Priority Species, SoCC & Designated Sites Vertebrates & Invertebrates

NB: Latin name used for species without a common name Site Priority Species/Species of Conservation Concern Vertebrates Invertebrates Mammal Fish Bird Crustacean Insect/Worm Mollusc Sponge Tunicate/ Cnidarian Echinoderm Bryozoan Antrim Hills Curlew Hen Harrier Merlin Ballymaclary Northern Colletes Banagher Glen Red Squirrel Peregrine Meadow pipit Redstart Willow warbler Bann Estuary European Black-tailed Roseate Tern Sand martin Circular Crab Narrow Bordered Golden Otter Godwit Skylark Sandwich Tern Bee Hawk Moth Mussel Common Scoter Tree Sparrow Shelduck Wall Brown Nudibranch Curlew Dunlin Teal Northern Colletes Mussel Lapwing Golden Plover Wigeon Rove Beetle Linnet Greylag Goose Reed Bunting Breen Wood Red Squirrel Redstart Carn/ Red Grouse Whorl Snail Glenshane Pass Carrick-a-rede Twite Fulmar Razorbill Black-legged Guillemot Kittiwake Creighton’s Irish Damselfly Wood Green Hairstreak Dunloy Bog Common Snipe Garron Plateau Irish Hare Curlew Skylark Merlin Crab Whorl Snail European Hen Harrier Golden Plover Otter Red Grouse Dunlin Giant’s Irish Hare Black Guillemot Grasshopper Shag Cranefly Narrow- Causeway & Eider Warbler Stonechat mouthed Dunseverick Fulmar Oystercatcher whorl snail Peregrine Glenarm Wood Red Squirrel Common Song Thrush Spotted Bullfinch Flycatcher Glenariff Glen Red Squirrel Glen Burn Willow warbler Glenoe Red Squirrel Ashwood Larne Lough European European Light-bellied Black Guillemot Goldeneye Golden Otter Smelt Brent Geese Black Headed Gull Lesser Black- Mussel Redshank Common Gull backed Gull Roseate Tern Common Tern Mediterranean Gull

74 Red-breasted merganser Sandwich Tern Shelduck Lough Foyle European Allis Shad Black-tailed Bar-tailed Godwit Grey Plover Golden Otter European Godwit Bewick’s Swan Knot Mussel Smelt Common Scoter Common Snipe Mediterranean Nudibranch Twaite Corncrake Dunlin Gull Mussel Shad Curlew Eider Mute Swan Atlantic Lapwing Golden Plover Oystercatcher Salmon Light-bellied Great-crested grebe Pintail Brent Geese Great-northern diver Red-breasted Redshank Greylag Goose merganser Reed Bunting Red-throated Redshank diver Tree Sparrow Shelduck Twite Teal Whooper Swan Wigeon Lough Beg Black-tailed Godwit Nine-striped Diving Beetle Water Boatman Lough Neagh & Irish Hare Barn Owl Bewick’s Swan Greylag Goose Water Boatman Lough Beg Common Scoter Black Headed Gull Lesser Black- Corncrake Common Gull backed Gull Curlew Common Snipe Mute Swan Lapwing Common Tern Pintail Light-bellied Cormorant Pochard Brent Geese Coot Scaup Linnet Gadwall Shelduck Tree Sparrow Garganey Shoveler Redshank Goldeneye Teal Yellow-hammer Golden Plover Tufted Duck Great-crested grebe Whooper Swan Wigeon Magilligan Common Scoter Black Guillemot Meadow pipit Northern Colletes Starling Great northern diver Red-throated Marsh Fritillary Tree Sparrow diver Rove Beetle Scarce & Gold Crimson Moth Small Eggar Honeycomb Worm North Antrim Northern Colletes Narrow- Coast mouthed whorl snail Portmuck Black-legged Fulmar Puffin kittiwake Guillemot Razorbill Portstewart Wood Tiger Strand Ramore Head Common Herring Gull Eider Razorbill Common Iophon ingalli Lace Cora Northern Starfish & The Skerries Seal Black Guillemot Fulmar Shelduck Lobster (hyndmani) Rose Corall Black-legged Lesser Black- kittiwake backed Gull

75 Rathlin Island Chough Common Gull Peregrine Circular Crab Bordered Grey Egg Cowrie Clathria barleei Sea Squirts: Goosefoot Corncrake Eider Puffin Crab The Confused Microciona Archidistoma Cerianthid Starfish Herring Gull Fulmar Razorbill Crawfish Square-spot dart elliptichela aggregatum, Anemone Northern Starfish Ring Ouzel Guillemot Shag Hermit Crab Segmented Hymerhabdia Boltenia Diphasia alata Purple Sunstar Sandstar Starling Lesser Black- Rugose Squat Worm typical echinata D.nigra

Twite backed Gull Lobster Iophon ingalli Halecium Bar-tailed Godwit Common (hyndmani) Bryozoan: Small Cushion plumosum Black Guillemot Lobster Mycale lingua Rose Coral Star Lytocarpia Black-legged Masked Crab Biemna Crimson Cushion Star kittiwake variantia myriophyllum Starfish (Luidia Myxilla cf. Southern Cup sarsi) rosacea Coral Plocamiancora Slender Sea arndti Pen Spongionella Yellow Cluster pulchella Anemone Stelletta grubii Imperial Axinella Anemone dissimilis Pink Sea Stryphnus ponderosus Fingers Sea Anemone Tamarisca tamarisca White Cluster Anemone Rathlin Island Fulmar Puffin Razorbill Fan Mussel Coast Peregrine

River Roe & European Atlantic tributaries Otter Salmon Runkerry Fulmar Northern Colletes Scawt Hill Peregrine Sheep Island Herring Gull Cormorant Lesser Black- Stryphnus Black Guillemot Fulmar backed Gull ponderosus Black-legged Guillemot Razorbill kittiwake Straidkilly Red Squirrel Swan Island`` Roseate Tern Common Tern Sandwich Black Headed Tern Gull Tievebulliagh Peregrine The Umbra Northern Colletes Pretty Pinion Wood Tiger White Park Bay Eider House martin Sand martin Northern Colletes Fulmar Oystercatcher Solitary Bee Grasshopper Ringed Plover warbler White Rocks Black Guillemot Fulmar

76

Priority Species, SoCC & Designated Sites Plants & Fungi

Site Priority Species/Species of Conservation Concern Fungi Vascular Plant Moss Liverwort Lichen Algae Antrim Hills Irish Lady’s Tresses Ballymaclary Marsh helleborine Fir Tamarisk-Moss Lesser Tamarisk-Moss Petalwort Prickly Tamarisk-Moss Large Hook- Moss Wrinkled-leaved Feather Moss Amblyodon dealbatus Banagher Glen Anastrophyllum hellerianum Micarea hedlundii Bann Estuary Dwarf spike rush Scots Lovage Spring Vetch Seaside Centuary Binevenagh Big Blue Pinkgill Common Juniper Pendulous Wing Moss Blushing Waxcap Dark Purple Earthtongue Olive Earthtongue Pink Waxcap Breen Wood Micarea hedlundii Carrick-a-rede Scots Lovage Cleggan Valley Zoned Tooth ECOS Irish Lady’s Tresses Feystown Wood Crane’s bill Garron Plateau Marsh Honey Fungus Few flowered Yellow Marsh Narrow-leaved Maërl sedge Saxifrage Marsh-orchid Irish Lady’s Alpine Meadow Tall bog- Tresses Rue sedge Parsley Fern Bog Orchid Serrated Wintergreen Giant’s Heath Pearlwort Causeway & Irish Lady’s Tresses Dunseverick Oysterplant Scots Lovage Glenariff Tall bog-sedge Ragged Notchwort Glenarm Wood Dark leaved Willow Wood Crane’s bill Dumortier’s Liverwort Biatora epixanthoides

Glen Burn Small Cow Wheat Gortnagory Irish Lady’s Tresses Grangemore Shepherd’’s Cress Smooth Cat’s Ear Larne Lough Spiral Tasselweed

77 Lemnalary Great Burnet Lough Foyle Spiral Tasselweed Lough Neagh & Eight-stamened Waterwort Lesser Tamarisk-Moss Wrinkled-leaved Feather Lough Beg Chalk-Hook Moss Moss Lough Beg Irish Lady’s Tresses Pennyroyal Narrow Small-reed Magilligan Big Blue Pinkgill Common Juniper Marsh helleborine Chalk-Hook Moss Wrinkled-leaved Petalwort Grey Waxcap Smooth Cat’s Ear Seaside Centuary Large Hook Moss Feather Moss Spring Vetch Lesser Tamarisk-Moss Magilligan Seaside Centuary Point North Antrim Common Juniper Irish Lady’s Tresses Coast Scots Lovage Rathlin Island Common Juniper Brown Algae: Heath Pealrlwort Desmarestia Oyster Plant duesnayi Scots Lovage Red Algae: Atractophora hypnoides Red Algae: Schmitzia hiscockiana Maërl Rathlin Island Marsh helleborine Ballycarry Rathlin Island Dark Purple Earthtongue Kebble Olive Earthtongue Pink Waxcap Rathlin Island Common Juniper Coast Oysterplant Scots Lovage Runkerry Chaffweed Straidkilly Common Juniper Intermediate Wintergreen Yellow Birds’ Nest The Umbra Marsh helleborine Downy Veilwort

White Park Bay Meadow Crane’s bill Small White Orchid Scottish Scurvy Grass

78

Northern Ireland Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern

* UK Priority Species Priority Species SoCC

SPECIES CONSERVATION VALUE NORTHERN IRELAND STATUS THREATS/REASONS LOCATION(S) FURTHER INFORMATION FOR DECLINE MAMMALS

Irish Hare ƒ ‘Internationally Important’ Irish Red ƒ Genetically distinct sub-species of Mountain ƒ Changes in farming Garron Plateau Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Lepus timidus http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=42516 Data Book Species. Hare Lepus timidus. Endemic to Ireland practices & physical (SAC, ASSI, hibernicus ƒ Listed in Annex V(a) of the EC ƒ Population declined by 25% over last 25 disturbances: farm Ramsar) Northern Ireland Species Action Plan (2000): Habitats Directive years. machinery, high http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/speciesactionplans.pdf

ƒ Limited protection under the Games ƒ Quercus NI Irish Hare Survey 2007: 247 livestock stocking Giant’s All Ireland Species Action Plan: Preservation Act (NI) 1928 hares recorded, estimated population of ƒ Decreased variety of Causeway & http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/allirelandirishharesapnov05.pdf ƒ Protected under Schedule 6 of the 57,100 hares grasses grown on Dunseverick Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 ƒ Quercus NI Irish Hare Survey 2008: 187 farmland (WHS, ASSI, Quercus (2008) Northern Ireland Hare Survey: hares recorded, estimated population of ƒ Loss of daytime refuge NNR) http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/northernirelandharesurvey2008.pdf

40,500 hares sites, particularly high Quercus (2009) Northern Ireland Hare Survey: ƒ Quercus NI Irish Hare Survey 2009: 98 hares quality hedgerows & Lough Neagh & http://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/Quercus/Filestore/Filetoupload,163471,en.pdf recorded, estimated population of 27,400 rushes Lough Beg hares with: ƒ Illegal coursing, over- (SPA, Ramsar) Northern Ireland’s Mammals, Amphibians & Reptiles: http://www.habitas.org.uk/nimars/ - Co. Antrim: 4,500 hares (estimated) hunting - Co. L’derry: 1,100 hares (estimated) ƒ Direct grazing Hare Preservation Trust: http://www.hare-preservation-trust.co.uk/irish.html ƒ These results show a decline in Irish hare competition with sheep numbers but there is no significant change in in upland areas Reid, N. (2006) Conservation Ecology of the Irish Hare (Lepus timidus hibernicus). Thesis. Queen’s University Belfast. the population since 2008. ƒ Habitat fragmentation

European ƒ ‘Internationally Important’ Irish Red ƒ Widespread throughout Northern Ireland in ƒ Poor water quality: Bann Estuary Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Otter* http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=5133 Data Book Species. freshwater & coastal habitats. Indicator of agricultural runoff (e.g. (SAC, ASSI) Lutra lutra ƒ ‘Near Threatened’ on IUCN Red List water quality (presence in relatively fertilisers, slurry), oil Northern Ireland Species Action Plan: 2004 unpolluted waters) spills in coastal areas. Garron Plateau http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/ottersapwebversionapril2008-2.pdf ƒ Protected under Schedule 5 of ƒ Otters were widespread in 1980-81 with Reduces prey (fish, (SAC, ASSI, UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 & the 91.7% of sites surveyed containing signs. crayfish) Ramsar) http://www.ukbap.org.uk/UKPlans.aspx?ID=428 Conservation Regulations (NI) 1995. ƒ Survey in 2004 showed 65% occupancy of ƒ Intensive agricultural Additionally listed on Schedules 6 & NI sites surveyed, indicating a significant practice & grazing Larne Lough Preston et al. (2004) Reassessing Otter Lutra lutra distribution in Northern 7 decline of 9.9% since the first NI Otter pressure (SPA, ASSI, Ireland. Environment and Heritage Service Research Development Series. No. 06/24: http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/otterreportnov2004.pdf ƒ Listed on Annexes II & IV of EC survey in 1980-1981 (Preston et al., 2004). ƒ Habitat loss: removal of Ramsar) Habitats Directive Highest number of signs at Lough Merlin, banskide vegetation, ƒ Listed in Annex II of the Bern County Fermanagh & around Foyle wetland drainage Lough Foyle Convention catchment, County L’derry. Fewest signs ƒ Development along (SPA, ASSI,

along the Antrim coast. waterways & on flood Ramsar) ƒ In the study: Foyle: 74% occurrences, Lough plains – restrict otter Neagh: 65%, North east Antrim Coast & movement River Roe & Glens rivers: 29%, Roe, Faughan & Lough ƒ Accidental death: tributaries Foyle rivers: 65%. drowning in fishing (SAC, ASSI) ƒ Recordings of otter signs occurrence were equipment, road traffic

79 higher in larger rivers & unpolluted sites injuries (68%) compared to polluted sites (57%) (Preston et al., 2004)

Common Seal ƒ Protected under Schedule 5 in the ƒ Declining & scarce with Northern Ireland ƒ Chemical pollution: Ramore Head & Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Phoca vitulina http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=5132 Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 being the Irish stronghold organochlorines may The Skerries ƒ Listed in Annex II & V of the EC ƒ Found around the coast of NI, but most are interfere with seal (ASSI) Northern Ireland’s Mammals, Amphibians & Reptiles: Habitats Directive found on the Co. Down coastline: Strangford reproduction http://www.habitas.org.uk/nimars/ ƒ Listed in Appendix III of the Bern Lough holds the largest population in Ireland ƒ Oil pollution Marlin Life Information Network: Convention ƒ An aerial survey conducted in 2002 found ƒ Disease: Phocine http://www.marlin.ac.uk/speciesinformation.php?speciesID=4097 1248 common seals around the NI coastline: distemper virus only animals on land were counted. ƒ Recorded outside of Great Skerries (2006)

Common ƒ ‘Internationally Important’ in Irish ƒ The most common and widespread bat ƒ Changes in agricultural NI Bat Group Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Pipistrelle http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=40198 Red Data Book (1993). species in Northern Ireland (Russ, 1999). practices that have holds records Pipistrellus ƒ Protected under Schedules 5 & 7 of ƒ In NI there are currently 578 known reduced availability of for this species All-Ireland Species Action Plan Bats (2008): pipistrellus the Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 pipistrelle bat roosts (including common and insect prey http://www.npws.ie/en/media/Media,6343,en.pdf ƒ Protected under Schedule 2 of the soprano pipistrelles, excluding records of ƒ Increased use of Northern Ireland’s Mammals, Amphibians & Reptiles: Conservation (Natural Habitats etc.) solitary bats) and 33 known common timber treatment http://www.habitas.org.uk/nimars/index.htm?page=/nimars/ppipistrellussd.htm Regulations (NI) 1994 (Regulation pipistrelle roosts (excluding records of chemical by 38) solitary bats) (CEDaR unpublished data) householders Northern Ireland Bat Group: http://www.bats-ni.org.uk/ (collates records for this species) ƒ Listed as a species requiring strict ƒ The minimum population in Northern Ireland, ƒ Exclusion from protection in Annex IV of the EC based on roost data (2001) was estimated at domestic roosts Habitats Directive (1992) 236, 284 (both common & soprano ƒ Disturbances & roost ƒ Listed in Appendix III of the Bern pipistrelles) (Northern Ireland Bat Group, loss due to building Convention (1979). unpublished data). renovations and roof ƒ Removed from UK Priority Species list repairs (2007) as population is stable

Red Squirrel* ƒ ‘Near Threatened’ on the IUCN Red ƒ Estimated 40,000 red squirrels in all of ƒ Grey squirrels: Banagher Glen Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Sciurus http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=5108 List 2004. Ireland (Lawton & Hamilton pers comm.) - Expanding their range (SAC, ASSI, vulgaris ƒ Protected under Schedule 5 & 6 of ƒ Since publication in 2000 of Red Squirrel and replacing red NNR) All Ireland Species Action Plan: Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris (2008): the Wildlife (NI) Order 1985. Species Action Plan for Northern Ireland, red squirrels http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/all- ƒ Listed in Annex III of the Bern squirrels have continued to decline (O’Neill & - Parapox virus: greys Breen Wood ireland_red_squirrel_sap_web_version_may_08~changed~final__2_.pdf

