholders’ perceptions

Mapping the production of Ecosystem Services (ES) is imperative for sustainable ecosystem management. Likewise, incorporating expert knowledge enhances ES research. Here, we calculate eight multi-temporal ES indicators for mainland Portugal using a spatial modelling approach. These indicators are then integrated into the novel ASEBIO index—Assessment of Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity—which depicts a combined ES potential based on CORINE Land Cover, using a multi-criteria evaluation method with weights defined by stakeholders through an Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Outputs from the modelling show how ES have changed in Portugal in relation to land use changes, including trade-offs between 1990 and 2018. The composed ASEBIO index is compared against the stakeholders’ valuation of ES potential for the year 2018. The results reveal a significant mismatch between the ES potential perceived by stakeholders and the models, with stakeholder estimates being 32.8% higher on average. All the selected ES were overestimated by the stakeholders. Drought regulation and erosion prevention have the highest contrasts, while water purification, food production and recreation are the most closely aligned among both approaches. Providing the first national overview about the status of multiple ES over a 28 year-period, our findings highlight potential disparities between data-driven and stakeholder-based evaluations. Therefore, we suggest the need for integrative strategies that consider scientific models with expert knowledge for more effective ES assessments and land-use planning. This approach could help bridge the gap between data-driven models and human perspectives, resulting in more balanced and inclusive decision-making.

Distribution of the Culex pipiens mosquito in mainland Portugal: a geospatial modelling study

Abstract Background The mosquito Culex pipiens is a vector for several pathogens, such as the West Nile virus. As the most abundant mosquito in Portugal, understanding its spatial distribution can support vector-borne diseases control and robust public health planning, given the mainland’s favourable climate for this vector. Information on its spatial distribution at a national level is limited, especially its association with climate variables. Thus we aimed to predict the suitability of Culex pipiens distribution in mainland Portugal, considering climate factors. Methods We used presence records for adult and larvae of Culex pipiens mosquitoes sampled across mainland Portugal from January 2017 to October 2023, as part of the Portuguese Vector Surveillance Network program (REVIVE). Between May-October, in random locations and throughout the year in point-of-entry sites, adult mosquito collection used CDC light traps and BG-Sentinel traps, and larvae collection used dippers in breeding sites. Sampling bias was corrected by filtering presence sites, retaining one record per each cell grid of 1 km2. Climatic data (including temperature, precipitation and elevation) were used as predictors in a maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model of the Culex pipiens geographical distribution. Results From the dataset of 6859 records, 1416 unique sites were obtained after filtering. Suitable habitats seem to be mainly distributed on the coast, particularly in Minho, Porto and Lisbon metropolitan areas, and Tagus Valley, with precipitation as the most important predictor. Conclusions Most West Nile Virus case reports come from the south of Portugal, but the potential distribution of Culex pipiens covers the whole mainland territory, with seemingly higher distribution on the north coast. However, bias due to convenience sampling could be present. West Nile vector surveillance should be a priority across all regions to accurately assess transmission risk and implement effective control measures. Key messages • The suitability of Culex pipiens distribution covers the entire mainland of Portugal, with higher presence in the north. • The distribution of Culex pipiens in the country points towards a need for developing region-specific strategies regarding West Nile Virus prevention and control.

How ambient NO2 impacts the mortality burden of ischemic heart disease in Portugal (2011-2021)?

