Nature Surveys

 

There are a number of important surveys taking place around Ireland in order to monitor and help protect our biodiversity. Participation in these surveys is easy and will provide useful data to help ensure the conservation of our biodiversity.

Atlas of Mammals in Ireland

This is an exciting new initiative which presents species accounts and distribution maps of the wild mammals that occur in Ireland and its territorial waters. The initiative pulls together data from existing recording initiatives and datasets to provide an overview of the current and historic distribution of Irish mammals. One of the primary aims of the initiative is to encourage recording of the commoner Irish mammals, so that a comprehensive picture of their distribution is achieved by 2015.

Click on the Mammal Collage above for more details.

National Frog Survey of Ireland

 

Amphibians (frogs, toads and newts) are one of the most threatened groups of organisms on earth, with a third of all species having suffered declines. Ireland has only one species of frog (Rana temporaria) which is a key part of Irish ecosystems as a predator of insects and other invertebrates, as well as itself being prey for other species.

Mating frogs (Rana temporaria) (Photo: Mike Brown)

The National Frog Survey began in March 2010 and will run until November 2011. As well as producing an up to date map of frog distribution in Ireland, the survey will also examine the aquatic and terrestrial habitats used by frogs and gather information on the threats facing these habitats. Baseline data on the size of th national frog population will also be gathered against which future population changes can be compared. The survey is funded by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and is being carried out by national Parks and Wildlife Service Conservation Rangers in partnership with Giorra Environmental Services, Quercus at Queen's University Belfast and the charity Amphibian and Reptile Conservation.

The results of the survey will help fulfil obligations under the EU Habitiats Directive and ultimately, will help to ensure the long-term survival of frogs in Ireland.

January 2011 update - records of frogs and frog spawn are now being sought from the public. If you have frogs in your garden pond, or in your school pond or know where frogs breed near you, we need your records. Please check out the simple online recording form at www.arc-trust.org/loscan

 BirdWatch Ireland  - Bird Atlas 2007 - 2011

Bird Atlas 2007-11 is a four-year project to check on the numbers and distributions of the birds of Ireland, as well as those of Britain.  It is a joint project of BirdWatch Ireland, the British Trust for Ornithology and the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club, and the aim is to survey over 250 species of bird.  The results will set the agenda for bird conservation over the next two decades.

You can also log on to the Birdwatch Ireland website and take part in their online surveys

NPWS - National Road Kill Survey

The NPWS which manages the Irish State’s nature conservation responsibilities under the National European Law, is required to monitor the incidental killing of listed species. In some animals, road kill can be a significant cause of mortality. In order to develop protection strategies, the NPWS is interested in learning which species are prone to road kill and in determining any geographic or seasonal patterns associated with kills. 

Biology.ie

Biology.ie which was set up to collect Nature’s Calendar data from the public, also hosts a number of other surveys on birds, mammals, mushrooms, lizards and butterflies. Click on the icon below to find out more and to participate in these surveys.

 Hen Harrier Survey

A scheme has been developed to find out where the Hen Harriers are going and coloured tags on the back of wings will help tell us where.

Click here to find out more