Convention. Montgomery, 2003) can tolerate and (SAC, ASSI, UK Strategy for Red Squirrel Conservation Action Plan for Northern Ireland: ƒ Five Red Squirrel Preferred Areas ƒ In NI the grey squirrel is now more transmit it; fatal to reds NNR) http://www.ni- (RSPAs) were identified in Red widespread than the red squirrel (Huxley, (no recorded deaths by environment.gov.uk/pubs/publications/UK_Stgy_Red_Squirrel_Conservati.pdf Squirrel Action Plan for Northern 2003). Grey squirrels have replaced red this in NI) Glenariff Glen O’Neill & Montgomery (2003) Recent changes in the distribution of red Ireland (McGlue & Milburne, 2000) squirrels in woods in all six counties. ƒ Physical disturbance: (ASSI, NNR) squirrels in Northern Ireland. Queen’s University Belfast: ƒ Areas where red squirrels were the majority recreational activities http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/pubs/publications/report.pdf (72.22%) were dominated by coniferous e.g off-road cycling, Glenarm Wood woodland, 11.11% contained mixture of rallying (ASSI) The Glens Red Squirrel Group: http://www.glensredsquirrelgroup.com/index.html coniferous & deciduous woodland & 16.67% ƒ Restoration of native were dominated by broadleaved woodland woodland on sites with Glenoe Carey et al. (2007) The Irish Red Squirrel Survey. COFORD, Dublin (O’Neill & Montgomery, 2003) conifer plantations Ashwood (NT) ƒ Red squirrels recorded in Glenarm, Forest Service: Straidkilly Wood http://www.forestserviceni.gov.uk/index/environment/wildlife/red-squirrels.htm Straidkilly, Glenariff (EHS, 1995),

80 Slievanorra Forest, Breen Oakwood & (ASSI, NNR, UK Red Squirrel Group: Banagher Glen (EHS, 1986). UWT) http://www.snh.org.uk/ukredsquirrelgroup/default.asp

ƒ The Glens Red Squirrel Group was formed Teangana, D.Ó et al. (2000) Distribution and status of the Red Squirrel in 2008, with the aim to ‘monitor & report (Sciurus vulgaris) and Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) in Ireland. activities of the Red Squirrel in the Glens of Mammal Review 30 (1): 45-56 Antrim’. FISH

Allis Shad* ƒ ‘Vulnerable’ in the Irish Red Data ƒ Current status in Northern Ireland remains ƒ Vulnerable to river & Lough Foyle Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=5004 Alosa alosa Book unknown estuarine pollution (SPA, ASSI, ƒ Protected under Schedule 5 of the ƒ Has declined in other parts of Western because it spawns in Ramsar) UK Species Action Plan Allis Shad (1995): Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 Europe, therefore it is likely to have declined lower reaches of river http://www.ukbap.org.uk/UKPlans.aspx?ID=84 ƒ Listed in Appendix II of the Bern in NI ƒ Dredging can destroy Marine Life Information Network: Convention ƒ Recorded from Lough Foyle & off Co. Down spawning areas http://www.marlin.ac.uk/speciesinformation.php?speciesID=2465 ƒ Listed in V of the EC Habitats coast but there are no recent validated ƒ Barrages & other Directive records obstacles can prevent ƒ Urgent investigation is required to determine adult fish ascending to its status & distribution in NI spawn

Twaite ƒ ‘Vulnerable’ in the Irish Red Data ƒ Twaite shad are reported sporadically in ƒ River & estuarine Lough Foyle Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=42767 Shad* Book Northern Ireland rivers but little is known pollution (SPA, ASSI, Alosa fallax ƒ Listed in Annex III of the Bern about their status. ƒ River dredging: can Ramsar) UK Species Action Plan Twaite Shad (1995): Convention ƒ Twaite Shad has declined in other parts of destroy spawning areas http://www.ukbap.org.uk/UKPlans.aspx?ID=85 ƒ Listed in Annexes II & V of the EC Western Europe, therefore it is likely that it ƒ Barrages/obstacles: Habitats Directive has declined in NI but this requires further can prevent adults investigation ascending to spawn ƒ Detailed studies on its distribution, population size & status are required.

European ƒ ‘Vulnerable’ in the Irish Red Data ƒ European Smelt are rare ƒ River & estuarine Larne Lough Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=5015 Smelt Book ƒ Smelt have been recorded from Larne, Foyle pollution (SPA, ASSI, Osmerus & Belfast Loughs ƒ River dredging Ramsar) Quigley, D.T.G. et al. (2004). The European Smelt Osmerus eperlanus L. in eperlanus ƒ Have declined in parts of Europe, therefore it ƒ Collection for fish bait Ireland: General Biology, Ecology, Distribution and Status with Conservation is likely that it has declined in Northern (threat elsewhere but Lough Foyle Recommendations. http://www.ria.ie/cgi-bin/ria/papers/100386.pdf Ireland unknown if occurs in (SPA, ASSI, ƒ Detailed studies on its distribution, NI) Ramsar) population size & status are required.

Atlantic Salmon ƒ Listed in Annexes IIa & Va of the ƒ In NI, Atlantic Salmon is found in large, non- ƒ Freshwater pollution Lough Foyle Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=5006 Salmo salar EC Habitat & Species Directive polluted river systems without barriers to ƒ Habitat degradation: (SPA, ASSI, ƒ Listed in Appendix III of the Bern upstream migration from the sea. siltation from drainage Ramsar) Farmed Atlantic Salmon: Convention ƒ Largest populations are present in the & over-grazing http://www.habitas.org.uk/invasive/species.asp?item=5006 Melvin, Foyle & Bann rivers, with smaller ƒ Over-fishing River Roe & Gyrodactylus salaris: populations in the Glens of Antrim & Mourne ƒ Supplement stocking tributaries http://www.habitas.org.uk/invasive/species.asp?Item=50006 rivers with non-native salmon (SAC, ASSI) ƒ Uses the estuary of Lough Foyle as a ƒ Introduction of Atlantic Salmon & Trout Populations & Fisheries. River Roe & Tributaries migratory route to & from breeding grounds diseases & parasites Catchment Status Report 2007: http://www.loughs-

81 (e.g. sea lice) through agency.org/archive/conservation/Publications/River%20Roe%20Catchment stocking, interbreeding %20Status%20Report%202007.pdf

with escaped farm Loughs Agency: http://www.loughs- salmon. Potential agency.org/conservation/content.asp?catid=267 introduction of parasite: Gyrodactylus salaris is Atlantic Salmon Trust: http://www.atlanticsalmontrust.org/

of major concern. JNCC Atlantic Salmon: ƒ Creation of barriers to http://www.jncc.gov.uk/ProtectedSites/SACselection/species.asp?FeatureInt upstream migration Code=S1106 (e.g. hydroelectric plants) BIRDS

Skylark* ƒ UK Red-listed Species due to its ƒ Northern Ireland population is estimated at ƒ Switch from hay to Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Alauda arvensis http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=59 historical decline 85,000 breeding pairs (Baker et al., 2006; NI silage: cuts throughout Bann Estuary ƒ Ireland Amber-listed Species due to Species Action Plan, 2006). The population breeding season destroy (SAC, ASSI) Northern Ireland Species Action Plan Skylark (2006): its moderate decline & SPEC 3 has declined by 7% since 1994 (Ballie et al., nests http://www.ni- status 2004; NI Species Action Plan, 2006) ƒ Intensification of Garron Plateau environment.gov.uk/pubs/publications/SkylarkNIActionPlanWebVersionApril0 6.pdf ƒ Protected under the Wildlife (NI) ƒ All-Irish population is estimated between grassland management: (SAC, ASSI, Order 1985 250,000 & 500,000 pairs (Burfield and van increased fertiliser use Ramsar) UK Species Action Plan Skylark (1995): ƒ Listed in Annex II/2 of the EC Birds Bommel, 2004; NI Species Action Plan, 2006) ƒ Loss of mixed farming: http://www.ukbap.org.uk/UKPlans.aspx?ID=80

Directive ƒ The Breeding Birds Survey (2008) reported a skylark prefer a mosaic RSPB Skylark: ƒ Listed in Appendix III of the Berne significant decline by 29% in NI between of field types http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/s/skylark/index.asp Convention 1995 & 2007. In the UK there was a ƒ Uniform, quickly growing ƒ SPEC 3 species significant decline of 11% between 1995 & swards unsuitable for BBS report (2008): http://www.bto.org/bbs/results/BBSreport08.pdf 2007 nesting & foraging ƒ Reduced amount of winter stubble fields ƒ Reduction of summer & chick food supply due to pesticides ƒ Intensification of marginal upland areas reduces habitat quality ƒ Inappropriate moorland management

Light-bellied ƒ Listed under Annex II of the EC ƒ The Irish population is estimated at 15,000 to ƒ Vulnerable as a large Larne Lough Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Brent Goose* http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=40798 Birds Directive 22,000 birds. At least 75% of the population percentage of (SPA, ASSI) Branta bernicla ƒ Protected under Article 4 of the occurs in Northern Ireland in autumn months, population uses one Northern Ireland Species Action Plan Light-bellied Brent Goose (2005): hrota Wildlife (NI) Order 1985. mainly in Strangford Lough. site (Strangford Lough) Lough Foyle http://www.ni-

ƒ SPEC 3 species ƒ The population in Ireland reached a peak in for a large part of the (SPA, Ramsar) environment.gov.uk/brentgoosesapmbwebversionapril05changed.pdf

2004 at > 32, 000, with 26,250 in Strangford winter JNCC Canadian Light-bellied Brent Goose: Lough and 1,600 in Lough Foyle (preliminary ƒ Habitat loss & http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/UKSPA/UKSPA-A6-25.pdf figures by Irish Brent Goose Research Group, fragmentation 2004; Northern Ireland Species Action Plan, ƒ Human disturbance Bird Watch Ireland Light-Bellied Brent Goose: http://www.birdwatchireland.ie/Default.aspx?tabid=157 2005). The species has undergone population ƒ Climate change fluctuations in the past, falling as low as 6,000 ƒ Agricultural conflict: this RSPB Light-bellied Brent Goose: birds in the mid-twentieth century species use agricultural http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/b/brentgoose/index.asp

82 ƒ Six sites in NI are of international importance land for feeding Robinson & Hughes (2006) International Single Species Action Plan for the for this species: Strangford Lough, Lough ƒ Vulnerable to changes Conservation of the Light-bellied Brent Goose (East Canadian High Arctic population): Foyle, Carlingford Lough, Killough Harbour, in availability of http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/cultureheritage/conventions/Bern/T- Larne Lough & Outer Ards (NI Species Action intertidal Zostera spp. PVS/sc26_inf12_en.pdf Plan, 2005)

Linnet* ƒ UK Red-listed Species ƒ Based on the Common Bird Census, ƒ Agricultural Bann Estuary Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Carduelis http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=117 ƒ Ireland Amber-listed Species numbers declined by 56% on farmland intensification (SAC, ASSI) cannabina ƒ Protected under the Wildlife (NI) between 1968 & 1991. This decline was ƒ Increased use of UK Species Action Plan (1998): Order 1985 & EC Birds Directive most marked in Northern Ireland. herbicides & fertilisers Lough Neagh & http://www.ukbap.org.uk/UKPlans.aspx?ID=188 ƒ Listed on Appendix II of the Bern ƒ The Breeding Birds Survey (2008) indicated has lead to a decline of Lough Beg RSPB Linnet BAP Report (2007): Convention 14% increase between 2007 & 2008 & 57% wildflower seeds (SPA, Ramsar) http://www.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/biodiversity/keyspecies/birds/lin ƒ SPEC 2 species increase between 1995 & 2007 in NI. ƒ Hedge, scrub and net.asp

thicket removal & overgrazing has reduced RSPB Linnet: http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/l/linnet/

suitable nesting areas BTO Linnet: http://www.bto.org/birdtrends2008/wcrlinne.shtml

BBS report (2008): http://www.bto.org/bbs/results/BBSreport08.pdf

Twite ƒ UK Red-listed Species ƒ Rare & declining breeding species in ƒ Changes to feeding Carrick-a-rede Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Carduelis http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=508 ƒ Ireland Red-listed Species Northern Ireland areas may reduce (ASSI) flavirostris ƒ ‘Indeterminate’ in the Irish Red ƒ Survey in 1999 estimated the population in successful 2nd broods Northern Ireland Species Action Plan Twite (2006): http://www.ni- Data Book NI was approximately 10 pairs, concentrated ƒ Herbicides & modern Lough Foyle environment.gov.uk/pubs/publications/TwiteNIActionPlanWebVersionApril06.pdf ƒ Protected under Wildlife (NI) Order on the north coast (e.g. Carrick-a-rede, cultivation reduces (SPA, ASSI, RSPB Twite: http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/t/twite/index.asp 1985. Ballintoy, Rathlin Island). In 2004 birds were weeds required by Ramsar) ƒ Listed in Appendix III of the Berne still present at some of these sites chicks Convention. ƒ Wintering flocks concentrated around Belfast ƒ Loss of small, mixed Rathlin Island

Lough & Lough Foyle, with small numbers fields & arable crops, (SAC, SPA) along the rest of the NI coastline. may have contributed to ƒ Further studies on twite are required to greater winter dispersal assess its distribution & status in Northern from breeding grounds Ireland. ƒ Loss of moorland edge habitat of heather reduce nesting sites & expose to predators ƒ Bracken removal leads to loss of nesting sites. Burning bracken removes bracken litter used for nest building ƒ Overgrazing disturbs breeding habitats/ destructs nesting sites ƒ Conversion of fields to silage production & earlier grass harvesting provides less food

Hen Harrier* ƒ UK Red-listed Species ƒ In a UK-wide Hen Harrier study (1998) the ƒ Overgrazing of uplands Antrim Hills Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Circus cyaneus http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=286

83 ƒ Moved from the Irish ‘Red List’ to Northern Ireland population was estimated at reduces feeding (SPA) the ‘Amber List’ as a result of 38 pairs. A repeat survey (2004) indicated opportunities & nesting Northern Ireland Species Action Plan Hen Harrier (2005): http://www.ni- environment.gov.uk/henharriersapmbwebversionapril05changed-2.pdf positive conservation actions that the population has increased, with a cover Garron Plateau (2008) preliminary estimate of 57 pairs (RSPB pers. ƒ Habitat loss due to (SAC, ASSI, Northern Ireland Raptor Study Group: ƒ ‘Endangered’ in the Irish Red Data comm, NI Species Action Plan, 2005). agricultural reclamation Ramsar) http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/h/henharrier/index.asp Book. ƒ The increase in NI population is likely due to ƒ Persecution The Golden Eagle Hen Harrier: http://www.goldeneagle.ie/portal.php?z=150 ƒ Protected under Schedule 1 of the increased commercial forestry which provides ƒ Disturbance from Wildlife (NI) Order 1985. nesting cover & more feeding opportunities in forestry operations Wilson et al. The distribution of Hen Harriers in Ireland in relation to land use ƒ Listed in Annex I of the EC Birds their early stages (NI Species Action Plan, ƒ Wind farm development cover, particularly forest cover: Directive 2005). ƒ Forestry http://www.coford.ie/iopen24/pub/COFORD-Connects/HenHarrier.pdf

ƒ Listed in Appendix II of the Berne RSPB Hen Harrier: Convention http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/h/henharrier/index.asp ƒ SPEC 3 species BTO Hen Harrier: http://www.bto.org/birdtrends2008/wcrhenha.shtml

Wildlife Extra: http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/irish-birds.html#cr (move from Red to Amber-listed Species)

Corncrake* ƒ UK Red-listed Species ƒ Very rare summer visitor to Northern Ireland ƒ Vulnerable to Lough Foyle Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Crex Crex http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=23 ƒ Ireland Red-listed Species & extinct as a regular breeder. mammalian predators (SPA, ASSI, ƒ ‘Endangered’ in the Irish Red Data ƒ Once a widespread summer migrant in (e.g. rates, minks, Ramsar) All Ireland Species Action Plan Corncrake: http://www.ni- Book Ireland but have declined in numbers & stoats, cats) environment.gov.uk/pubs/publications/AllIrelandCorncrakeSAPNov05.pdf ƒ Listed on Annex I of the EC Birds range, starting in the early 20th century. This ƒ Cutting of intenstively Lough Neagh & UK Species Action Plan Corncrake(1995): Directive was mainly due to the switch from hay to managed grassland for Lough Beg http://www.ukbap.org.uk/UKPlans.aspx?ID=244 ƒ Listed on Appendix II of the Bern early cut silage. silage, which is often cut (SPA, Ramsar) Convention. ƒ 70 birds recorded in 1988 National Survey too early in the season RSPB Corncrake: ƒ Protected under Schedule 1 of the ƒ Numbers of calling males in NI have been to enable successful Rathlin Island http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/c/corncrake/index.asp

Wildlife (NI) Order 1985. sporadic since 9 males were counted in 1993. breeding (SAC, SPA) JNCC Corncrake: http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/UKSPA-A6-54.pdf ƒ Only breeding bird in Ireland which Six chicks on Rathlin Island in 1996 is listed on the 2005 IUCN Red List ƒ Singing males have been confirmed on RSPB Rathlin Island Land Purchase: of Threatened Species (BirdLife Rathlin Island in 1997, 1998 & 2004, with http://www.rspb.org.uk/news/details.asp?id=tcm:9-220573

International, 2005) due to breeding confirmed in 1997 & 2000 (RSPB, National Survey carried out in 2009; results not yet available. population & range decline of unpublished; JNCC). >50% across significant parts of its ƒ In 2007 two records of confirmed breeding in range NI: one near Cushendall in Antrim Glens & one in Co. Armagh. Also 9 -10 calling males recorded throughout province ƒ In 2008 there was one probable breeding pair (not confirmed) at same site as 2007 near Cushendall & possible breeding pairs at Maguiresbridge & Bellanaleck ƒ In July 2009, 52 ha of Rathlin Island were purchased by the RSPB with financial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, NIEA & RSPB members, to encourage birds such as chough, lapwing & corncrake to nest.