Abstract Background Air pollution is a major environmental risk to human health, contributing to premature death and disease. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a pollutant of significant public health concern, associated with increased risks of all-cause mortality, particularly in cardiovascular and respiratory deaths. In 2021, NO2 exposure exceeding the World Health Organization Air Quality Guidelines resulted in 69,000 deaths in the European Union. This study aims to estimate the impact of ambient NO2 exposure on ischemic heart disease (IHD) in Portugal, from 2011 to 2021, estimated in years of life lost (YLL). Methods Data on ambient NO2 levels were obtained from the Portuguese Environment Agency’s online database QualAr. Only monitoring stations that reported valid data for at least 75% of the time in a year were considered. The number of IHD mortality cases from 2011 to 2021 was sourced from Statistics Portugal. The burden of IHD attributed to NO2 exposure was estimated in YLL for the Portuguese population aged 25 years and older, categorized by five-years age groups, regions of mainland Portugal and sex, using the population attributable fraction (PAF). Results Between 2011 and 2021, mainland Portugal experienced a declining trend in NO2 mean levels, with occasional fluctuations. Regarding IHD YLL attributed to NO2 exposure, the same trend was followed with an overall decline over the study period. In total, 94,843.75 (95% CI 53,408.35-134,766.17) IHD YLL were attributed to NO2 exposure, with an estimated number of IHD YLLs higher for males than for females. Conclusions These findings underscore the significant impact of air pollution on human health. Despite an overall reduction in YLL across mainland Portugal, persistent health effects emphasize the need to reduce NO2 concentrations, with informed decision-making being crucial to mitigate these impacts and protect public health. Key messages • Ambient NO2 exposure significantly impacts ischemic heart disease mortality in Portugal. • These estimates underscore the necessity of well-informed decision-making to safeguard public health.

Extreme Heat and Specific-Cause Mortality during Summer 2018 in Mainland Portugal

Abstract Climate change has led to increased frequency and duration of extreme heat periods, impacting human health and mortality. During the 2003 heatwave, it was estimated that there were between 25,000 and 70,000 excess deaths in Western Europe. Specific-cause mortality analysis was conducted in Portugal that year and has not been assessed since. The goal of this study is to estimate the impact of an extreme heat period in 2018 on specific-cause mortality in mainland Portugal. An ecological study was conducted comparing observed and expected deaths, from August 2 to 9, 2018, in Portugal. Two comparison periods were chosen: from July 19 to 26, 2018 (C1) and the average deaths from August 2 to 9 in 2017 and 2019 (C2). Excesses, ratios, and respective 95% confidence intervals were calculated in R. Analyses were stratified by sex, age group, and district. Consistent excess deaths were observed between comparators, showing a greater impact in circulatory diseases (C1: 283, 95% CI: 210; 356 and C2: 239, 95% CI: 164; 314) and respiratory diseases (C1: 98, 95% CI: 55; 141 and C2: 95, 95% CI: 52; 138). Regarding death ratios, with C1, the highest death ratios were observed for exposure to excessive natural heat (50.00, 95% CI: 37.11; 65.92) and ischemic stroke (4.00, 95% CI: 2.07; 6.99). With C2, the highest death ratios were observed for exposure to excessive natural heat (50.00, 95% CI 37.11; 65.92) and atherosclerosis (2.71, 95% CI 1.63; 4.24). The excesses and ratios of deaths were higher in more urbanized districts, females, and age groups above 75 years. The results suggest that the extreme heat in 2018 had an impact on mortality. Elevated death ratios and excesses were observed for various causes of death with considerable statistical magnitude and significance. These findings align with other national and international studies. Public health action is increasingly critical to mitigate the observed rise in mortality during periods of extreme heat. Key messages • Specific-cause mortality analysis during extreme heat suggests a greater impact in circulatory and respiratory diseases, in residents of urbanized districts, females, and individuals of 75+ years. • Understanding these specific causes can better inform public health actions and planning, thereby mitigating the adverse effects of extreme heat.

Risks of high temperature exposure on infectious diseases in Portuguese hospitals

