Ireland is home to a wide variety of animals, birds, and plants. Many of these species are rare and require special efforts to help them survive.
To protect them, Ireland has laws that help keep these plants and animals safe. In this blog, we’ll explore some of Ireland’s protected species and find out why they’re so important to our environment.
Table of Contents
Why Do Species Need Protection?
Nature is full of balance, and every plant and animal plays a role. However, this balance is sometimes disturbed. Pollution, climate change, farming, and human activity can harm wildlife. When this happens, some species start to disappear. If we don’t protect them, they could go extinct.
In Ireland, the Wildlife Act and the EU’s Habitats and Birds Directives help protect these species. These regulations prohibit harming certain animals, destroying their habitats, or collecting rare plants from the wild. Ireland’s protected species need to be closely monitored to ensure they can recover and thrive in their natural habitats.
Mammals Under Protection
Ireland has many mammals that are now protected. Some of the most well-known include:
➜ The Irish Hare: This is a special type of hare found only in Ireland. It’s a fast runner and a symbol of the Irish countryside. But changes in farming and hunting have made life harder for it. The Irish hare is now protected during its breeding season.
➜ Otters: These are shy creatures that live in rivers, lakes, and along the coast. They are an important indicator of clean and healthy water bodies. Thanks to protection efforts, otter populations are already starting to recover.
➜ Bats: Ireland is home to nine species of bats, all of which are protected. Bats play a crucial role in our ecosystems by helping to control insect populations. Since they are sensitive to light and noise, protecting their roosting sites is very important.
➜ The Red Squirrel: Once common all over Ireland, red squirrels began to disappear when grey squirrels were introduced from North America. The grey squirrels outcompeted them for food and space. Now, red squirrels are protected and doing better in some areas, especially where grey squirrels are controlled.
Birds Under Protection
Ireland’s skies and coastlines are filled with beautiful birds. Some of them need protection to survive, including:
➜ Curlew: Known for its long curved beak and haunting call, the curlew is in serious trouble. Its numbers have dropped sharply in the last few decades. The loss of wetlands and meadows has made it difficult for curlews to breed. Efforts are being made to restore these habitats and protect nesting sites.
➜ Barn Owl: The ghostly white barn owl is one of Ireland’s most striking species. Barn owls are in decline due to the loss of nesting places and an increase in road traffic. They are now protected, and nest boxes are being used to help bring them back in some areas.
➜ Hen Harrier: This bird of prey flies low over open land, hunting small animals. It nests on the ground, making it vulnerable to habitat destruction from farming and forestry. Hen harriers are now protected, and special conservation areas have been established to safeguard them.
➜ Puffins: Puffins may look cute, but they are tough seabirds. They nest on cliffs and islands along the coast. Changes in fish numbers, caused by climate change and overfishing, have affected their food supply. Puffins are now protected, and some areas are closed off during nesting season to give them space.
Plants Under Protection
Ireland’s protected species also includes many rare plants that are shrinking in population and facing habitat destruction. Some examples are:
➜ Cottonweed: This small coastal plant grows in sandy or rocky ground near the sea. It’s sensitive to disturbance from walkers, grazing animals, and erosion. Cottonweed is protected because its natural habitat is disappearing.
➜ Serrated Wintergreen: This unusual plant has shiny leaves and small white flowers. It grows in old woodlands, especially where the ground is rich and undisturbed. Serrated wintergreen is very rare in Ireland and is now legally protected from damage or picking.
➜ Saxifrage (Marsh and Meadow): Both marsh saxifrage and meadow saxifrage are beautiful flowering plants that grow in specific wet or open habitats. These habitats are often affected by drainage or development. Because of this, these saxifrages are now protected to stop them from vanishing completely.
➜ Killarney Fern: This delicate fern grows in shady, damp spots. The Killarney fern was once thought to be nearly extinct in Ireland. However, small populations still survive. To keep these populations growing, it is now illegal to damage this plant.
What Can We Do to Help?
Preserving Ireland’s protected species isn’t just the government’s responsibility. Everyone can do their part. Here are some simple things you can do:
✅ Respect wildlife areas. Stay on paths and keep noise down.
✅ Don’t disturb nests or animals. If you see a bird or animal, watch from a distance.
✅ Plant native flowers and trees. These provide important habitats for insects and birds.
✅ Avoid using harmful chemicals. Overuse of pesticides and fertilisers can pollute water and hurt wildlife.
✅ Get a protected species survey. Whether you’re planning a building project or managing land, surveys can help identify if protected species are present. These surveys also suggest steps needed to stay compliant with wildlife laws.
Conclusion: Preserving Ireland’s Protected Species
Ireland’s protected species are an important part of its natural beauty and heritage. From the quiet otter in the river to the soaring hen harrier in the sky, each one plays a part in our environment. By learning about them and taking small actions, we can help make sure they are here for future generations to enjoy.
If you need expert advice, Southern Scientific can help. With over 30 years of experience, our team of skilled ecologists is trained in identifying protected species and their habitats. We offer comprehensive support, from early site checks and surveys to detailed reports and mitigation plans.