Yellow ƒ UK Red-listed Species ƒ In 1997 there was an estimated 11,379 ƒ Factors causing Lough Neagh & Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: hammer* http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=122 ƒ Ireland Red-listed as there has breeding pairs in Northern Ireland. This declines are not fully Lough Beg Emberiza been a decline of >50% in the last indicates a 65% decline in numbers since understood (SPA, Ramsar) Northern Ireland Species Action Plain Yellowhammer (2005): citrinella

84 25 years 1991 (Donaghy, 1998; NI Species Action ƒ Loss of winter food due http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/pubs/publications/yellowhammer_pdf.pdf ƒ Protected under Article 4 of the Plan, 2005). to decline in cereal RSPB Yellowhammer: Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 ƒ In 2005 the estimated population in NI was crops, mixed agriculture http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/y/yellowhammer/index.asp 5,000 pairs (RSPB, pers.comm.) & switch to autumn ƒ Limited survey work suggests that the sowing of cereals, BTO Yellowhammer: http://www.bto.org/birdtrends2008/wcryelha.shtml population is at a low level, with a patchy reducing amount of BBS report (2008): http://www.bto.org/bbs/results/BBSreport08.pdf distribution & declining for reasons not fully stubble grain understood (NI Species Action Plan, 2005). ƒ Loss of summer food ƒ The Breeding Bird Survey (2008) indicates a due to agricultural decline of 5% between 2007 & 2008 & a intensification. This has significant decline of 15% between 1995 & lead to loss of foraging 2007 in the UK. habitat & food by increased use of pesticides, herbicides, fertilisers & slurry. ƒ Habitat fragmentation due to inappropriate hedgerow management & removal of scrub ƒ Increased numbers of predators (e.g. raptors, corvids, domestic cats)

Reed Bunting* ƒ UK Amber-listed Species ƒ The Breeding Bird Survey (2008) reports an ƒ Loss of wetland habitats Bann Estuary Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Emberiza http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=125 ƒ Protected under the Wildlife (NI) increase of 5% between 2007 & 2008 & an following land drainage (SAC, ASSI) schoeniclus Order 1985 11% increase between 1995 & 2007 in schemes in 1970s & UK Species Action Plan (1998): ƒ Listed on Appendix II of the Bern Northern Ireland. 1980s. Lough Foyle http://www.ukbap.org.uk/UKPlans.aspx?ID=279 Convention. ƒ Recorded at Magilligan ASSI (EHS, 1994) ƒ Reclamation & loss of (SPA, ASSI, RSPB Reed Bunting: http://www.bto.org/birdtrends2008/wcrreebu.shtml marginal wetland Ramsar) habitat such as inter- BTO Reed Bunting: http://www.bto.org/birdtrends2008/wcrreebu.shtml drumlin hollows & damp grasslands BBS report (2008): http://www.bto.org/bbs/results/BBSreport08.pdf ƒ Loss of mixed farming & intensive management of cereals

Red Grouse* ƒ Listed as a UK Priority Species ƒ The population in Northern Ireland is ƒ Loss & fragmentation of Garron Plateau Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Lagapus http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=17 (following UK review; Biodiversity estimated at 202-221 pairs with densities of upland heathland & (SAC, ASSI, lagapus scotica Reporting & Information Group, between 1 & 3 pairs per square km & blanket bog due to Ramsar) Northern Ireland Species Action Plan Red Grouse (2008): 2007) sometimes lower (Allen et al., 2004). overgrazing, peat http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/redgrousesapmbwebversionapril2008- ƒ UK Amber-listed Species ƒ In the 2004 survey there was a minimum of extraction, agricultural Carn/Glenshane 3.pdf

ƒ Ireland Red-listed Species 72 pairs & a maximum of 84 pairs in Co. improvement & Pass RSPB Red Grouse: ƒ Listed in Annex II/1 of the EC Birds Antrim. In Co. L’derry there was a minimum of afforestation (SAC, ASSI) http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/r/redgrouse/ Directive (under Article 7) as a 60 pairs & a maximum of 63 pairs. ƒ Overgrazing in upland species which may be hunted within ƒ Red Grouse are extinct in Co. Armagh but are areas has reduced BTO Red Grouse: http://www.bto.org/birdtrends2004/wcrredgr.htm

EU territory & Annex III/1 (under found in all other NI counties vegetation (e.g heather Allen et al. (2004) The Status of Red Grouse in Northern Ireland: Article 6) which permits them to be ƒ Highest densities are found around the Glens & bilberry) which http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/red_grouse_survey_04.pdf sold, provided they have been of Antrim & Glenshane Pass, Co. L’derry provide food & shelter

85 legally killed or taken. ƒ Continued shooting of ƒ Protected under the Game small, isolated Preservation Act (NI) 1928, which populations provides a close season of 1 ƒ Disease: louping ill & December to 11 August (Section 7) Trichostrongylus tenuis & protects nests & eggs (Section B). ƒ Loss of heather due to heather beetle damage ƒ Unregulated summer burning or cessation of burning has resulted in deterioration in habitat quality

Herring Gull ƒ UK & Ireland Red-listed Species ƒ Abundant species in Northern Ireland around ƒ Culling Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Larus http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=42527 ƒ Protected under Wildlife (NI) Order coasts. ƒ Reduced food (SAC, SPA) argentatus 1985 ƒ Mitchell et al. (2004) recorded 714 pairs in NI availability through RSPB Herring Gull: argenteus ƒ Following population increase between 1950s better waste Ramore Head & http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/h/herringgull/

& 1970s, there has been a period of rapid management The Skerries JNCC Seabird 2000: decline. ƒ Disease (e.g. (ASSI) http://www.jncc.gov.uk/PDF/S2000_14_heg_tabs_and_figs_web.pdf ƒ Seabird 2000 (1998-2002) census reported salmonella, botulism) 722 pairs in NI, of which 101 were in Co. ƒ Competition with less Sheep Island JNCC Herring Gull: http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/UKSPA/UKSPA-A6-85.pdf Antrim. This shows a severe decline of 98% black-backed gulls at (SPA, ASSI) UK Seabirds in 2008: since the previous survey (1985-1988). some breeding sites http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/pub09_ukseabirdsin2008a.pdf During this period the colony on Rathlin ƒ Improved use of Island declined from 4037 to 14. commercial fish Mitchell et al., (2004) Seabird Populations of Britain and Ireland: ƒ UK Seabirds (2008) estimated the population catches http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/Complete_seabird_pops_exec_summary.pdf

at 130,000 breeding birds (1998-2002). There was a decline of 42% between 1986 & 2008. ƒ Found in the following sites (counts in parentheses): - Ballintoy 2000 (5) - The Maidens 2000 (3) - Dunseverick 2000 (2) - Rathlin Island Sound 6 (2) - Rue West, Rathlin Island 1999 (5) - Kinramer North, Rathlin Island 1999 (9) - Little Skerries 2000 (31) - Large Skerries 2000 (9) - Winkle Island (Skerries) 2000 (3) - Black Rock (Skerries) 2000 (4) - Sheep Island 2000 (2)

Black-tailed ƒ UK Red-listed Species due to ƒ The Management Plan for the Black-Tailed ƒ Vulnerable to Bann Estuary Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Godwit http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=145 historical declines in UK breeding Godwit (2007-09) reports that over the last disturbance & habitat (SAC, ASSI) Limosa limosa population decade numbers have been increasing in the loss Management Plan for Black-Tailed Godwit (2007-09) : ƒ Ireland Amber-listed Species as it is UK & Ireland (Bird Life International, 2004) Lough Foyle http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/wildbirds/hunting/docs/b a rare breeding bird, internationally ƒ In 1999 there were an estimated 10,454 (SPA, ASSI, lack_tailed_godwit.pdf

important wintering/passage wintering birds in Ireland (Colhoun, 2001) & Ramsar) Boland et al., (2008) Irish Wetlannd Bird Survey: Results of waterbird population & localised wintering 11,577 in the UK. (Gunnarsson et al., 2005) monitoring in Ireland in 2006/07:

86 population (>50% concentrated in ƒ Belfast Lough supports internationally Lough Beg http://www.birdwatchireland.ie/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=lblqbv468Ac=&tabid=281 10 or less sites) important numbers (ASSI) RSPB Black-Tailed Godwit: ƒ Lough Foyle supports significant numbers http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/b/blacktailedgodwit/index.asp (Irish Wetland Bird Survey 2006/07)

Common ƒ UK Red-listed Species ƒ Northern Ireland formerly held the majority of ƒ Deterioration in water Bann Estuary Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Scoter* http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=196 ƒ Ireland Red-listed Species the UK & Irish breeding population at Lough quality (SAC, ASSI) Melanitta nigra ƒ Protected under Schedule 1 of the Erne, Co. Fermanagh. In NI, 150 pairs in ƒ Increased competition UK Species Action Plan Common Scoter (1998): Wildlife (NI) Order 1985. 1967 declined to zero in the early 1990s. for food by introduction Lough Foyle http://www.ukbap.org.uk/UKPlans.aspx?ID=444 ƒ Protected as a migratory species ƒ Now extinct as a breeding species in NI but a of roach (SPA, ASSI, RSPB Common Scoter: under the EC Birds Directive wintering population is still supported. ƒ Waste disposal & oil Ramsar) http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/c/commonscoter/ ƒ Listed on Appendix III of the Bern spills Convention Lough Neagh & JNCC Common Scoter Breeding: Lough Beg http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/UKSPA/UKSPA-A6-39A.pdf (SPA, Ramsar)

Magilligan (SAC, ASSI)

Spotted ƒ UK Red-listed Species ƒ Glens of Antrim are considered a stronghold ƒ Loss of nest sites/ Glenarm Wood Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Flycatcher* (ASSI) http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=102 ƒ Ireland Amber-listed Species in Northern Ireland reduced food Muscicapa ƒ ‘Endangered’ in the Irish Red Data ƒ The Breeding Birds Survey (2008) recorded availability RSPB Spotted Flycatcher: striata Book a significant decline of 38% in numbers of http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/s/spottedflycatcher/

ƒ Protected under the Wildlife (NI) the Spotted Flycatcher in the UK from 1995- BBS report (2008): http://www.bto.org/bbs/results/BBSreport08.pdf Order 1985 & EC Birds Directive 2007 but a significant increase of 40% from 2007-2008.

Curlew ƒ UK Amber-listed species ƒ Irish population is estimated at 2,500 to ƒ Loss of wetland habitat Antrim Hills Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Numenius http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=32 ƒ All Ireland Red-listed species. 10,000 pairs, with 1,750 pairs in Northern by agricultural (SPA) arquata ƒ Listed as a ‘species that requires Ireland (2000). intensification, including EHS (2000). Northern Ireland Species Action Plan Curlew: monitoring’ in the Irish Red Data ƒ A survey (1999) indicated a decline of 58% drainage of wetland Bann Estuary http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/pubs/publications/Speciesactionplans.pdf Book from the 1988 population to 2,091 pairs (NI areas & livestock (SAC, ASSI) Boland et al., (2008) Irish Wetland Bird Survey: Results of water bird ƒ SPEC 3 Species Action Plan, 2005) overstocking monitoring in Ireland in 2006/07: ƒ Protected under Article 4.2 of the ƒ The Wetland Bird Survey (Waters et al., ƒ Agricultural change: Garron Plateau http://www.birdwatchireland.ie/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=lblqbv468Ac=&tabid=281 EC Birds Directive 1998) indicates that a relatively stable wide scape drainage & (SAC, ASSI, ƒ Listed in Appendix II of the Berne population of >6,500 winters in NI. heavy grazing Ramsar) RSPB Curlew: http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/c/curlew/index.asp Convention as a quarry species ƒ Most important wintering sites are Lough ƒ Increased vulnerability ƒ Protected under Article 4 of the Foyle & Strangford Lough. to predation Lough Foyle BTO Curlew: http://www.bto.org/birdtrends2008/wcrcurle.shtml Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 (SPA, ASSI, Ramsar)

Lough Neagh & Lough Beg (SPA, Ramsar)

87

Tree Sparrow* ƒ UK Red-listed Species ƒ Northern Ireland is a stronghold for the UK & ƒ Specialisation of Bann Estuary Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Passer http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=127 ƒ Ireland Amber-listed Species Ireland farming: intensive use of (SAC, ASSI) montanus ƒ ‘Indeterminate’ in the Irish Red ƒ Well known for its fluctuation in numbers herbicides & pesticides. Northern Ireland Species Action Plan Tree Sparrow (2008): Data Book. ƒ Went extinct in Ireland in the 1950s but They reduce summer Lough Foyle http://www.ni- ƒ Protected under the Wildlife (NI) recovered quickly (Gibbons et al., 1993; NI invertebrate food & (SPA, ASSI, environment.gov.uk/treesparrownisapmbwebversionapril2008.pdf

Order 1985. Species Action Plan, 2008) winter seed food. Ramsar) UK Species Action Plan Tree Sparrow (1998): ƒ Listed in Annex III of the Berne ƒ NI population is estimated at 5,000 breeding ƒ Intensification of http://www.ukbap.org.uk/UKPlans.aspx?ID=503 Convention. pairs grassland: loss of Lough Neagh & ƒ SPEC 3 due to declines across ƒ A survey on tree sparrows (RSPB, 2008) species-rich grasslands, Lough Beg QPA Lough Neagh Wetlands Tree Sparrow Project: http://www.qpani.org/Project3.htm north-western Europe. estimated 20 birds per square km in the with intensive pasture & (SPA, Ramsar) Lough Beg area, giving an estimate of 225 silage providing less RSPB Tree Sparrow: birds. seeds & invertebrates Magilligan http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/t/treesparrow/ ƒ Recorded in Magilligan ASSI (1994) ƒ Drainage of (SAC, ASSI) BTO Tree Sparrow: http://www.bto.org/birdtrends2008/wcrtresp.shtml ƒ The Lough Neagh Tree Sparrow Project invertebrate- rich wet began in September 2006 for two years to areas, ponds & open increase the survival of wintering & breeding ditches tree sparrows by providing winter feeding ƒ Hedgerow removal stations & nest boxes. reduces feeding opportunities ƒ Lack of traditional nest sites such as holes in mature trees & buildings ƒ Removal of non- cropped areas (e.g. rough grass, uncropped field margins), leading to a reduction in prey

Chough ƒ UK & Ireland Amber-listed Species ƒ Small population in Northern Ireland ƒ Changes in land Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Pyrrhocorax http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=499 ƒ ‘Internationally important’ in the restricted to a small area of the north coast management: (SAC, SPA) pyrrhocorax Irish Red Data Book of Co. Antrim. - Intensification of Northern Ireland Species Action Plan Chough (2000): ƒ Protected under Schedule 1 of the ƒ In the 1960s there were 20-22 breeding grassland management http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/pubs/publications/Speciesactionplans.pdf Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 pairs (10 -12 of which were on Rathlin up to the cliff edge RSPB Chough: Island) - Removal of grazing http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/c/chough/index.asp ƒ In 1982 there were 9 or 10 breeding pairs from grassy cliff slopes

observed. By 1992 there were only 2 has reduced food RSPB Case Study - Chough: breeding pairs, confined to the mainland sources http://www.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/species/casestudies/chough.asp

North Antrim Coast. - Pesticide use Chough Bird Guide: ƒ In 1998 2 adult non-breeding pairs were - Loss of stubble fields http://www.birdguides.com/articles/230-2020-04-05Chough.pdf observed at Fair Head. In 1999 only one was ƒ Illegal shooting due to observed & remained for nearly 2 years mis-identification Queen’s University (2004). Monitoring of the Chough Option in the Antrim Coast, Glen s and Rathlin Environmentally Sensitive Area 1998-2002: without a mate. http://www.dardni.gov.uk/chough_option_monitoring_report.pdf ƒ No choughs were sighted at Fair Head from 2000-4 (QUB, 2004). Last remaining pair RSPB Rathlin Island Land Purchase: fledged three young in 2004 at a traditional http://www.rspb.org.uk/news/details.asp?id=tcm:9-220573

nest site at Giant’s Causeway ƒ No breeding in 2005 or 2006

88 ƒ Rathlin Island is stronghold for Chough, with NI’s only breeding pair. ƒ In June 2007 one pair fledged three chicks fledged after a 19 year gap ƒ In June 2008, one pair fledged four chicks ƒ In 2009, one pair fledged three chicks (probably the same pair on each occasion) ƒ One pair remans in NI & successful breeding has occurred in the last 3 years on Rathlin Island. Survival & fate of chicks remains uncertain ƒ In July 2009 fifty-two hectares of Rathlin Island were purchased by the RSPB with financial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, NIEA and RSPB members, to encourage birds such as chough, lapwing & corncrake to nest.