Abstract Background The convergence of climate change and infectious diseases presents a growing public health challenge. As global temperatures continue to climb, the geographical spread of climate-sensitive diseases is shifting, underscoring the necessity for comprehensive early warning systems grounded in a One Health framework. Methods This retrospective observational study analyzed daily maximum temperature from May to September, between 2000 and 2018, in mainland Portugal, at a county level, obtained from a European-level gridded observations dataset. Hospital admissions with a primary diagnosis of infectious and parasitic diseases were sourced from the Hospital Morbidity Database. A distributed lag non-linear model was developed to estimate the immediate and lagged relative risks (RR) of temperature exposure on admissions, focused on a lag of 10 days. Results Our research reveals a 16% (95% CI: 9% - 23%) rise in the RR of hospital admissions due to infectious and parasitic diseases after exposure to extremely high temperatures (39 °C). This elevated risk persists for up to 2 days following exposure, with the second day exhibiting the largest increase at 53% (31% - 80%). Furthermore, our findings indicate a subsequent resurgence in RR, reaching 6% (2% - 11%) 9 days after exposure. Conclusions Our results highlight a short-term effect of extreme temperature exposure on infectious and parasitic disease admissions. This data provides valuable insights to guide policymakers in identifying critical periods of vulnerability and implementing this knowledge into heat early warning systems, contributing to developing effective public health strategies against climate change. Acknowledgments The authors thank Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT, Portugal) for research grant UIDP/04923/2020 and NOVA National School of Public Health for access to the Hospital Morbidity Database made available for research purposes by Administração Central do Sistema de Saúde, IP (ACSS). Key messages • Exposure to extremely high temperatures increases the risk of admission due to infectious and parasitic diseases by 16%, with a peak occurring two days after exposure. • This data is essential for policymakers to identify and integrate vulnerable periods into early heat warning systems, enhancing effective public health strategies against climate change.

Global health at local level: characterization of tropical diseases in northern Portugal, 2020-2024

Abstract Background The escalating global prevalence and geographic spread of tropical diseases pose significant global health risks worldwide, with local implications. In Portugal, these diseases require mandatory notification. Concerns were raised following the detection of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in mainland Portugal in 2017, alongside a Dengue outbreak in Madeira in 2012. Despite Portugal being declared malaria-free, the detection of Anopheles mosquitoes also raises concerns. This study aims at characterizing notified cases of tropical diseases in two cities in Northern Portugal since 2020. Methods A retrospective study of Malaria, Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya cases in the Maia & Valongo’s Public Health Unit included data from the National Epidemiological Surveillance System covering January 2020 to April 2024. Descriptive analysis was conducted using SPSS IBM for iOS® v29. Results are presented as mean ± standard deviation for continuous variables and proportions for categorical ones. Results Five malaria cases were reported, predominantly affecting males (80%), with an average age of 34±16.96 years. Four were Portuguese and one Angolan. All cases were imported, mostly from Angola (80%). Etiological analysis revealed two cases of Plasmodium malariae and three of Plasmodium falciparum. All were hospitalized, no deaths. Four dengue cases were documented, 50% in males, averaged 33±24.73 years. Three were Portuguese and one Mozambican. One was hospitalized with no deaths. All cases were imported from Brazil, Cuba, Indonesia, and islands of Saint Martin/Saint-Barthélemy. No Zika or Chikungunya confirmed cases were identified during this period. Conclusions The increasing incidence of Dengue and Malaria underscores the critical connection between infectious diseases, vector ecology, and global health security. This study highlights the risk of imported Dengue and Malaria cases, emphasizing the imperative for surveillance and preventive actions to protect public health. Key messages • Dengue and Malaria cases in Portugal underline the importance of international collaboration and robust strategies. • Stepped-up surveillance is key to protecting vulnerable groups from imported infections.

EUCALYPTUS TERRITORIALIZATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS IN BRAZIL AND PORTUGAL

From a geographical view and through bibliographic and documentary research, mapping, and fieldwork, this study employed the SWOT matrix to analyze the eucalyptus environmental impacts on two study areas in these countries. We found that their physical aspects favor its growth, providing economic benefits. Extreme weather events have worsened the water deficit in the Brazilian Cerrado, leading to user conflicts. In northwestern mainland Portugal, wildfires have been more recurrent and severe, causing human and property losses and compromising the natural systems resilience.

