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Heritage Menu  |
Our Flora and FaunaFlora - all aquatic and terrestrial plants that occur in the wild (other than trees, shrubs or plants being grown in the course of agriculture, forestry or horticulture) including lichens, mosses, liverworts, fungi, algae and vascular plants. Fauna - all aquatic and terrestrial wild birds and animals, in particular wild mammals, reptiles, non-aquatic invertebrate animals and amphibians, and fish species and aquatic invertebrate animals that are specified in regulations under Section 23 of the Wildlife Act (1976). Biodiversity - the variety of all living things. Useful Publications on Heritage Council Web site:
Useful web sites:
For more info on invasive species: IRELAND
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EUROPEAN IAS NETWORKS
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LEGISLAITON
HedgegrowsWhy hedgerows are important? Hedgegrows form a network of green corridors throughout Ireland and provide an important environment for flora and fauna in both urban and rural settings. They are a natural roadway for insects, mammals bats and birds. Hedges form boundaries to homes, farms and workplaces potecting people, buildings, animals and land from storms, winds and rain. They are expecially important because our tree cover is so low in this country. Management of a hedge, by laying, coppicing, and replanting, provides enclosure, gives backing for plants, and a shield from wind. For many of us the management of native hedgerows is beyond our knowledge and skills. It would make a difference if help were available. Wildlife News
The condition known as “Flamingo Swan” was recently observed at Marlfield Lake, Clonmel by students from Tipperary Institute who were on Ornithology Fieldwork. The students were at the lake with their Lecturer Michael Maunsell, part of their B.Sc. Honors Degree in Environment & Natural Resource Management. They were studying the numbers and types of water-bird species using the lake, when they observed a pink colour on some of the Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) living on the lake. This is becoming widespread in many populations of Mute Swans in Ireland, said Michael Maunsell, the colour occurs mostly on the wing and tail feathers, and also in some other body feathers. In most cases there seems to be damage on the feathers which are pink. This effect the waterproofing and flexibility of the feather which is vital to all birds. The preening which the swans do regularly to maintain their feathers in good condition seems to be spreading the condition. The condition is believed by ornithologists to be a result of the euthrophication, a buildup of nutrients in the water the swans live in. One result of the water becoming nutrient rich is an increase in algae and phytoplankton. The swans are getting coated with algae, which have pink or brown pigments. Algae can best be described as small or microscopic plants. This “Flamingo Swan” condition can be an indicator of the quality of the water on lakes. | ||||