Common ƒ UK Amber-listed Species ƒ The Breeding Birds Survey (2008) recorded ƒ Intensification of Glenarm Wood Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Bullfinch* (ASSI) http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=119 ƒ Ireland Green-listed Species a significant decline (11%) in numbers in the farming: removal of Pyrrhula ƒ Protected under Wildlife (NI) Order UK between 1995 & 2007 but a small farmland trees & UK Species Action Plan Bullfinch: pyrrhula 1985 & EC Birds Directive increase of 2% between 2007 & 2008. hedgerows http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/s/starling/nesting.asp

ƒ Recorded in Banagher Glen in 1985 ƒ Loss of nesting habitat RSPB Bullfinch: & food sources http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/b/bullfinch/index.asp

BTO Bullfinch: http://www.bto.org/birdtrends2004/wcrbullf.htm

BBS report (2008): http://www.bto.org/bbs/results/BBSreport08.pdf

Roseate Tern* ƒ UK Red-listed Species ƒ Occurs in Northern Ireland in May to August, ƒ Disturbances by Bann Estuary Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Sterna dougallii http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=364 ƒ Moved from Irish ‘Red List’ to wintering off the coast of western Africa. humans such as (SAC, ASSI) ‘Amber List’ as a result of positive ƒ Four nests were found during Seabird 2000 in unauthorised boat- Northern Ireland Species Action Plan Roseate Tern (2005): conservation actions (2008) Larne Lough (Mitchell et al., 2004), which is landings Larne Lough http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/pubs/publications/roseatetern_pdf.pdf ƒ Protected under Schedule 1 of the the only breeding site in Northern Ireland. ƒ Eggs vulnerable to (SPA, ASSI, UK Species Action Plan Roseate Tern (1998): Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 Numbers at Larne Lough fluctuate with 8 predation by gulls or Ramsar) http://www.ukbap.org.uk/UKPlans.aspx?ID=587 ƒ Listed in Annex I of the EC Birds nests found in 2004 mammals (e.g. brown Directive ƒ Many of the birds have moved to Rockabill in rat and mink) Swan Island JNCC Roseate Tern: ƒ Listed in Appendix II of the Bern Dublin. Productivity at Larne Lough is poor (SPA, NNR) http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/UKSPA/UKSPA-A6-89.pdf

Convention compared to Rockabill (<0.5 chicks per pair RSPB Roseate Tern: ƒ ‘Endangered’ in All-Ireland versus 1.5 chicks per pair) & the rest of the http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/r/roseatetern/ Vertebrate Red Data Book. UK (1.2 chicks per pair) (NI Species Action Plan, 2005). Mitchell et al., (2004) Seabird Populations of Britain and Ireland: http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/Complete_seabird_pops_exec_summary.pdf ƒ Mitchell et al., (2004) recorded 4 pairs in NI ƒ UK Seabird (2008) recorded a decline of 76% Seabird 2000: between 1986 & 2008. http://www.jncc.gov.uk/PDF/S2000_18_ros_tabs_and_figs_web.pdf

UK Seabirds in 2008: http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/pub09_ukseabirdsin2008a.pdf

Wildife Extra: http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/irish-birds.html#cr (move from Red to Amber-listed Species)

89

Starling ƒ UK Red-listed Species ƒ Widespread throughout Northern Ireland ƒ Threats unknown Magilligan Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Sturnus vulgaris http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=112 ƒ Ireland Amber-listed Species ƒ The Breeding Birds Survey (2008) recorded (SAC, ASSI)

ƒ Protected under the Wildlife (NI) a significant increase of 59% in the number RSPB Starling: Order 1985 of starlings between 1995 & 2007 but a Rathlin Island http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/s/starling/nesting.asp ƒ Listed on Appendix II of the Bern decline of 45% between 2007 & 2008 in NI (SAC, SPA) BBS report (2008): http://www.bto.org/bbs/results/BBSreport08.pdf Convention ƒ In the UK there has been a significant ƒ SPEC 3 decline by 31% between 1995 & 2007 and a BTO Starling: http://www.bto.org/birdtrends2007/wcrstarl.shtml decline of 7% between 2007 & 2008.

Redshank* ƒ UK Amber-listed Species ƒ Numbers of breeding Redshank in Northern ƒ Loss of wetland habitat Larne Lough Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Tringa totanus http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=34 ƒ Ireland Red-listed Species Ireland have decline dramatically by nearly through agricultural (SPA, ASSI,

ƒ Protected under Article 4.2 of the 60% since 1987, when there was an intensification: drainage Ramsar) Northern Ireland Species Action Plan Redshank (2005): EC Birds Directive estimated 550 pairs, 80% of which occurred & over-grazing http://www.belfasthills.org/minisite/adult_version/redshank_pdf.pdf ƒ Listed in Appendix III of the Bern on lowland wet grassland of Lough Erne, ƒ Development: loss of Lough Foyle JNCC Redshank (non-breeding): Convention Lough Neagh & Lough Beg. wetlands due to housing (SPA, ASSI, http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/UKSPA/UKSPA-A6-74B.pdf ƒ Protected under Article 4 of the ƒ In 2000/01 (October) a peak of >20,000 was or other developments Ramsar) Wildlife (NI) Order 1985. recorded in Ireland, nearly 9,000 of these in NI ƒ Increase in predators BBS report (2008): http://www.bto.org/bbs/results/BBSreport08.pdf ƒ ‘Species requiring close ƒ Estimated numbers of non-breeding (crow & fox populations) Lough Neagh & RSPB Redshank: http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/r/redshank/ monitoring’ in the Irish Red Data Redshank are as follows: Lough Beg Book - Belfast Lough: 2,466 (10.1% of Irish (SPA, Ramsar) The Wetland Bird Survey (2008): ƒ SPEC 2 population) http://www.bto.org/webs/alerts/alerts2008/Results/spaNI/nationalaccount.pdf - Lough Foyle: 812 (3.3% of Irish

population) - Strangford Lough: 3,176 (13.0% of Irish population) (JNCC) ƒ Redshank numbers over-wintering in NI have remained relatively stable (WeBS, 2008) ƒ The Breeding Birds Survey (2008) estimated a significant decline of 26% between 1995 & 2007 in the UK

ƒ UK Red-listed Species due to ƒ Common & widespread species throughout ƒ Threats unknown Glenarm Wood Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Song Thrush* (ASSI) http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=80 declining numbers in Britain, Northern Ireland all year round ƒ Changes in agricultural Turdus particularly in the 1980s. ƒ The Breeding Bird Survey (2008) reported practices UK Species Action Plan Song Thrush (1995): philomelos ƒ Protected under Wildlife (NI) Order 20% increase in Song Thrush between 2007 http://www.ukbap.org.uk/UKPlans.aspx?ID=621

1985 & the EC Birds Directive & 2008 & 58% (significant) increase between RSPB Song Thrush Conservation: 1995 & 2007. http://www.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/biodiversity/keyspecies/birds/so ƒ In the UK there was a significant increase of ngthrush.asp 25% from 1995 to 2007 (BBS, 2008) BBS report (2008): http://www.bto.org/bbs/results/BBSreport08.pdf

Ring Ouzel ƒ UK Red-listed Species ƒ Formerly more common in Northern Ireland, ƒ Reasons for possible Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Turdus http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=81 ƒ Ireland Red-listed Species breeding in every county except Armagh extinction as a breeding (SAC, SPA) torquatus ƒ ‘Rare’ in Irish Red Data Book ƒ Recorded as breeding or suspected breeding bird are not well RSPB Ring ouzel: in NI approximately 14 times since 1974, understood http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/r/ringouzel/index.asp most of which were in the Mourne mountains, ƒ Reasons for UK decline BTO Ring ouzel: http://www.bto.org/birdtrends2008/wcrrinou.shtml with single records from Co. Antrim & include:

90 Londonderry - Disturbance by walkers ƒ Recorded on passage less than 50 times - Re-afforestation since 1951 - Agricultural ƒ Breeding Atlas (1988-1991) showed ring improvements ouzel to be breeding in two 10km squares in - Competition with Co. Down & Co. Antrim. blackbirds & mistle ƒ Previously bred in Rathlin Island thrustles ƒ Suspected to be extinct as a breeding bird in NI

Barn Owl ƒ UK Amber-listed Species ƒ Northern Ireland population is estimated to ƒ Intensive farming Lough Neagh & Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Tyto alba http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=48 ƒ Ireland Red-listed Species be between 45-55 pairs ƒ Loss of foraging Lough Beg ƒ Protected under Schedule 1, ƒ NI population remains fragile & fragmented habitat, nesting (SPA, Ramsar) Northern Ireland Species Action Plan Barn Owl (2006): Article 4 of the Wildlife (NI) Order (NI Species Action Plan, 2006) sites due to http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/barnowlsapwebversionapril06.pdf 1985 ƒ County Londonderry: 0 -15 pairs sealing, Ulster Wildlife Trust Barn Owl: ƒ Listed under Appendix III of the ƒ County Antrim: 10 pairs (Gordon et al., refurbishment of http://www.ulsterwildlifetrust.org/biodiversity/Key+Species+Project/Barn+Owl.htm Berne Convention, CITES 2001) removal of old Appendix 1 & European threat ƒ Has undergone rapid decline buildings The Barn Owl Trust: http://www.barnowltrust.org.uk/infopage.html?Id=24 status D (Burfield & van Bommel, ƒ Rodenticides Barn Owl Conservation Network: http://www.bocn.org/default.asp 2004). ƒ Roads ƒ SPEC 3 BTCV Priority Species Barn Owl: http://www.cvni.org/biodiversity/index.php/Species/species/barn_owl/

The Golden Eagle Barn Owl: http://www.goldeneagle.ie/portal.php?z=158

RSPB Barn Owl: http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/b/barnowl/

BTO Barn Owl: http://www.bto.org/birdtrends2008/wcrbarow.shtml

Lapwing ƒ UK Red-listed Species ƒ In Northern Ireland lapwing are most ƒ Wet grasslands in NI Bann Estuary Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Vanellus http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=27 ƒ Ireland Red-listed Species abundant on lowland wet grasslands, cut-over are vital for breeding (SAC, ASSI) vanellus ƒ Protected under Article 4 of the bogs & unimproved rough pastures in lapwing. Agricultural Northern Ireland Species Action Plan Lapwing (2005): http://www.ni- Wildlife (NI) Order 1985. uplands improvement has Lough Foyle environment.gov.uk/lapwingsapmbwebversionapril_05changed.pdf ƒ Protected under Article 4.2 of the ƒ Four NI sites hold numbers of national reduced suitable habitat (SPA, ASSI, JNCC Lapwing: http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/UKSPA/UKSPA-A6-63.pdf EC Birds Directive importance outside the breeding season: & replaced it with Ramsar) ƒ Listed in Appendix II of the Berne Strangford Lough, Lough Neagh & Lough Beg improved grassland, RSPB Lapwing: Convention complex, Outer Ards & Lough Foyle which is consistently Lough Neagh & http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/l/lapwing/index.asp ƒ Lapwing have declined in NI. A NI wide avoided by lapwing Lough Beg BTO Lapwing: http://www.bto.org/birdtrends2008/wcrlapwi.shtml survey of breeding waders in 1986/7 (Henderson et al., 2002; (SPA, Ramsar) estimated a population of 4,000-6,000 pairs NI Species Action Plan, (Partridge & Smith, 1992; NI Species Action 2005) & covers approx. Plan, 2005). Partial resurvey in 1992 found 40% of NI land surface that numbers had declined. (Cooper et al., 2002). ƒ By 1999 a survey of breeding waders in the ƒ Changes in arable wider countryside recorded a decline of 66% cropping regimes (1987-1999). The estimated population was ƒ Loss to wetland habitat just over 1,770 breeding pairs through drainage ƒ One of the most strongly declining bird species in Europe: declined at an annual rate of 4% during 1980–2005 (PECBMS 2007; NI Species Action Plan, 2005)

91

Razorbill ƒ UK & Ireland Amber-listed Species ƒ Razorbill nests at 6 sites in Co. Antrim ƒ Oil pollution Carrick-a-rede Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=40 Alca torda for the following reasons: ƒ Rathlin Island is the most important site in ƒ Fishing nets & lines (ASSI) -Localised breeding species with Britain & Ireland. The population exceeds ƒ Climate change & UK Seabirds in 2008: >50% of its UK population restricted 20,000 birds. overfishing may impact Portmuck http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/pub09_ukseabirdsin2008a.pdf to 10 or fewer sites ƒ Seabird 2000 estimated 24,084 birds in Co. sand eels, sprats & (ASSI) Seabird 2000: -UK supports >20% of European Antrim and 20,860 in Rathlin Island (1998- herring (food for young http://www.jncc.gov.uk/PDF/S2000_23_raz_tabs_and_figs_web.pdf population 2002). Numbers have increased substantially razorbills) Rathlin Island -Within Ireland, Co. Antrim colonies since the last census (SAC, SPA) JNCC Razorbill (breeding): hold nearly half of all breeding ƒ Numbers estimated by Seabird 2000 : http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/UKSPA/UKSPA-A6-94.pdf

razorbills. - Sheep Island: 963 birds Rathlin Island RSPB Razorbill: http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/r/razorbill/ ƒ Protected under the Wildlife (NI) - The Gobbins: 552 birds Coast (ASSI) Order 1985 - Carrick-a-rede: 281 birds For further counts at specific sites on Rathlin Island see NBN Gateway: - Muck Island: 746 birds Ramore Head & http://data.nbn.org.uk/ - Little Skerries:15 birds The Skerries ƒ In winter Razorbills occur in small numbers (ASSI) around the coast of NI & particularly in sheltered waters e.g. Belfast Lough & Sheep Island Strangford Lough narrows. (SPA, ASSI) ƒ The UK Seabird 2008 estimated the population at 190,000 individuals (1998- 2002). There was a 27% increase between 1986 & 2008

Pintail ƒ UK Amber-listed Species for the ƒ Scarce winter visitor to Northern Ireland, with ƒ Reasons for decline of Lough Foyle Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Anas acuta http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=189 following reasons: no more than 500 birds visiting each year NI’s wintering (SPA, ASSI, - Rare breeding bird in UK & ƒ Most important sites include Strangford population, particularly Ramsar) The Wetland Bird Survey (2008): Ireland Lough & Lough Foyle. at Lough Neagh & http://www.bto.org/webs/alerts/alerts2008/Results/spaNI/nationalaccount.pdf -UK wintering population is of ƒ Lough Neagh & Lough Beg was a previous Lough Beg remain Lough Neagh & RSPB Pintail: international significance stronghold but numbers have been reduced unclear. May be Lough Beg http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/p/pintail/index.asp - Localised in winter in UK & to a handful in most years associated with an (SPA, Ramsar) Ireland, with >50% of the ƒ Non-breeding numbers at Strangford Lough increase at sites in JNCC Pintail (non-breeding): population concentrated in ten or are estimated at 209 (3.5% of the Irish Great Britain, including http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/UKSPA/UKSPA-A6-32.pdf fewer sites population) (JNCC) the Mersey Estuary - SPEC because its European ƒ Lough Foyle holds 20 or more pintail in most ƒ Loss of wetland habitat breeding population is in decline years but numbers have declined has contributed to its ƒ Ireland Red-listed Species ƒ Recent breeding records have been from decline (wintering population) Strangford Lough & Lough Foyle. ƒ Quarry species but protected from ƒ The Wetland Bird Survey (2008) reported the 1 February to 31 August under the number of over-wintering pintail has Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 [Schedule fluctuated but has generally shown an 1(2) & Schedule 2(1)] upward trend. No Alerts have been triggered. ƒ Listed in Annex II (1) & Annex III (2) of the EC Birds Directive ƒ SPEC 3 ƒ All-Ireland vertebrate Red Data Book as ‘Rare’

Shoveler ƒ UK Amber-listed Species because ƒ Northern Ireland population is centered on ƒ Vulnerable to habitat Lough Neagh & Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Anas clypeata Concern:http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=190

92 of the internationally important Lough Neagh & Lough Beg, Upper Lough loss and human Lough Beg wintering population in the UK Erne & Strangford Lough disturbances on wetland (SPA, Ramsar) RSPB Shoveler: http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/s/shoveler/

ƒ Ireland Red-listed Species ƒ Approximately 200-300 birds winter in NI, breeding & wintering JNCC Shoveler (non-breeding): (wintering population) which is substantially lower than the 2000+ sites http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/UKSPA/UKSPA-A6-33B.pdf ƒ Red Data Book Species in Ireland total recorded in the later 1970s ƒ Estimated numbers of non-breeding Shoveler . are as follows: - Lough Neagh & Beg: 148 (2.3% of Irish population) - Strangford: 147 (2.3% of Irish population) (JNCC)

Teal ƒ UK & Ireland Amber-listed Species ƒ Scarce breeding bird in lowland wetlands & ƒ Loss or deterioration of Bann Estuary Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Anas crecca http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=131 ƒ Quarry species but is protected around upland tarns wetland habitats due to (SAC, ASSI)

during the shooting close season ƒ Widespread across Northern Ireland on agricultural JNCC Teal: http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/UKSPA/UKSPA-A6-30.pdf from 1 February to 31 August wetlands in winter intensification, Lough Foyle under the Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 ƒ Declined as a breeding bird across Ireland in overgrazing or (SPA, Ramsar) The Wetland Bird Survey (2008): http://www.bto.org/webs/alerts/alerts2008/Results/spaNI/nationalaccount.pdf [Schedule 2 & 3] the past few decades. inappropriate

ƒ Listed in Annex II/1 & Annex II/2 of ƒ Irish breeding population was estimated at development Lough Neagh & RSPB Teal: http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/t/teal/index.asp the EC Birds Directive 400-675 pairs in 1988-91, most of which were ƒ Breeding & wintering Lough Beg found around Lough Neagh & Lough Beg and Teal are susceptible to (SPA, Ramsar) Lough Erne human disturbance ƒ The Wetland Bird Survey (2008) showed that over-wintering numbers have shown no ‘consistent directional change’. No alerts have been triggered ƒ Estimated numbers of non-breeding Shelduck are as follows: - Lough Foyle: 751 (1.2% of All-Ireland population) - Lough Neagh & Lough Beg: 1,596 (2.5% of Irish population) -Strangford Lough: 1,435 (2.2% of Irish population) (JNCC) ƒ Numbers may be underestimated as large numbers of teal can be concealed among reeds & other vegetation

Wigeon ƒ UK & Ireland Amber-listed Species ƒ Over- winter in every county in Northern ƒ Human disturbances Bann Estuary Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Anas penelope http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=188 for the following reasons: Ireland (SAC, ASSI) - Rare as a breeding bird in Ireland ƒ Concentrated at Lough Foyle, Lough Neagh The Wetland Bird Survey (2008): - Internationally important wintering & Lough Beg and Strangford Lough. Smaller Lough Foyle http://www.bto.org/webs/alerts/alerts2008/Results/spaNI/nationalaccount.pdf population numbers can be seen at the RSPB Belfast (SPA, ASSI, RSPB Wigeon: http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/w/wigeon/ - >50% of wintering birds are Harbour Reserve Ramsar) concentrated in ten or fewer sites ƒ The Wetland Bird Survey (2008) recorded a JNCC Wigeon (non-breeding): ƒ Quarry species, but is protected slow & steady decline in overwintering Lough Neagh & http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/UKSPA/UKSPA-A6-28B.pdf during the shooting close season numbers in NI. There was a 32% decline in Lough Beg from 1 February to 31 August under the long-term (25 years). This was sufficient (SPA, Ramsar) the Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 to trigger a long-term Medium-Alert.