Perception and attitude towards natural and human-made risks in Portugal in a school context

Perception is very important when analysing and managing risk as it is vital for better preparing the individual and society. The aims of this study are to: (i) find out about students’ perceptions of the spatial dimension of natural and environmental risks affecting mainland Portugal; (ii) understand how students perceive risks, taking causal attribution, level of knowledge, and future trends into account; (iii) relate students’ perceptions to behaviour, actions, and willingness to change attitudes to mitigating and reducing risks. In this study, a questionnaire was administered to 786 ninth year students between April and May 2022. Stepwise regression was applied to determine the factors that control the change in risk behaviour. The results of this study indicate levels of risk perception that are considered low to moderate. Female students tended to develop a greater sense of fear in the face of risk manifestations.

Mass Timber Buildings: The associated risks of rainwater exposure during construction in the Portuguese climate

The increase in the number and complexity of wooden buildings creates a series of challenges, like moisture control and management during the construction phase. The risks associated with the direct exposure of timber elements to rain during construction depend on the severity of the climate and the specific details of each project and therefore must be analysed locally. In this context, the results of 16 weeks of moisture content monitorization of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) floor-wall connection specimens exposed to the outdoors are presented and evaluated. The monitorization demonstrated that end-grain surfaces are the most sensitive to the action and movement of water in CLT and within a few days of exposure to rain reached alarming moisture content (MC>30 %), with water entrapment at the interface between elements, preventing drying in a reasonable time for construction workflow (MC>30 % after 39 days of drying). On the other hand, zones with faster drying exhibited severe physical damage such as delamination and cracks. Additionally, the study evaluates the feasibility of using satellite-obtained meteorological data to develop a degradation risk map (Scheffer Climate Index) for mainland Portugal. The high coefficient of determination (R2 ≥ 0.81) and model efficiency (EF ~ 0.80–0.90) demonstrate the reliability of the data. Finally, two degradation risk maps for mainland Portugal are presented.

The impact of touristic whale-watching on Delphinus Delphis and Tursiops truncatus in the Algarve Coast: Combining acoustic analysis and land observations

Touristic whale watching (WW) is an important socioeconomic activity worldwide. Recently, short and long-term impacts caused by WW have been reported for several cetacean species, including Delphinus delphis and Tursiops truncatus, the two most observed species in Portugal. Most of the operations in mainland Portugal are concentrated on the South Coast (Algarve). However, despite their importance for the region, studies focused on the impact of this activity on the animals are still scarce. We used acoustic behaviour analysis and land-based observations to determine the alterations in the vocalization patterns of these animals caused by WW vessels and the length of exposure to this stressor. We found WW presence significantly altered five out of six acoustic parameters of whistles, whistle rate, and whistle type distribution for D. delphis, whereas T. truncatus exhibited significant changes in three acoustic parameters. Conversely, T. truncatus significantly reduced echolocation click rates, while D. delphis did not show significant changes. We also found that the Central region of this coast is the most affected, with animals exposed to WW vessels for up to 38.9% of daylight hours. Furthermore, 66.7% of the observation time in this area had several vessels that exceeded the limit established by law. These results suggest that our study species are impacted by WW, while D. delphis is more affected during social behaviours, and T. truncatus is more affected during foraging activities. Both behaviours are biologically significant, and their disturbance might, in the long term, lead to adverse effects at the population level by decreasing reproductive success and fitness. A gap in knowledge, inadequate legislation and compliance issues threaten the development of a sustainable WW industry in the Algarve and might endanger local populations, therefore immediate attention is needed.

Environmental DNA as a complementary tool for biodiversity monitoring: A multi-technique and multi-trophic approach to investigate cetacean distribution and feeding ecology.

