Plants, animals, birds and fish are dependent on the habitats in which they live. The biological diversity or biodiversity of Ireland’s flora and fauna is under threat due to habitat loss and disturbance. Habitats are under threat as a result of changes in land use, intensive management of agricultural land and forested areas, fragmentation of natural habitats by infrastructure and urbanisation, the influence of mass tourism and pollution.
As part of the implementation of the National Biodiversity Plan, local and public authorities and government departments are required to make local/sectoral biodiversity action plans. The implementation of these plans is required if we are to halt biodiversity loss. You can make a difference by being sensitive to and minimising the impacts our activities and new developments can have on biodiversity and habitats.
New developments around our major cities and towns in adjoining counties are contributing to urban sprawl. This is increasing the long-distance traffic volumes on our roads, resulting in higher emissions of pollutants from vehicles.
The total area of land in Ireland designated for protection under wildlife legislation continues to increase. Learn more about protected areas.
The total numbers of endangered, vulnerable or rare species in Ireland are 172 flowering plants, 8 algae, 1 amphibian, 6 fish, 11 birds and 1 mammal. Learn more about protected species.
Bird species suffering decline have been classified into a red list or an amber list depending on the rate of decline of their breeding populations or the scale of conservation concern. Learn more about birds of conservation concern.
The Countryside Birds Survey identifies the wren, robin, chaffinch, blackbird and woodpigeon as the most widespread bird species in Ireland. The populations of some once common bird species such as the skylark are in decline and are now under threat. Learn more about bird species.
During the period 1990 to 2000 notable increases in land cover area include arable land (35%), urban development and artificial surfaces (31%) and forested land (23%). These increases were mainly at the expense of pasture, mixed farmland and wetlands. Learn more about land cover.
Urban development and artificial surfaces grew by 31 per cent between 1990 and 2000 although constituting only 1.8 per cent of land cover in Ireland. Housing, services and recreational facilities were the main drivers. Learn more about urbanisation.
Find out what you can do.Check out the website of the National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC)