93 ƒ Lough Foyle is the most important site in NI & it is here that declines have occurred. At Lough Neagh & Lough Beg the population has remained relatively stable (WeBS, 2008) ƒ Estimated numbers: - Lough Foyle: 8,107 (6.5% of Irish population) - Lough Neagh & Lough Beg: 3,117 (2.5% of Irish population) - Strangford Lough: 1,921 (1.5% of Irish) (JNCC)

Garganey ƒ UK & Ireland Amber-listed as it is a ƒ Found at Lough Neagh & Lough Beg, Belfast ƒ Land use change. Lough Neagh & Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Anas http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=136 rare breeding bird in Britain & Ireland Lough RSPB reserve & Quoile Pondage NNR ƒ In the past much of Lough Beg querquedula ƒ SPEC in recognition of an ongoing (Co. Down) Garganey habitat was (SPA, Ramsar) RSPB Garganey: http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=136 decline in numbers in the eastern ƒ Breeding in Northern Ireland has only been lost through drainage of European breeding population proved 4 times but it may have occurred wetlands & marshes for ƒ Protected under the Wildlife (NI) much more as they are often recorded in agriculture or Order 1985 summer months in suitable habitat development

Gadwall ƒ UK & Ireland Amber-listed ƒ The Wetland Bird Survey (2008) reported the ƒ Vulnerable to Lough Neagh & Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Anas strepera http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=192 Species for the following reasons: numbers have declined sufficiently (by 34%) disturbance on breeding Lough Beg - >50% of the UK breeding in Northern Ireland to trigger a medium-term & wintering grounds (SPA, Ramsar) The Wetland Bird Survey (2008): population is found at 10 or fewer (10 years) Medium-Alert. However, the http://www.bto.org/webs/alerts/alerts2008/Results/spaNI/nationalaccount.pdf sites numbers tend to fluctuate. RSPB Gadwall: - >20% of the NW European ƒ Estimated numbers of non-breeding Gadwall http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/g/gadwall/index.asp population winters in the UK are as follows: -SPEC due to historical declines - Lough Neagh & Lough Beg: 166 (27.7% of JNCC Gadwall (non-breeding): -‘Rare breeding bird’ in the Irish Irish population) http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/UKSPA/UKSPA-A6-29B.pdf

Red Data Book - Strangford Lough: 108 (18% of Irish ƒ Quarry species but is protected population) (JNCC) during the shooting close season from 1 February to 31 August under the Wildlife (NI) Order 1985

Greylag Goose ƒ UK & Ireland Amber-listed Species ƒ Wild Greylag geese are winter visitors, mainly ƒ Vulnerable to Bann Estuary Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Anser anser http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=201 for the following reasons: to Lough Foyle. disturbance from (SAC, ASSI) - Wild breeding population in NW ƒ A resident feral population is present around shooting & other human JNCC Icelandic Greylag Goose: Scotland is localised within 10 or Belfast, Lough Erne & Strangford Lough. In activities Lough Foyle http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/UKSPA/UKSPA-A6-21.pdf fewer sites 1988-91 this population was estimated at 700 (SPA, ASSI, RSPB Greylag Goose: - Irish & UK wintering populations birds but this may now be higher. Ramsar) http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/g/greylaggoose/ are of international importance ƒ Wild Icelandic Greylag geese occur - >50% of Irish & UK wintering predominantly at Lough Foyle, Lough Neagh Lough Neagh & BBS report (2008): http://www.bto.org/bbs/results/BBSreport08.pdf populations is localised within 10 & Lough Beg and Strangford Lough, in the Lough Beg or fewer sites following numbers: (SPA, Ramsar) ƒ Quarry species but protected - Lough Foyle: 67 (1.8% of Irish population) during the shooting close season - Lough Neagh & Lough Beg: 176 (4.6% of from 1 February to 31 August Irish population) under the Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 - Strangford Lough: 419 (11.0% of Irish

94 population) (JNCC) ƒ The Breeding Bird Survey (2008) recorded a significant increase of 118% between 1995 & 2007 in the UK

Meadow Pipit ƒ UK Amber-listed Species ƒ Although the meadow pipit seems to be ƒ Agricultural Banagher Glen Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Anthus http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=105 ƒ Protected under the Wildlife (NI) increasing in Northern Ireland, there has intensification: loss of (SAC, ASSI, pratensis Order 1985 been a moderate decline over the UK in the rough grassland & NNR) RSPB Meadow Pipit: past 25 years uncultivated areas http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/m/meadowpipit/ ƒ Abundant in upland areas of the north & west Magilligan BBS report (2008): http://www.bto.org/bbs/results/BBSreport08.pdf ƒ Recorded in Magilligan ASSI IN 1994, (SAC, ASSI) Banagher Glen in 1985 and Fair Head & Murlough Bay in 1988 ƒ Increased significantly (by 38%) between 1995 & 2007 but declined by 14% between 2007 & 2008 in Northern Ireland (BBS, 2008). There has been an overall decline in England & Scotland.

Pochard ƒ UK & Ireland Amber-listed Species ƒ The most important sites are Lough Neagh & ƒ Reasons for decline are Lough Neagh & Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Aythya ferina http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=137 for the following reasons: Lough Beg unclear Lough Beg -Rare breeding bird in Ireland ƒ Small breeding population in NI of 30-50 pairs ƒ Climate change may (SPA, Ramsar) RSPB Pochard: http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/p/pochard/ -Internationally important numbers (RSPB, unpublished; Allen & Mellon, 2006) enable pochard to wintering in Ireland & UK ƒ The Wetland Bird Survey (2008) states the remain closer to their The Wetland Bird Survey (2008): http://www.bto.org/webs/alerts/alerts2008/Results/spaNI/nationalaccount.pdf ƒ Quarry species but is protected numbers have undergone a steady decline breeding grounds in

during the close season from 1 since the early 1990s from a peak of 30,000 Europe (i.e. fewer JNCC Pochard (non-breeding): February to 31 August under the birds to as few as 8,500. migrate to Ireland) http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/UKSPA/UKSPA-A6-34.pdf Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 ƒ There was a decline of 61% in the short-term ƒ Poor water quality, Allen & Mellon (2006) Factors Relating to the Wintering Population of Diving [Schedules 1(2) & 2 (1)] (5 years), 62% in the medium-term (10 years) affecting food availability Duck on the Lough Neagh System. EHS Research and Development Series. and 70% in the long-term. Medium & long- No.06/01: term (25 years) High–Alerts & a short-term (5 http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/lough-neagh-diving-duck-report.pdf years) Medium-Alert have been triggered. ƒ Numbers at Lough Neagh & Lough Beg have decreased from >29,000 in 1998/99 to a peak of just over 6,764 in 2004/05 (WeBS, 2008)

Tufted Duck ƒ UK & Ireland Amber-listed Species ƒ Lough Neagh & Lough Beg support ƒ Introduced fish species Lough Neagh & Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Aythya fuligula http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=139 ƒ Listed in Annex II/1 & Annex III/2 internationally important numbers. Estimated (e.g. Roach) has Lough Beg of the EC Birds Directive numbers of non-breeding tufted ducks: increased competition (SPA, Ramsar) JNCC Tufted Duck (non-breeding): ƒ Quarry species but is protected 22,372 (55.9% of Irish population) (JNCC) for food & may be http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/UKSPA/UKSPA-A6-35.pdf during the close shooting season ƒ Upper Lough Erne is also an important site responsible for declining The Wetland Bird Survey (2008): between 1 February to 31 August supports > 1,000 birds in the winter breeding numbers http://www.bto.org/webs/alerts/alerts2008/Results/spaNI/nationalaccount.pdf under the Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 ƒ The Wetland Bird Survey (2008) recorded a ƒ Poor water quality, [Schedule 2 (1)] considerable decline in over-wintering affecting food supplies BBS report (2008): http://www.bto.org/bbs/results/BBSreport08.pdf numbers. High-Alerts have been triggered for ƒ Climate change may RSPB Tufted Duck: short (5 years) (52% decline), medium (10 enable tufted duck to http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/t/tuftedduck/ years) (57% decline) & long-term (25 years) remain closer to their (50% decline). breeding grounds in Allen & Mellon (2006) Factors Relating to the Wintering Population of Diving ƒ The Breeding Birds Survey (2008) recorded a Europe, therefore fewer Duck on the Lough Neagh System. EHS Research and Development Series. No.06/01:

95 significant increase of 46% between 1995 & are migrating to Ireland http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/lough-neagh-diving-duck-report.pdf 2007 in the UK

Scaup ƒ UK Red-listed Species ƒ Mainly a winter visitor to Northern Ireland ƒ Vulnerable on European Lough Neagh & Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Aythya marila http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=193 ƒ Ireland Amber-listed Species ƒ Between 3,000-5,000 scaup winter in breeding grounds to Lough Beg ƒ Quarry species but protected during Northern Ireland, with the vast majority in shooting & habitat loss (SPA, Ramsar) The Wetland Bird Survey (2008): the shooting close season from 1 Lough Neagh (internationally important for ƒ Deterioration of water http://www.bto.org/webs/alerts/alerts2008/Results/spaNI/nationalaccount.pdf February to 31 August under the this species) quality could affect food JNCC Scaup: http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/UKSPA/UKSPA-A6-36.pdf Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 (Schedule ƒ Also found at Belfast Lough & Carlingford supplies 2(1) & Schedule 1(2) Lough RSPB Scaup: http://www.rspb.oorg.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/s/scaup/ ƒ Listed in Annex II/1 & Annex III/2 of ƒ Scaup numbers have remained quite stable & the EC Birds Directive 2004/5 was one of the best years with >5,000 Allen & Mellon (2006) Factors Relating to the Wintering Population of Diving Duck on the Lough Neagh System. EHS Research and Development Series. ƒ SPEC 3 (winter) recorded. No Alerts have been triggered No.06/01: (WeBS, 2008) http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/lough-neagh-diving-duck-report.pdf ƒ Scaup population in NI is apparently increasing ƒ An estimated 3,798 birds have been found at Lough Neagh & Lough Beg (JNCC) ƒ Only Lough Neagh & Lough Beg reaches International qualifying level of 3,100; the only UK or ROI site which reaches this level.

Goldeneye ƒ UK & Ireland Amber-listed Species ƒ Northern Ireland is a stronghold for both UK & ƒ Climate change: lower Larne Lough Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Bucephala http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=191 ƒ Protected under Schedule 1(2) & Irish populations numbers may be a (SPA, ASSI, clangula Schedule 2(1) of the Wildlife (NI) ƒ Lough Neagh is the most important site in the result of milder winters, Ramsar) RSPB Goldeneye: Order 1985 and Schedule 1(2). UK & Ireland as it is the only site which as NI is at the western http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/g/goldeneye/ This protects the Goldeneye during reaches the international qualifying level (1% limit of their wintering Lough Neagh & JNCC Goldeneye (non-breeding): the shooting close season from 1 of the relevant bio-geographical population) range Lough Beg http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/UKSPA/UKSPA-A6-41.pdf February to 31 August. ƒ Over-wintering numbers have declined ƒ Birds may have moved (SPA, Ramsar)

ƒ Listed in Annex II/2 of the EC Birds substantially in NI at least since the 1980s to other habitats such as The Wetland Bird Survey (2008): Directive when co-ordinated monitoring began rivers, which are poorly http://www.bto.org/webs/alerts/alerts2008/Results/spaNI/nationalaccount.pdf

(Cranswick et al., 1999; JNCC). monitored (Cranswick et Allen & Mellon (2006) Factors Relating to the Wintering Population of Diving ƒ There has been a 34% decline in the short- al., 1999; JNCC). Duck on the Lough Neagh System. EHS Research and Development Series. term (5 years), 49% decline in the medium- ƒ Poor water quality may No.06/01: term (10 years) & 55% decline in the long- affect their food supplies http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/lough-neagh-diving-duck-report.pdf

term (25 years) (WeBS, 2008). As a result, a in Lough Neagh long-term High Alert, medium & short-term ƒ Improved sewage Medium Alerts have been triggered. treatments have caused ƒ Estimated numbers at the three principal sites declines as goldeneye in NI are as follows: often feed near sewage - Belfast Lough: 540 (4.9% of Irish population) outfalls - Lough Neagh & Lough Beg: 10,776 (98.0% ƒ Numbers of goldeneye of Irish population) are caught each year in -Strangford Lough: 335 (3.1% of Irish fishing nets at Lough population) Neagh ƒ The decline peaked in 2002/03 when numbers dropped below 4,000 for the first time but there has been a slight recovery since then

96 ƒ Smaller numbers at Lough Erne, Strangford Lough, Belfast Lough & Larne Lough ƒ Breeding has been confirmed once in NI: Lough Neagh in 2000

Dunlin ƒ UK Red-listed Species for the ƒ A few pairs breed in Northern Ireland each ƒ Drainage Bann Estuary Calidris alpina Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: following reasons: year. ƒ Overgrazing (SAC, ASSI) http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=35

- >50% of the UK breeding ƒ Following a period of increase (lasted until ƒ Inappropriate population is concentrated in ten or late-1990s), there has been a decline of 34% developments Garron Plateau BTO Dunlin: http://blx1.bto.org/birdfacts/results/bob5120.htm fewer sites in the short-term (5 years) & 28% decline in ƒ Climate change may (SAC, ASSI, JNCC Dunlin (non-breeding): - UK & Irish wintering populations the medium-term (10 years). Short- and affect wintering Ramsar) http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/UKSPA/UKSPA-A6-67B.pdf are of international importance medium-term Medium-Alerts have been distributions - > 50% of the UK & Irish wintering triggered (WeBS, 2008) Lough Foyle RSPB Dunlin: populations are concentrated in ƒ Wintering numbers are declining across (SPA, ASSI, http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/d/dunlin/index.asp

ten or fewer sites Britain & Ireland. At some sites (including Ramsar) Wetland Bird Survey (2008): -There has been a moderate Lough Foyle) recent records have been low http://www.bto.org.uk/webs/alerts/alerts2008/Results/NI/nationalaccount.pdf decline in the UK wintering ƒ Strangford Lough is the most important site, population in the past 25 years with numbers peaking at 4,000-5,000 birds. ƒ Ireland Amber-listed Species ƒ Lough Foyle & Carlingford Lough are of ƒ Protected under Wildlife (NI) Order national importance. Belfast Lough, Outer 1985 Ards coast & Bann Estuary can hold over ƒ ‘Vulnerable’ in Red Data Book 1,000 birds ƒ Estimated numbers of non-breeding Dunlin are as follows: - Belfast Lough: 4,371 (1.3% of Irish population) - Lough Foyle: 5,606 (4.5% of Irish population) - Strangford Lough: 5,317 (4.3% of Irish population) (JNCC) ƒ Declining as a breeding bird & has disappeared from former sites e.g. Lough Beg

Knot ƒ Ireland Red-listed Species ƒ Found at Strangford Lough, Lough Foyle & ƒ Reasons for its decline Lough Foyle Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Calidris canutus http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=151 (wintering population) Dundrum Bay is unclear (SPA, ASSI, ƒ UK Amber-listed Species for the ƒ The Wetland Bird Survey (2008) reported that Ramsar) RSPB Knot: http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/UKSPA/UKSPA-A6-64.pdf following reasons: after a large increase in numbers over- - Wintering population in UK & wintering in Northern Ireland, there was an The Wetland Bird Survey (2008): http://www.bto.org/webs/alerts/alerts2008/Results/spaNI/nationalaccount.pdf Ireland is of international importance ‘equally substantial decrease’. There was a ->50% of its population is decline of 57% in the short-term (5 years) & JNCC Knot: http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/UKSPA/UKSPA-A6-64.pdf concentrated in 10 or fewer sites 51% decline in medium-term (10 years).

-Species of European Conservation Short & medium-term Medium-Alerts have Concern due to the decline in its been triggered. wintering population, particularly in ƒ Estimated numbers are as follows: its important UK wintering grounds - Belfast Lough: 444 (1.2% of Irish ƒ Protected under the Wildlife (NI) population) Order 1985 -Lough Foyle: 441 (1.2% of Irish population) -Strangford Lough: 8,723 (23.3% of Irish

97 population) (JNCC)

Black ƒ UK & Ireland Amber-listed Species ƒ Can be seen around the coastline of Northern ƒ Oil pollution (particularly Giant’s Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Guillemot http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=376 ƒ Species of European Conservation Ireland at all times of year vulnerable in the winter) Causeway & Cepphus grylle Concern ƒ NI is a stronghold for this species in Ireland ƒ Introduction of predators Dunseverick RSPB Black Guillemot: ƒ Numbers are increasing in NI. Black (e.g. rats or mink) (WHS, ASSI, http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/b/blackguillemot/ guillemots breed in all 3 of NI’s coastal NNR) Seabird 2000: counties, with the largest numbers in Co. http://www.jncc.gov.uk/PDF/S2000_24_tys_tabs_and_figs_web.pdf Antrim. Larne Lough ƒ Between 1999 & 2002 the NI coastline was (SPA, ASSI, UK Seabirds in 2008: surveyed & the following numbers were Ramsar) http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/pub09_ukseabirdsin2008a.pdf

estimated: For further counts at specific sites on Rathlin Island see NBN Gateway: - Co. Antrim: 865 birds (1999-2002) Magilligan http://data.nbn.org.uk/ - Co. Down: 249 birds (2000) (SAC, ASSI) - Co. L’derry: 60 birds (2000) ƒ Total of 1174 birds shows the population Ramore Head & more than doubled since the last survey The Skerries (1985-88) (ASSI) ƒ Despite recent increase in NI, there has been a moderate decline in numbers in Europe Rathlin Island since 1970. (SAC, SPA) ƒ Found at Church Bay (Rathlin Island), Belfast Lough & Larne Lough (112 birds in 2000) Sheep Island ƒ Also recorded from Sheep Island (146 in (SPA, ASSI) 2001), the Maidens (12 in 2000), Ramore Head to White Rocks (25 in 2000) & White White Rocks Rocks to Runkerry Point (12 in 2000) (ASSI) ƒ The UK Seabirds (2008) estimated the population at 39,000 individuals. There was a 7% increase between 1998 & 2002