The use of environmental DNA (eDNA) to assess the presence of biological communities has emerged as a promising monitoring tool in the marine conservation landscape. Moreover, advances in Next-Generation Sequencing techniques, such as DNA metabarcoding, enable multi-species detection in mixed samples, allowing the study of complex ecosystems such as oceanic ones. We aimed at using these molecular-based techniques to characterize cetacean communities, as well as potential prey on the northern coast of Mainland Portugal. During four seasonal campaigns (summer 2021 to winter 2022/2023), seawater samples were collected along with visual records of cetacean occurrence. The eDNA isolated from 64 environmental samples was sequenced in an Illumina platform, with universal primers targeting marine vertebrates. Five cetacean species were identified by molecular detection: common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus), harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) and fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus). Overall, except for the latter (not sighted during the campaigns), this cetacean community composition was similar to that obtained through visual monitoring, and the complementary results suggest their presence in the region all year round. In addition, the positive molecular detections of Balaenoptera physalus are of special relevance since there are no records of this species reported on scientific bibliography in the area. The detection of multiple known prey of the identified dolphins indicates an overlap between predator and prey in the study area, which suggests that these animals may use this coastal area for feeding purposes. While this methodological approach remains in a development stage, the present work highlights the benefits of using eDNA to study marine communities, with specific applications for research on cetacean distribution and feeding ecology.

Toscana Virus in Wild-Caught Sand Flies in Portugal, Findings from the National Vector Surveillance Network, 2023.

Phlebotomine sand flies play a crucial role in both human and veterinary medicine, acting as vectors for Leishmania parasites and most known phleboviruses. In Portugal, the REVIVE program, a comprehensive national surveillance network under the Ministry of Health, has included sand fly surveys since 2016. REVIVE aims to identify existing sand fly species in the country, determine which pathogens are circulating among them, and provide actionable insights for prevention and control measures when necessary. In this way, annually, from May to October, health technicians collect sand flies across mainland Portugal with CDC light traps. The collected sand flies are sent to the Centre for Vectors and Infectious Diseases Research for species identification and molecular screening of pathogens. On 21 September 2023, Toscana virus (TOSV), a well-known phlebovirus in the Mediterranean region due to its capacity to cause neurological disease, was detected in a pool of 30 sand flies collected in Algarve, the southernmost region of Portugal. A 668 bp partial sequence of the nucleoprotein gene shows similarity with TOSV strains from Spain. To our knowledge, this is the first detection of TOSV in its vector in this country, having previously only been reported in vertebrate hosts. These findings highlight the important role of ongoing surveillance efforts in monitoring and understanding the dynamics of sand fly-borne diseases in Portugal.

Studies on Heavy Precipitation in Portugal: A Systematic Review

This systematic review, based on an adaptation of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement from 2020, focuses on studies of the atmospheric mechanisms underlying extreme precipitation events in mainland Portugal, as well as observed trends and projections. The 54 selected articles cover the period from 2000 to 2024, in which the most used keywords are “portugal” and “extreme precipitation”. Of the 54, 23 analyse trends and climate projections of precipitation events, confirming a decrease in total annual precipitation, especially in autumn and spring, accompanied by an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme precipitation events in autumn, spring and winter. Several articles (twelve) analyse the relationship between synoptic-scale circulation and heavy precipitation, using an atmospheric circulation types approach. Others (two) establish the link with teleconnection patterns, namely the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), and still others (three) explore the role of atmospheric rivers. Additionally, five articles focus on evaluating databases and Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models, and nine articles focus on precipitation-related extreme weather events, such as tornadoes, hail and lightning activity. Despite significant advances in the study of extreme precipitation events in Portugal, there is still a lack of studies on hourly or sub-hourly scales, which is critical to understanding mesoscale, short-lived events. Several studies show NWP models still have limitations in simulating extreme precipitation events, especially in complex orography areas. Therefore, a better understanding of such events is fundamental to promoting continuous improvements in operational weather forecasting and contributing to more reliable forecasts of such events in the future.

Willingness to Pay for Nature Protection: Crowdfunding as a Payment Mechanism

AbstractIn this study, we use a discrete choice experiment to elicit the willingness-to-pay (WTP) for preventing and mitigating the effects of oil spills on marine and coastal ecosystem services, along a particularly vulnerable coastal region of mainland Portugal. We used a split-sample design to analyze the differences between two payment vehicles (PV): a mandatory extra income tax and a voluntary contribution collected by a crowdfunding campaign with a provision point mechanism and a money-back guarantee. The difference between the two PVs is examined in a setting where the local population has a negative perception of the quality of institutions. We find that respondents are more willing to contribute when presented with the crowdfunding version. Also, regardless of the payment vehicle, respondents who express a mistrust in institutions are more likely to choose the status quo. These results suggest the potential of using crowdfunding to support ecosystem services’ conservation initiatives.