Ringed Plover ƒ UK & Ireland Amber-listed Species ƒ There may be no more than 250-300 pairs of ƒ Climate changes may White Park Bay Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Charadrius http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=28 for the following reasons: ringed plovers breeding in Northern Ireland be a reason for the (ASSI, NT) hiaticula -UK supports internationally ƒ The Wetland Bird Survey (2008) reported a decline of wintering The Wetland Bird Survey (2008): important numbers of ringed plover steady decline in numbers of overwintering birds, by enabling them http://www.bto.org/webs/alerts/alerts2008/Results/spaNI/nationalaccount.pdf in winter Ringed Plovers in NI. As a result, medium (10 to remain closer to the JNCC Ring Plover (non-breeding): -Moderate decline in the UK years) & long-term (25 years) Medium Alerts breeding grounds. http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/UKSPA/UKSPA-A6-59b.pdf population over the last 25 years have been triggered. This decline is likely to Therefore, fewer migrate

be driven by large-scale factors such as to Ireland climate change: ƒ Nesting birds are - 13% decline in the short-term (5 years) vulnerable to - 27% decline in the medium-term (10 years) disturbance from beach - 40% decline in the long-term (25 years) users & dogs. Estimated numbers are as follows: - Belfast Lough: 148 (1.2% of Irish population) -Strangford Lough: 291 (2.3% of Irish population)

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Bewick’s Swan ƒ UK Amber-listed Species for the ƒ In 1975/6 approx. 2,000 birds wintered ƒ Climate change: fewer Lough Foyle Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Cygnus http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=200 following reasons: throughout Ireland but numbers have since birds are flying west to (SPA, ASSI, columbianus - UK wintering numbers are of declined. Ireland to escape Ramsar) RSPB Bewick’s Swan: bewickii international importance ƒ Main concentrations around Lough Neagh & severe weather http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/b/bewicksswan/index.asp

- >50% of its UK and Irish wintering Lough Beg ƒ Collision with power Lough Neagh & BTO Bewick’s Swan: http://blx1.bto.org/birdfacts/results/bob1530.htm populations are restricted to ten or ƒ Lough Neagh & Lough Beg previously lines Lough Beg less sites supported internationally important numbers ƒ Water pollution (SPA, Ramsar) JNCC Bewick’s Swan: http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/UKSPA/UKSPA-A6-15.pdf - SPEC due to its declining wintering but in recent winters <10 birds were European populations recorded The Wetland Bird Survey (2008): ƒ Ireland Red-listed Species ƒ In a review (Robinson et al., 2004) in Lough http://www.bto.org/webs/alerts/alerts2008/Results/spaNI/nationalaccount.pdf (wintering population) Neagh & Lough Beg the five year mean of ƒ Protected under Schedule 1 of the 1995/96 - 1999/2000 was 69 birds. Robinson et al., (2004) Bewick’s Swan Cygnus columbianus bewickii Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 ƒ In Lough Beg a small number occur (Northwest Europe population) in Britain and Ireland 1960/61-1999/2000: http://www.wwt.org.uk/research/monitoring/pdf/Waterbird%20Review%20Ser ƒ SPEC 3 annually. There was a peak in 1996/97 at 90 ies%20Bewick%27s%20Swan.pdf ƒ Listed in Annex I of the EU Birds birds (Robinson et al., 2004) Directive ƒ From early 1990s numbers have steadily Crowe et al., (2005) Whooper Cygnus cygnus and Bewick’s C.columbianus declined at Lough Foyle, which resulted in bewickii Swans in Ireland: resultsof the International Swan Census: http://www.birdwatchireland.ie/Portals/0/pdfs/iw_SwanPaper2005final.pdf the ‘internationally important’ status since 1994-95. Annual peaks vary between years but there has been a progressive decline since early 1980s. ƒ The International Swan Census (2005) reported that numbers continue to decline in Ireland, with the total recorded 41% lower than the figure recorded in 2000 (Colhoun et al., 2000) ƒ Number of birds appear to be related to weather conditions in continental Europe; it is likely that numbers will further decline as mild winters become more frequent ƒ The Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS, 2008) recorded a substantial decline in number of overwintering bird in NI. There was a decline of 80% in the short-term (5 years), 95% in the medium-term (10 years) & 97% in the long-term (25 years). High alerts were triggered for all time periods

Whooper Swan ƒ UK & Ireland Amber-listed Species ƒ More than 20% of the UK population winter ƒ Illegal hunting Lough Foyle Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Cygnus cygnus http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=199 for the following reasons: in Northern Ireland ƒ Collision with overhead (SPA, ASSI, - >20% of UK population occurs in ƒ The complex of sites which contains Lough power cables Ramsar) The Wetland Bird Survey (2008): Northern Ireland Foyle and Lough Swilly (Donegal) form the ƒ Lead poisoning by http://www.bto.org/webs/alerts/alerts2008/Results/spaNI/nationalaccount.pdf - >50% of the population winters in most important Irish site with up to 3,000 ingestion of shot along Lough Neagh & JNCC Whooper Swan: http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/UKSPA/UKSPA-A6-16.pdf fewer than 10 sites birds. with grit Lough Beg - Rare breeding bird in UK and ƒ Lough Neagh & Lough Beg support up to ƒ Local conflict with (SPA, Ramsar) RSPB Whooper Swan: Ireland 1,500 birds & Upper Lough Erne supports up farming practices as http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/w/whooperswan/ ƒ Protected under Schedule1 of the to 1,100. whooper swans feed on Crowe et al., (2005) Whooper Cygnus cygnus and Bewick’s C.columbianus Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 ƒ First coordinated international census of re-seeded pastures or bewickii Swans in Ireland: results of the International Swan Census:

99 ƒ ‘Internationally Important’ in All Icelandic breeding population estimated winter cereals http://www.birdwatchireland.ie/Portals/0/pdfs/iw_SwanPaper2005final.pdf Ireland Vertebrate Red Data Book 2,363 swans in NI (Salmon & Black, 1986; ƒ Listed in Annex I of the EU Birds JNCC). This increased to 3,484 swans in Directive as a species which must 1991 (Kirby et al., 1992; JNCC). Between be the subject of special 1991 1995 the total population (including conservation measures Britain & NI) declined by 3% per annum ƒ The International Swan Census (2005) recorded 4,331 Whooper swans in NI (601 in Co. Antrim & 1,538 in Co. Londonderry): - Lough Neagh & Lough Beg: 1,517 swans - Lough Foyle: 950 swans ƒ All Ireland total was 14,079 birds; an increase of 11% compared to total in 2000. ƒ The Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS, 2008) recorded that numbers of Whooper swans have remained relatively stable

Mute Swan ƒ UK Green-listed Species (2009) ƒ In Northern Ireland the highest numbers of ƒ Illegal shooting & nest Lough Foyle Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Cygnus olor http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=10 ƒ Protected under the Wildlife (NI) breeding birds occur at Lough Neagh & destruction (SPA, ASSI,

Order 1985 Lough Beg ƒ Pollution of waterways Ramsar) BTO Mute Swan: http://www.bto.org/birdtrends2003/wcrmutsw.htm ƒ The estimated All-Ireland population is ƒ Disturbance during the estimated at 21,000 individuals breeding season Lough Neagh & RSPB Mute Swan: http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/m/muteswan/ ƒ In the UK there was an increase of 14% ƒ Lead poisoning from Lough Beg between 1995 & 2007 and 18% between discarded angler’s (SPA, Ramsar) BBS report (2008): http://www.bto.org/bbs/results/BBSreport08.pdf 2007 & 2008 (BBS, 2008) weights & spent gunshot

House Martin ƒ UK & Ireland Amber-listed Species ƒ House martins are common across Northern ƒ The cause of the decline White Park Bay Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Delichon urbica http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=61 because of a moderate decline over Ireland is unclear (ASSI, NT)

the past 25 years ƒ There is evidence for an increase in NI. The ƒ Vulnerable to poor BBS report (2008): http://www.bto.org/bbs/results/BBSreport08.pdf ƒ SPEC (2004) due to declines Breeding Birds Survey (2008) recorded 22% weather conditions elsewhere in Europe increase between 2007 & 2008 and 54% ƒ Destruction of nests by RSPB House Martin: http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/h/housemartin/ ƒ Protected under the Wildlife (NI) increase between 1995 & 2007 in NI. house holders Order 1985 House Martin Survey Newsletter 2008: http://www.bto.org/survey/special/house_martin/house_martins_final.pdf

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Merlin ƒ UK Amber-listed Species due to a ƒ Northern Ireland’s smallest bird of prey ƒ Tree-felling as most Antrim Hills Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Falco http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=15 historical decline between 1800 & ƒ Uncommon as a breeding bird in Northern merlins nest within (SPA) columbarius 1995 Ireland, with a widely scattered distribution commercial conifer BTO Merlin: http://blx1.bto.org/birdfacts/results/bob3090.htm ƒ Ireland Amber-listed Species as a ƒ Most breeding birds are found in the Antrim plantations Garron Plateau scarce breeding bird which has Hills & Sperrin Mountains, with a few pairs ƒ Recreational use of (SAC, ASSI, NI Raptor Study Group Merlin: http://www.niraptorstudygroup.co.uk/species/merlin been declining across Ireland in also in the Fermanagh Hills. forests and upland Ramsar) last 25 years ƒ Recorded from Banagher Glen in 1985 areas can disturb RSPB Merlin: http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/m/merlin/ ƒ Protected under Schedule 1 of the ƒ No complete surveys have been carried out in nesting birds Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 Northern Ireland but there is an estimated 40 ƒ Agricultural The Golden Eagle Trust Merlin: http://www.goldeneagle.ie/portal.php?z=156

ƒ Listed in Annex I of the EU Birds breeding pairs. improvement is Directive as a species that must be ƒ Rare & declining with an estimated 20-30 threatening the margins subject to special conservation nest sites in NI of their open moorland measures. hunting grounds ƒ Listed in Appendix II of the Bern Convention

Peregrine ƒ Ireland Amber-listed Species as, ƒ Has returned to former numbers in Northern ƒ Illegal persecution Giant’s Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: falcon http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=300 until recently, were considered a Ireland after a drastic decline of 1950s & Causeway & Falco Species of Conservation Concern. 1960s caused by the effects of Dunseverick JNCC Peregrine (breeding): peregrinus ƒ UK Green-listed Species (from organochlorine pesticides in the food chain (WHS, ASSI, http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/UKSPA/UKSPA-A6-51.pdf Amber 2009) ƒ In 2002, 86 sites across NI were occupied but NNR) RSPB Peregrine: http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/p/peregrine/ ƒ Protected under Wildlife (NI) Order breeding was only successful at 50 of these 1985 sites. Rathlin Island NI Raptor Study Group: ƒ Listed in Annex I of EU Birds ƒ Rathlin Island supports an estimated 6 (SAC, SPA) http://www.niraptorstudygroup.co.uk/species/peregrine_falcon Directive as a species which must be Peregrines (1.6% of Irish population) (JNCC) the subject of special conservation ƒ Recorded from Banagher Glen in 1985 Rathlin Island measures Coast (ASSI) ƒ ‘Internationally important’ in All- Ireland Vertebrate Red Data Book Scawt Hill (ASSI)

Tievebulliagh (ASSI)

Puffin ƒ UK & Ireland Amber-listed for the ƒ Breed on cliffs along the Co. Antrim coast ƒ Oil pollution Portmuck Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Fratercula http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=13 following reasons: ƒ Rathlin Island is the main breeding site in ƒ Fishing nets and lines (ASSI) arctica - Localised breeding species with Northern Ireland ƒ Climate change & RSPB Puffin: http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/p/puffin/ >50% of its population restricted to ƒ Small populations at few other sites along Co. overfishing impact sand Rathlin Island <10 sites. Antrim coast, including Gobbins cliffs & eels and sprats (food for (SAC, SPA) Seabird 2000: http://www.jncc.gov.uk/PDF/S2000_25_puf_tabs_and_figs_web.pdf - UK supports >20% of the European Larrybane Head. young puffins) population ƒ Seabird 2000 estimated 1,610 birds in Co. ƒ Predation by rats can be Rathlin Island UK Seabirds in 2008: ƒ Protected under the Wildlife (NI) Antrim. This indicates 33% decline in a problem at some sites Coast (ASSI) http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/pub09_ukseabirdsin2008a.pdf Order 1985 numbers since the previous survey (1985-88) For further counts at specific sites on Rathlin Island see NBN Gateway: when over 2,412 pairs were estimated http://data.nbn.org.uk/ ƒ The UK Seabirds (2008) estimated the population at 580,000 breeding pairs in the UK (1998-2002). There was an increase of 40% between 1986 & 2008

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Coot ƒ Ireland Amber-listed Species for ƒ Well distributed as a breeding bird across ƒ Causes of decline in Lough Neagh & Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Fulica atra http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=25 the following reasons:: lowland Northern Ireland wintering & breeding Lough Beg

- moderate breeding decline ƒ Irish population estimated to be birds are unknown (SPA, Ramsar) The Wetland Bird Survey (2008): - localised wintering population approximately 8,600 birds in 1988-91. ƒ Climate change or poor http://www.bto.org/webs/alerts/alerts2008/Results/spaNI/nationalaccount.pdf - >50% of Irish wintering population ƒ Wintering birds have been in decline in NI water quality may have RSPB Coot: http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/c/coot/index.asp is concentrated in 10 or fewer sites since 2000 but no decrease was detected an impact ƒ Protected under the Wildlife (NI) elsewhere in the UK. JNCC Coot (non-breeding): Order 1985 ƒ Lough Neagh & Lough Beg is the main http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/UKSPA/UKSPA-A6-55.pdf wintering site. Numbers have declined from

6,000 (approx.) to below 2,000 birds. ƒ Numbers on Lough Erne have increased in recent years. ƒ The Wetland Bird Survey (2008) recorded after a period of slight increase (peak of 7,307; Collier et al., 2005) which lasted until 1999/2000; numbers of over-wintering coot have dropped considerably in NI. Numbers declined to a peak of just 1,890 birds (Banks et al., 2006; WeBS, 2008) ƒ Medium-Alerts have been triggered for all time periods (short, medium & long-term): - Short-term (5 years): 43% decline - Medium-term (10 years):31% decline - Long-term (25 years): 30% decline ƒ Estimated numbers of non-breeding coot are as follows: -Strangford Lough: 392 (1.6% of Irish population) - Lough Neagh & Lough Beg: 6,993 (28.0% of Irish population)

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Fulmar ƒ UK Amber-listed Species because ƒ Largest colonies are found around the ƒ Oil pollution Carrick-a-rede Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Fulmarus http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=3 >50% of the UK population breeds coastline of the Antrim Coast, particularly on ƒ Vulnerable to being (ASSI) glacialis at ten or fewer sites Rathlin Island caught by baited hooks JNCC Fulmar (breeding): ƒ Protected under the Wildlife (NI) ƒ Seabird 2000 found 5,992 pairs in Northern of long line fisheries Giant’s http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/UKSPA/UKSPA-A6-6.pdf Order 1985 Ireland with the following numbers in three ƒ Changes in abundance Causeway & RSPB Fulmar: http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/f/fulmar/ counties: of plankton & fish, Dunseverick - Co. Antrim: 4,706 which are vulnerable to (WHS, ASSI, Seabird 2000: - Co. Londonderry: 1,255 the effects of climate NNR) http://www.jncc.gov.uk/PDF/S2000_01_ful_tabs_and_figs_web.pdf - Co. Down: 31 change (e.g. warming For further counts at specific sites on Rathlin Island see NBN Gateway: ƒ Seabird 2000 (1988-2002) recorded 2,032 seawater) Portmuck http://data.nbn.org.uk/ fulmar on Rathlin Island, which was an (ASSI) increase of 37% since the previous survey (1985-1988) Ramore Head & ƒ Recorded from the Umbra (58 birds in 2000), The Skerries Ramore Head (23 birds in 2000), Large (ASSI) Skerries (3 birds in 2000), Small Skerries (2 birds in 2000), Giant’s Causeway (167 birds Rathlin Island in 2000), Sheep Island (88 birds in 2000), (SAC, SPA) White Rocks (99 birds in 2000), Carrick-a- rede (71 birds in 2000), Runkerry (8 birds in Runkerry (ASSI) 2000) & Whitepark Bay (28 birds in 2000) ƒ The populations in Counties Antrim & L’derry Sheep Island had increased substantially from the (SPA, ASSI) previous survey (1985-88) White Park Bay (ASSI, NT)

White Rocks (ASSI)

Common Snipe ƒ UK & Ireland Amber-listed Species ƒ Widespread but in decline, with a 30% ƒ Loss of wetland habitats Dunloy Bog Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Gallinago http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=30 because there has been a decline decline since 1987 through drainage & (ASSI) gallinago of >25% across UK & Ireland over ƒ Northern Ireland breeding population was afforestation BBS report (2008): http://www.bto.org/bbs/results/BBSreport08.pdf the past 25 years estimated at 4,000 pairs in 1999 ƒ Further habitat loss from Lough Neagh &

ƒ Protected under the Wildlife (NI) ƒ Largest populations are around Lough Erne agriculture, housing & Lough Beg RSPB Snipe: http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/s/snipe/

Order 1985 but is a ‘game’ species and Lough Neagh & Lough Beg other developments (SPA, Ramsar) BTO: http://www.bto.org/birdtrends2005/wcrsnipe.htm (September – January) ƒ Recorded at Dunloy Bog ASSI in 1994 ƒ SPEC 3 ƒ Increased in the UK by 38% between 1995% 2007 (BBS, 2008)

Great-northern ƒ UK Amber-listed Species because ƒ Number of birds wintering around the British ƒ Water pollution, Magilligan Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: diver http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=220 UK coastal waters support >20% Isles is approx. 4,000 individuals, of which particularly oil pollution (SAC, ASSI) Gavia immer of the European non-breeding 200-300 use waters around Northern Ireland ƒ Monofilament drift nets RSPB Great-northern diver: population ƒ Throughout winter this species can be found Lough Foyle http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/g/greatnortherndiver/ ƒ Protected under the Wildlife (NI) at Lough Foyle, Dundrum Bay & Strangford (SPA, ASSI, Order 1985 Lough Ramsar) ƒ Listed in Annex I of the EU Birds

103 Directive as a species that must be the subject of special conservation measures

Red-throated ƒ UK & Ireland Amber-listed Species ƒ Widespread on inshore coastal waters in ƒ Pollution, particularly oil Magilligan Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: diver http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=218 for the following reasons: Northern Ireland, particularly Co. Down pollution (SAC, ASSI) Gavia stellata - Rare breeding species in Ireland ƒ Mean estimates between 2000 & 2005 were RSPB Red-throated diver: - Moderate decline in its UK as follows: Lough Foyle http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/r/redthroateddiver/ breeding population in past 25 - Lough Foyle: 42 (SPA, ASSI, BTO 2004/5: http://www.bto.org/webs/news/AR04_05/webs200405_5.pdf years - Belfast Lough: 23 Ramsar)

- Species of European - Outer Ards Shoreline: 10 Conservation Concern due to a - Strangford Lough: 29 significant decline in breeding (BTO 2004/5) numbers between 1970 & 1990 ƒ Protected under the Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 ƒ Listed in Annex I of the EU Birds Directive as a species which must be the subject of special conservation measures

Oystercatcher ƒ UK & Ireland Amber-listed Species ƒ The Breeding Birds Survey (2008) estimated ƒ Disturbance of nesting, Giant’s Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Haematopus http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=26 for the following reasons: Oystercatchers have increased by 8% feeding or roosting birds Causeway & ostralegus - UK breeding population is of between 2007 & 2008 in the UK but declined Dunseverick BBS report (2008): http://www.bto.org/bbs/results/BBSreport08.pdf international importance by 14% between 1995 & 2007 (WHS, ASSI, - UK wintering population is of ƒ The Wetland Bird Survey (2008) recorded NNR) The Wetland Bird Survey (2008): http://www.bto.org/webs/alerts/alerts2008/Results/spaNI/nationalaccount.pdf international importance that the number of over-wintering birds has ->50% of the UK wintering remained relatively stable in Northern Ireland. Lough Foyle RSPB Oystercatcher: population is concentrated within ten No Alerts have been triggered. There was 6% (SPA, ASSI, http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/o/oystercatcher/ or fewer sites decline in the short-term (5 years) but 26% Ramsar)

ƒ Protected under the Wildlife (NI) increase in the long-term (25 years) Order 1985 ƒ Estimated numbers of non-breeding birds are White Park Bay as follows: (ASSI, NT) - Belfast Lough: 5,963 (11.9% of Irish population) - Lough Foyle: 2,028 (4.1% of Irish population) - Strangford Lough: 5,243 (10.5% of Irish population)

Common Gull ƒ UK & Ireland Amber-listed for the ƒ Scarce in Northern Ireland ƒ Habitat change through Larne Lough Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Larus canus http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=354 following reasons: ƒ Largest breeding concentrations at Rathlin agriculture or peat (SPA, ASSI, -Moderate decline in UK breeding Island, Strangford Lough, Copeland Islands & extraction (particularly Ramsar) Seabird 2000: population in past 25 years inland at Lower Lough Erne upland colonies) http://www.jncc.gov.uk/PDF/S2000_12_cog_tabs_and_figs_web.pdf - >50% of UK breeding populations ƒ Seabird 2000 estimated 107 Common gulls in ƒ Birds breeding beside Lough Neagh & RSPB Common Gull: are concentrated in 10 or fewer sites Co. Antrim lakes are vulnerable to Lough Beg http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/c/commongull/index.asp - SPEC 2 due to its decline across ƒ Lough Neagh & Lough Beg support an flooding of nests (SPA, Ramsar) NW Europe estimated 200 birds (5.6% of Irish population) ƒ Introduced ferrets on JNCC Common Gull (breeding): & Rathlin Island supports an estimated 64 Rathlin Island has Rathlin Island http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/UKSPA/UKSPA-A6-83.pdf birds (1.8% of Irish population) (JNCC) decimated breeding (SAC, SPA)

104 ƒ Recorded from Blue Circle Island, Larne colonies Lough (6 birds in 2000) and Rue East (52 ƒ Predation of eggs by birds) & Shandragh (27 birds), Rathlin Island crows or other gulls in 1999.

Lesser Black- ƒ UK & Ireland Amber-listed Species ƒ Small colonies found on Lower Lough Erne, ƒ Culling by humans Larne Lough Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: backed Gull http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=37 because the UK supports 40% of the Rathlin Island & Lough Neagh ƒ Changes to refuse (SPA, ASSI, Larus fuscus European population & more than ƒ Seabird 2000 found 1,973 breeding pairs in disposal Ramsar) Seabird 2000: half of these are found at fewer than Northern Ireland & 4,849 in the whole of ƒ Habitat change http://www.jncc.gov.uk/PDF/S2000_13_lbbg_tabs_and_figs_web.pdf

ten sites Ireland Lough Neagh & RSPB Lesser black-backed gull: ƒ Protected under the Wildlife (NI) ƒ Seabird 2000 (1998-2002) recorded 485 Lough Beg http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/l/lesserblackbackedgull/ Order 1985 coastal birds in Co. Antrim (647 inland & (SPA, Ramsar) coastal) & 548 in Co. Down. 127 were JNCC Lesser Black-backed Gull: recorded at Rathlin Island, which was a 18% Rathlin Island http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/UKSPA/UKSPA-A6-84.pdf decline since the previous survey (1985- (SAC, SPA) 1988) ƒ Recorded from the following sites. Sheep Island (Estimated counts in parentheses): (SPA, ASSI) - Sheep Island 2000 (3) - Little Skerries 2000 (8) Ramore Head & - Large Skerries 2000 (261) The Skerries - Rathlin Island, West Kebble 1999 (15) (ASSI) - Rathlin Island, Rue West 1999 (12) - Rathlin Island, Kinramer North 1999 (99) - Blue Circle Island, Larne Lough 2000 (1)

Mediterranean ƒ UK & Ireland Amber-listed Species ƒ Rare in Northern Ireland ƒ Egg collection & Larne Lough Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Gull http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=345 because it is a rare breeding species ƒ Northern Ireland an Irish stronghold destruction (SPA, ASSI, Larus ƒ Rare breeding bird, with the first nesting ƒ Predation of eggs by Ramsar) RSPB Mediterranean Gull: melanocephalus attempt recorded in 1995 at Larne Lough. crows or other gulls http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/m/mediterraneangull/ ƒ A few more pairs probably breed/attempt to Lough Foyle BTO: http://blx1.bto.org/birdfacts/results/bob5750.htm breed in Northern Ireland each year (SPA, ASSI, ƒ Other sites include Lough Foyle & Belfast Ramsar) Seabird 2000: Lough http://www.jncc.gov.uk/PDF/S2000_10_med_tabs_and_figs_web.pdf ƒ Only 2 were recorded in Co. Down in 2002. ƒ The All-Ireland total was 5 birds (3 in Co. Wexford) (Seabird 2000)

Black Headed ƒ UK Amber-listed Species for the ƒ Largest breeding colonies in Lough Neagh, ƒ Predation of eggs by Larne Lough Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Gull http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?Item=351 following reasons: Strangford Lough & Larne Lough mammals, crows, other (SPA, ASSI, Larus -Breeding population has undergone ƒ Seabird 2000 estimated a population in gulls Ramsar) ridibundus a moderate decline in the past 25 Northern Ireland of 10,107 of which 4,037 ƒ Habitat changes & JNCC Black Headed Gull (breeding): years were coastal. 1834 coastal birds were destruction Lough Neagh & http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/UKSPA/UKSPA-A6-82.pdf ->50% is concentrated in 10 or fewer recorded in Co. Antrim (3884 coastal & inland ƒ Egg collection Lough Beg sites birds), showing 44% decline since the (SPA, Ramsar) Seabird 2000: ƒ Ireland Red-listed Species previous survey (1985-1988). 100 birds were http://www.jncc.gov.uk/PDF/S2000_11_bhg_tabs_and_figs_web.pdf

ƒ Protected under Wildlife (NI) Order recorded in Co. L’derry. Swan Island RSPB Black Headed Gull: 1985 ƒ Seabird 2000 recorded 1398 birds in Larne (SPA, NNR) http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/b/blackheadedgull/ Lough: Blue Circle Island & 80 birds in Swan UK Seabirds 2008: http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/pub09_ukseabirdsin2008a.pdf

105 Island. ƒ Estimated numbers at Lough Neagh & Lough Beg: 33,000 (61.3% of Irish population) (JNCC) ƒ UK Seabirds 2008 estimated 77,000 (1998- 2002) with 11% increase between 1986 & 2008

Bar-tailed ƒ UK & Ireland Amber-listed Species ƒ SoCC in NI because: ƒ Disturbances at feeding Lough Foyle Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Godwit http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=146 ƒ Listed in Annex I of EU Birds -coastline supports an internationally important & roosting sites (SPA, ASSI, Limosa Directive as a species which requires wintering population ƒ Loss or damage to Ramsar) The Wetland Bird Survey (2008): lapponica special conservation measures - >50% of wintering population occurs at 10 or intertidal habitat http://www.bto.org/webs/alerts/alerts2008/Results/spaNI/nationalaccount.pdf

(SPEC 3) fewer sites across UK Rathlin Island RSPB Bar-tailed Godwit: ƒ Lough Foyle & Strangford Lough are of (SAC, SPA) http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/b/bartailedgodwit/index.asp international importance for this species in winter JNCC Bar-tailed Godwit: http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/UKSPA/UKSPA-A6- ƒ The average counts over 5 years (1995-2000) 71.pdf

were as follows: - Lough Foyle: 1,716 - Strangford Lough: 1,581 ƒ The Wetland Bird Survey (2008) recorded a 17% decline in the Medium-term (15 years) but no Alerts were triggered

Grasshopper ƒ UK Red-listed Species ƒ The Breeding Birds Survey (2008) estimated ƒ Drainage Giant’s Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Warbler http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=90 ƒ Ireland Amber-listed Species 22% increase between 1995 & 2007 but 3% ƒ Scrub removal & loss of Causeway & Locustella ƒ Protected under the Wildlife (NI) decline between 2007 & 2008 in the UK. inter-drumlin hollows Dunseverick BBS report (2008): http://www.bto.org/bbs/results/BBSreport08.pdf naevia Order 1985 & EC Birds Directive reduces breeding (WHS, ASSI, habitat NNR) RSPB Grasshopper Warbler: http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/g/grasshopperwarbler/index.asp

White Park Bay (ASSI, NT)

Red-breasted ƒ UK Green-listed Species ƒ Nest in all counties in Northern Ireland ƒ Eutrophication resulting Larne Lough Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: merganser ƒ Ireland Amber-listed Species as ƒ Largest numbers are found at Strangford in reduced food (SPA, ASSI, http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=198 Mergus serrator >5% of the wintering population is Lough, followed by Larne Lough & Belfast sources Ramsar) concentrated in ten or fewer sites Lough ƒ Predation of eggs, The Wetland Bird Survey (2008): ƒ Marked decline in some areas, such as young & adults by Lough Foyle http://www.bto.org/webs/alerts/alerts2008/Results/spaNI/nationalaccount.pdf Lough Erne over the last 30 years introduced mammals, (SPA, ASSI, ƒ Numbers of red-breasted merganser have such as mink Ramsar) RSPB Red-breasted merganser: declined (by 15% in Medium-term [10 years]), http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/r/redbreastedmerganser/ but this has been insufficient to trigger an Alert (WeBS, 2008) JNCC Red-breasted merganser (non-breeding): ƒ Estimated numbers are as follows: http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/ukspa/ukspa-a6-42.pdf - Belfast Lough: 175 (8.8% of Irish population) - Lough Foyle: 73 (3.7% of Irish population) - Strangford Lough: 328 (16.4% of Irish population)

106

Shag ƒ UK & Ireland Amber-listed Species ƒ The Northern Ireland breeding population is ƒ Oil spills Giant’s Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Phalacrocorax http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=5 estimated at 300 pairs, almost entirely within ƒ Reduced food supply Causeway & aristotelis Co. Antrim ƒ Entanglement in fishing Dunseverick Seabird 2000: ƒ Estimated numbers of breeding birds are as nets (WHS, ASSI, http://www.jncc.gov.uk/PDF/S2000_07_shag_tabs_and_figs_web.pdf follows: ƒ Predation at nesting NNR) RSPB Shag: http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/s/shag/index.asp - Co. Antrim: 281 (26% decline since previous colonies by mammals survey 1985-1988) Rathlin Island UK Seabirds (2008): - Rathlin Island: 58 (47% decline since previous (SAC, SPA) http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/pub09_ukseabirdsin2008a.pdf survey) Further counts at specific sites see NBN Gateway: - The Maidens: 97 (40% decline since previous http://data.nbn.org.uk/index_homepage/index.jsp survey) (Seabird 2000 (1998-2002)) ƒ UK Seabirds (2008) recorded a decline of 45% (breeding pairs) between 1986 &2008 in the UK. Estimated number of breeding pairs: 27,000 ƒ Recorded from the following sites. (Estimated counts in parentheses): - Giant’s Causeway 2000 (18) - Sheep Island 2000 (60) - Little Skerries 2000 (10) - Rathlin Island, North Kebble 1999 (7) - Rathlin Island, Rue West 1999 (20)

Cormorant ƒ UK Green-listed Species (2009) ƒ In Northern Ireland breeding colonies are ƒ Fishing nets are a likely Lough Neagh & Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Phalacrocorax http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=4 ƒ Ireland Amber-listed Species found in Strangford Lough, Sheep Island & cause of significant Lough Beg carbo the Gobbins Cliffs, Co. Antrim, from which mortality (SPA, Ramsar) The Wetland Bird Survey (2008): adults usually fly to Lough Neagh & Lough http://www.bto.org/webs/alerts/alerts2008/Results/spaNI/nationalaccount.pdf Beg to feed. Non-breeding birds can be seen ƒ Persecution remains a Sheep Island BBS report (2008): http://www.bto.org/bbs/results/BBSreport08.pdf along the coast all year round problem despite legal (SPA, ASSI) ƒ No Alerts have been triggered (WeBS, 2008) protection JNCC Cormorant (breeding): as numbers are increasing. http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/UKSPA/UKSPA-A6-11A.pdf ƒ Seabird 2000 (1988-2002) recorded coastal BTO Cormorant: http://www.bto.org/birdtrends2003/wcrcormo.htm 385 birds & 2 colonies in Co. Antrim, which was a 10% decline since the previous survey RSPB Cormorant: (1985-1999). 344 birds were recorded from http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/c/cormorant/index.asp Sheep Island, indicating 9% decline since the Seabird 2000: previous survey. http://www.jncc.gov.uk/PDF/S2000_01_ful_tabs_and_figs_web.pdf ƒ The Breeding Bird Survey (2008) reports an increase in the UK population of 27% UK Seabirds in 2008: between 1995 & 2007 http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/pub09_ukseabirdsin2008a.pdf ƒ The UK Seabirds (2008) estimated the population at 7,500 breeding birds. There was 9% increase between 1986 & 2008.

107

Redstart ƒ UK & Ireland Amber-listed Species ƒ Rare & sporadic breeding bird in Northern ƒ Lack of extensive areas Banagher Glen Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Phoenicurus http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=86 ƒ Protected under the Wildlife (NI) Ireland, mainly in oak woods in the Glens of of old deciduous (ASSI) phoenicurus Order 1985 Antrim or Sperrin Mountain valleys. woodland in Ireland may BBS report (2008): http://www.bto.org/bbs/results/BBSreport08.pdf ƒ SPEC because the population ƒ Redstart have bred in Breed Wood & be a reason for its Breen Wood declined across much of its Banagher Glen in recent years scarcity (SAC, ASSI, RSPB Redstart: http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/r/redstart/index.asp European range between 1970 & ƒ The Breeding Bird Survey (2008) reported a NNR) 1990 1% decline between 2007 & 2008 but a 1% BTO Redstart: http://www.bto.org/birdtrends2008/wcrredst.shtml increase in numbers between 1995 & 2007

ƒ UK Amber-listed Species ƒ Common bird in Northern Ireland ƒ Climate change Banagher Glen Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Willow Warbler http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=98 Phylloscopus ƒ Recent moderate decline (25-49%) over the ƒ Vulnerable to extreme (ASSI) trochilus past 25 years in UK weather conditions on RSPB Willow Warbler: ƒ Recorded in Banagher Glen in 1985, migration or on wintering Glen Burn http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/w/willowwarbler/index.asp Fairhead & Murlough Bay in 1988 and Glen grounds, such as (ASSI) BBS report (2008): http://www.bto.org/bbs/results/BBSreport08.pdf Burn Wood ASSI in 1986 drought ƒ There has been 47% increase in numbers between 1995 & 2007 in Northern Ireland

(BBS, 2008). There have been considerable declines in England & Wales.