A Comparative Analysis of Island vs. Mainland Arthropod Communities in Coastal Grasslands Belonging to Two Distinct Regions: São Miguel Island (Azores) and Mainland Portugal

Coastal grasslands host diverse arthropod communities and provide important ecosystem services. Islands, being isolated environments, are expected to have simpler ecosystems than continental areas, with the few successful colonizing species often attaining high densities; however, these patterns are still poorly documented for coastal grassland arthropods. We conducted a comparative study of the biodiversity of arthropod communities in two distinct coastal grassland ecosystems (Portugal mainland and the Azores) with the following objectives: (a) to investigate the arthropod community composition in both locations; (b) to compare the diversity profiles in both locations; (c) to investigate potential density compensation in the island’s arthropod communities. For four months, arthropods were collected on the Island of São Miguel, Setúbal Peninsula, and Sine’s region and subsequently classified into taxonomic groups. With the data collected, Hill Numbers were calculated for each region. We confirmed that the richness on the mainland was higher than in the Azores, and we found some apparent abundance compensation in the Azores. At the same time, we also observed that many species in the Azores are also present in the continental coastal grasslands of mainland Portugal.

Ocular Lesions in Birds of Prey in Portugal: A Retrospective Study

In wildlife rehabilitation centers, thousands of animals are treated annually, with a substantial proportion being birds of prey. Since vision is essential for the survival of these species, this study focused on investigating the causes of ocular injuries in raptors admitted to four rehabilitation centers across mainland Portugal from 2017 to 2021. Of the 2207 birds admitted during this period, 156 (7%) presented ocular injuries. Hyphema (28.2%) and corneal ulcers (20.5%) were the most prevalent injuries, often occurring together or alongside lens luxation. Nocturnal raptors showed a higher prevalence of these injuries (76.9%) compared to diurnal raptors (23.1%). A significant association was found between ocular injuries and causes of admission, particularly with ocular hemorrhages and multiple injuries in the eye. Despite the severity of the ocular injuries, the release rate remained relatively high at 51%, underscoring the critical role of comprehensive ocular examinations and vision assessments in guiding treatment decisions and discharge decisions. This study highlights the need for further research with larger samples to better understand the impact of ocular injuries on the rehabilitation success of wild birds in Portugal.

The Social Economy and Contemporary Challenges: Innovation and Sustainability

This article explores the relevance of the social economy in addressing contemporary challenges through innovative and sustainable practices, supported by public policies. The research investigates the management models that social and solidarity economy organizations (SSEOs) employ to respond to the challenges of innovation and sustainability. The study includes an in-depth analysis of diverse operational models and accomplishments across various cases, presenting evidence on how the sector adopts innovative and sustainable practices. The article scrutinizes essential characteristics of SSEOs, such as democratic governance, reinvestment of surpluses in social businesses based on innovation and entrepreneurship, and a strong community orientation. These characteristics are examined for their relevance in addressing issues like social inequalities, digital transformation, and climate change. Additionally, the research includes an examination of four diverse cases of SSEOs established in mainland Portugal. It reveals the wide range of activities and significant interactions that these organizations have with various stakeholders in different economic and social contexts, contributing to regional social innovation ecosystems. The empirical study, based on a descriptive case study methodology applied to multiple and heterogeneous cases (in terms of fields of intervention and scale of resources), demonstrates that sustainability has become a driver in the social economy, within a framework of democratic governance and community involvement. Moreover, the research fills a gap in empirical literature by providing strong evidence through real cases of collaborative social innovation, the integration of environmental, social, and governance practices, as well as financial and regulatory support from the state for the resilience of SSEOs. The social value of the research lies in its empirical contribution to demonstrating how social business is a crucial element for communities to address global challenges, promoting economic growth and employment, social justice, including the fight against poverty, and environmental sustainability.