Golden Plover ƒ UK & Ireland Amber-listed Species ƒ Rare & declining breeding species in Ireland ƒ Moorland management: Bann Estuary Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Pluvialis http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=31494 ƒ Listed in Annex I of the EU Birds ƒ Mostly seen around Strangford Lough. The - both overgrazing & (SAC, ASSI) apricaria Directive as a species which average count in Strangford Lough over a undergrazing RSPB Golden Plover: requires special conservation five-year period (2000-2005) was 9,600 - unregulated heather Garron Plateau http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/g/goldenplover/index.asp

measures birds. burning (SAC, ASSI, BBS report (2008): http://www.bto.org/bbs/results/BBSreport08.pdf ƒ Appendix III of Bern Convention ƒ Lough Neagh/Beg & Lough Foyle are also ƒ Human disturbance on Ramsar) ƒ Protected under Schedule 1 of important in an Irish context breeding grounds Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 ƒ The Breeding Birds Survey (2008) recorded Lough Foyle a decline of 8% between 1995 & 2007 and (SPA, ASSI, 29% between 2007 & 2008 in the UK Ramsar)

Lough Neagh & Lough Beg (SPA, Ramsar)

Grey Plover ƒ UK & Ireland Amber-listed Species ƒ SoCC in Northern Ireland for the following ƒ Milder winters may Lough Foyle Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Pluvialis http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=141 reasons: result in an eastwards (SPA, ASSI, squatarola - winters in numbers of international shift, resulting in fewer Ramsar) RSPB Grey Plover: importance in UK birds reaching NI http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/g/greyplover/index.asp - Localised winter visitor in UK & Ireland with shores. The Wetland Bird Survey (2008): >50% of population in 10 or fewer sites http://www.bto.org/webs/alerts/alerts2008/Results/spaNI/nationalaccount.pdf ƒ Only small numbers pass through NI or remain for winter. ƒ Average high count at Strangford Lough for 5 years between 2000 & 2001 and 2004 & 2005 was 238 birds ƒ Other sites usually have fewer than 50 birds

108 at peak counts. ƒ Numbers fluctuate from year to year but there appears to be recent moderate decline in numbers at Strangford Lough & other sites. This is in parallel with a decline across UK sites in the past 10 years ƒ The Wetland Bird Survey (2008) states that following periods of increases, Grey Plover numbers have declined in NI, so much so that a short-term Medium Alert has been triggered. Much of the decline has been due to a reduction in numbers at Strangford Lough. ƒ The WeBS (2008) reported 36% decline in the short-term (5 years) & 1% in the medium- term (10 years)

Great-crested ƒ UK Green-listed Species ƒ Breeding population in Northern Ireland is ƒ Dependence on a few Lough Foyle Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: grebe http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=1 ƒ Ireland Amber-listed Species estimated at 2,000 pairs large sites for the (SPA, ASSI, Podiceps ƒ Lough Neagh & Lough Beg has the largest majority of the Ramsar) The Wetland Bird Survey (2008): cristatus breeding population population http://www.bto.org/webs/alerts/alerts2008/Results/spaNI/nationalaccount.pdf

ƒ Also found at Lough Foyle, Belfast Lough, ƒ Increase in water-borne Lough Neagh & RSPB Great-crested grebe: Strangford Lough & Larne Lough recreation threatens Lough Beg http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/g/greatcrestedgrebe/index.asp ƒ The Wetland Bird Survey (2008) reported 9% some breeding areas (SPA, Ramsar) decline in the short-term (5 years), but 10% JNCC Great-crested grebe (breeding): increase in the medium term (10 years) & http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/UKSPA/UKSPA-A6-4A.pdf

36% increase in the long-term (25%) JNCC Great-crested grebe (non-breeding): ƒ Number of breeding birds at Lough Neagh & http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/UKSPA/UKSPA-A6-4B.pdf Lough Beg is estimated at 500 (24% of All- Ireland population) (JNCC) ƒ Numbers of wintering birds have remained stable in Belfast Lough but have been gradually declining since 1990s in Lough Neagh ƒ Wintering non-breeding populations at the sites are as follows: - Lough Foyle: 220 (6.3% of Irish population) - Lough Neagh & Lough Beg: 1,821 (52.0% of Irish population) -Lough Neagh & Lough Beg (Post-breeding moult period): 2,440 (79.7% of Irish population) (JNCC) -Belfast Lough: 1,385 (39.6% of Irish population) -Strangford Lough: 90 (2.6% of Irish population)

109

Sand martin ƒ UK & Ireland Amber-listed Species ƒ SoCC because of a moderate decline (24- ƒ Poor water quality as Bann Estuary Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=62 Riparia riparia ƒ Protected under the Wildlife (NI) 49%) in the UK over the past 25 years Sand martins are (SAC, ASSI) Order 1985 ƒ The Breeding Birds Survey (2008) estimated dependent upon good BBS report (2008): http://www.bto.org/bbs/results/BBSreport08.pdf that numbers have increased by 26% quality water to obtain White Park Bay between 2007 & 08 and by 20% between sufficient supplies of (ASSI, NT) RSPB Sand Martin: http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/s/sandmartin/index.asp 1995 & 2007 in the UK. emergent flying insects ƒ Recorded from Banagher Glen in 1985

Black-legged ƒ UK & Ireland Amber-listed Species ƒ Localised breeder in UK with 50% of all birds ƒ Oil pollution Carrick-a-rede Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Kittiwake http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=39 at less than 10 sites ƒ Shortages in food (ASSI) Rissa tridactyla ƒ In Northern Ireland >75% of the breeding supply, potentially UK Seabirds in 2008: population is found on Rathlin Island associated over- Portmuck http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/pub09_ukseabirdsin2008a.pdf ƒ Seabird 2000 estimated numbers at: exploitation & warming (ASSI) Seabird 2000: - Co. Antrim: 12,109 birds sea temperatures http://www.jncc.gov.uk/PDF/S2000_16_kit_tabs_and_figs_web.pdf - Co. Londonderry: 498 birds Rathlin Island - Rathlin Island: 9,917 birds (SAC, SPA) JNCC Kittiwake (breeding): ƒ The UK Seabirds (2008) estimated the http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/UKSPA/UKSPA-A6-87.pdf

population at 380,000 breeding pairs (1998- Sheep Island RSPB Kittiwake: http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/k/kittiwake/ 2002). There was a decline of 52% between (SPA, ASSI) 1986 & 2008 Further counts at specific sites on Rathlin Island see NBN Gateway: ƒ Recorded from the following sites. (Estimated Ramore Head & http://data.nbn.org.uk/index_homepage/index.jsp counts in parentheses): The Skerries - Carrick-a-rede 2000 (568) (ASSI) - Sheep Island 2000 (316) - Little Skerries 2000 (76) - Numerous sites on Rathlin Island, including North & West Kebble (NBN Gateway)

Stonechat ƒ UK Green-listed Species ƒ SoCC because of a moderate decline (25- ƒ Habitat loss to intensive Giant’s Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Saxicola http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=84 49%) over the past 25 years in the UK farming & development Causeway & torquata ƒ Quite common throughout Northern Ireland ƒ Vulnerable to harsh Dunseverick RSPB Stonechat: ƒ There was an estimated 7,000 – 18,000 pairs winters (WHS, ASSI, http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/s/stonechat/index.asp in Ireland in 1988-1991 (NI accounting for NNR) BBS report (2008): http://www.bto.org/bbs/results/BBSreport08.pdf around 15%) ƒ The Breeding Birds Survey (2008) estimated a significant 209% increase between 1995 & 2007 in the UK, in part attributable to a succession of mild winters

110 Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Eider ƒ UK Amber-listed Species because ƒ No Alerts have been triggered (WeBS, 2008) ƒ Oil pollution Giant’s http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=197 Somateria >50% are found in fewer than ten as breeding & wintering populations are Causeway & RSPB Eider: http://rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/e/eider/index.asp mollissima sites increasing Dunseverick ƒ Ireland Amber-listed Species ƒ Northern Ireland breeding population (WHS, ASSI, The Wetland Bird Survey (2008): ƒ Listed in EC Birds Directive, Annex estimated at around 100 pairs, although NNR) http://www.bto.org/webs/alerts/alerts2008/Results/spaNI/nationalaccount.pdf

III/2 2,500 birds have been recorded in the winter ƒ Belfast Lough & Lough Foyle hold the largest Lough Foyle populations. Estimated numbers are as (SPA, ASSI, follows: Ramsar) - Belfast Lough: 685 (34.3% of Irish population) Ramore Head & - Lough Foyle: 50 (2.5% of Irish population) The Skerries (JNCC) (ASSI)

Rathlin Island (SAC, SPA)

White Park Bay (ASSI) Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Common Tern ƒ UK & Ireland Amber-listed Species ƒ Northern Ireland supports internationally ƒ Vulnerable to human Larne Lough http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=138 Sterna hirundo ƒ Listed on Annex I of the EU Birds important numbers with a large proportion of disturbances (SPA, ASSI, JNCC Common Tern: http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/UKSPA/UKSPA-A6-90.pdf Directive the population localised to a small number of Ramsar) sites ƒ Vulnerable to ground & Seabird 2000: ƒ The Seabird 2000 census recorded 1,700 avian predators Lough Neagh & http://www.jncc.gov.uk/PDF/S2000_19_cot_tabs_and_figs_web.pdf

pairs nesting in NI: 348 in Co. Antrim & 2 in Lough Beg RSPB Common Tern: Co. L’derry ƒ Lack of suitable, (SPA, Ramsar) http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/c/commontern/index.asp ƒ Largest colonies occur in Strangford, Larne undisturbed nesting and Carlingford Loughs. The Belfast Lough sites Swan Island UK Seabirds in 2008: http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/pub09_ukseabirdsin2008a.pdf colony is growing in size & Importance. Inland (SPA, NNR) colonies also occur on Lower Lough Erne & Lough Neagh ƒ Recorded from Swan Island (98 birds) & Blue Circle Island, Larne Lough in 2000 (423) in 2000. ƒ The Breeding Bird Survey (2008) reported a significant decline by 54% in the UK between 2007-2008. There was a slight increase (3%) between 1995-2007 ƒ A total of 180 birds were recorded at Larne Lough (5.8% of Irish population) & 185 birds were recorded at Lough Neagh & Lough Beg (6.0% of Irish population) (JNCC) ƒ The UK Seabird (2008) estimated the population (1998-2002) at 10,000 breeding pairs. There was a decline of 16% between 1986-2002

111

Sandwich Tern ƒ UK & Ireland Amber-listed Species ƒ Approximately 2,000 pairs nest in Northern ƒ Vulnerable to ground & Bann Estuary Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Sterna http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=363 Ireland but at fewer than 10 colonies avian predators (SAC, ASSI) sandvicensis ƒ Over 600 pairs can be found at Larne ƒ Vulnerable to human RSPB Sandwich Tern: Lough. disturbances Larne Lough http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/s/sandwichtern/index.asp ƒ Seabird 2000 recorded 348 birds in Co. ƒ Lack of suitable (SPA, ASSI, JNCC Sandwich Tern (breeding): Antrim undisturbed nesting Ramsar) http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/UKSPA/UKSPA-A6-88A.pdf ƒ Estimated numbers of breeding sandwich sites tern are as follows: Swan Island Seabird 2000: - Carlingford Lough: 575 (13.1% of Irish (SPA, NNR) http://www.jncc.gov.uk/PDF/S2000_17_san_tabs_and_figs_web.pdf

population) UK Seabirds in 2008: - Larne Lough: 165 (3.8% of Irish population) http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/pub09_ukseabirdsin2008a.pdf - Strangford Lough: 593 (13.5% of Irish population) (JNCC) ƒ The UK Seabirds (2008) estimated the population at 12,000 breeding pairs. There was a decline of 29% between 1986 & 2008

Shelduck ƒ UK & Ireland Amber-listed Species ƒ Northern Ireland supports internationally ƒ Threats to estuaries will Bann Estuary Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Tadorna http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=8 important numbers. Occurs in Lough Foyle, have direct effects on (SAC, ASSI) tadorna Lough Neagh & Lough Beg, Belfast Lough & Shelduck JNCC Shelduck (non-breeding): a large proportion at Strangford Lough. ƒ Breeding birds Larne Lough http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/UKSPA/UKSPA-A6-27.pdf Estimated numbers of non-breeding Shelduck vulnerable to ground (SPA, ASSI, BBS report (2008): http://www.bto.org/bbs/results/BBSreport08.pdf are as follows: predators such as rats Ramsar) - Lough Foyle: 287 (4.1% of Irish population) and mink BTO Shelduck: http://www.bto.org/birdtrends2006/wcrsheld.htm - Lough Neagh & Lough Beg: 159 (2.3% of Irish Lough Foyle population) (SPA, ASSI, RSPB Shelduck: http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/s/shelduck/

- Belfast Lough: 589 (8.4% of Irish population) Ramsar) The Wetland Bird Survey (2008): - Strangford Lough: 3,871 (55.3% of Irish http://www.bto.org/webs/alerts/alerts2008/Results/spaNI/nationalaccount.pdf population) (JNCC) Lough Neagh & ƒ The Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS, 2008) Lough Beg reports an increase in overwintering numbers (SPA, Ramsar) in NI ƒ In the UK there was an 11% between 1995 & Ramore Head & 2007 (BBS, 2008) The Skerries (ASSI)

Guillemot ƒ UK & Ireland Amber-listed Species ƒ The largest colony in Northern Ireland is at ƒ Changes in availability Carrick-a-rede Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Uria aalge http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=41 Rathlin Island. of prey, such as sand (ASSI) ƒ Seabird 2000 recorded 98, 546 birds in Co. eels. Movements of JNCC Guillemot (breeding): Antrim: 95,117 on Rathlin Island, 1,484 on sand eels are affected Portmuck http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/UKSPA/UKSPA-A6-93.pdf the Gobbins & 1,321 on Muck Island by changing sea (ASSI) Seabird 2000: ƒ In 2007 some 81,303 individuals were temperatures & http://www.jncc.gov.uk/PDF/S2000_22_gui_tabs_and_figs_web.pdf counted on Rathlin Island, which was a large numbers by over- Rathlin Island

decline since the last complete count in 1999 exploitation (SAC, SPA) RSPB Guillemot: ƒ Also recorded from Sheep Island (40 birds) in http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/g/guillemot/index.asp

1999 & Carrick-a-rede (185 birds) in 2000. Sheep Island UK Seabirds in 2008: ƒ The Muck Island & Gobbins Cliffs support (SPA, ASSI) http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/pub09_ukseabirdsin2008a.pdf

112 around 2,500 birds ƒ The UK Seabirds (2008) estimated the Further counts at specific sites on Rathlin Island see NBN Gateway: http://data.nbn.org.uk/index_homepage/index.jsp population at 1,400,000 individuals. There was a 28% increase between 1986 & 2008. CRUSTACEANS

ƒ No legal protection ƒ Found in numerous locations around the ƒ Loss of habitat through Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Circular Crab http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=620 Atelecyclus Northern Ireland coast. use of mobile fishing (SAC, SPA) rotundatus ƒ Although it is widespread throughout the UK gear, which disrupt the Marine Life Information Network: and ROI, it is likely that NI holds the majority habitat (sublittoral sands Bann Estuary http://www.marlin.ac.uk/speciesinformation.php?speciesID=2674 of sites & population in an All-Ireland context & gravels) (SAC, ASSI) ƒ Listed as a declining species due to habitat loss.

ƒ No legal protection ƒ Rare & possibly declining. Scarce in the rest ƒ Vulnerable to shallow Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Hermit Crab http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=619 Cestopagurus of the UK & Ireland water dredging (SAC, SPA) timidus ƒ Known from two sites in Northern Ireland, both ƒ Vulnerable to Marine Life Information Network: on Rathlin Island, which represent all of the deterioration of water http://www.marlin.ac.uk/speciesinformation.php?speciesID=2936

known Irish population quality & eutrophication ƒ This species is very small & easily missed on diving surveys

ƒ No legal protection ƒ Recorded from a large number of sites in ƒ Mobile fishing gear Garron Plateau Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Crab http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=622 Inachus Northern Ireland. Fewer records are available disrupts the habitat (SAC, ASSI, leptochirus from ROI (mud/muddy sands) Ramsar) ƒ Numerous sites around north-east & east ƒ In areas of coarser coast of NI: Rathlin Island, Ballycastle, sediments, may be Rathlin Island Garron Plateau, Red Bay, Larne, vulnerable to trawling & (SAC, SPA) Donaghadee & Strangford Lough dredging for scallops ƒ Possibly declining but further data is required to confirm this

ƒ No legal protection ƒ Widespread in Northern Ireland in low ƒ Habitat loss from use of Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Rugose Squat http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=623 Lobster intertidal zones through to depths of 50- mobile fishing gear (SAC, SPA) Munida rugosa 100m, on sandy of soft substrata. Found Marine Life Information Network: throughout the year http://www.marlin.ac.uk/speciesinformation.php?speciesID=3834

ƒ NI holds >50% of the total Ireland population

& is likely to have declined due to loss of seabed habitat from use of mobile fishing gear ƒ Found in the following locations in NI: - Portrush Skerries - Around Rathlin Island - The Maidens - Larne - The Gobbins - Strangford Lough (north end) - Off Muck Island

113

ƒ No legal protection but ic covered ƒ Scarce & declining species ƒ Tangle net fishing Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Crawfish* http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=624 Palinurus by fisheries regulations ƒ In Northern Ireland it is found at numerous ƒ Sensitive to extraction (SAC, SPA) elephas administered by Fisheries Division sites: around the western third of Rathlin Marine Life Information Network: of DARD (NI) Island, Shamrock Pinnacle & near Kinbane http://www.marlin.ac.uk/speciesinformation.php?speciesID=4022 head on the North Coast. Encyclopaedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland: ƒ Recorded at West of Castle Head, Rathlin http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/species.asp?item=S24140 Island (Seasearch, 2005) Seasearch Rathlin Island Survey (2005): http://www.seasearch.co.uk/downloads/rathlin%20report.pdf

ƒ No legal protection ƒ Northern Ireland holds an important ƒ Mobile bottom fishing Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Masked Crab http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=698 Corystes population, which is likely to be in decline gear (trawls & dredges) (SAC, SPA) cassivelaunus ƒ In NI this species is found at numerous sites: disrupts the benthic Marine Life Information Network: Portstewart, Portush Skerries, Church Bay habitat http://www.marlin.ac.uk/speciesinformation.php?speciesID=3074

Rathlin Island, along the North Coast, Seasearch Rathlin Island Survey (2007): Cushedun & Red Bay. Also found at Brown’s http://www.seasearch.co.uk/downloads/rathlin%202007%20report.pdf Bay, entrance to Belfast Lough, in Dundrum Bay, near Hellyhunter Rock off Carlingford Lough ƒ Seven Masked crabs were recorded during the Seasearch Rathlin Island Survey (2007) at Church Bay & South of the ‘HMS Drake’ Cardinal Marker

ƒ No legal protection but fishing is ƒ Widespread distribution throughout Northern ƒ Fishing: pots or creels, Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Common http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=699 Lobster regulated by enforcement of a Ireland resulting in early Rathlin Island Homarus minimum catch size (Department of ƒ Threatened by fishing (mainly use of creels). mortality (SAC, SPA) Encyclopaedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland: Agriculture (NI) Fisheries Division) Numbers have declined considerably. http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/species.asp?item=S23600 gammarus ƒ Six individuals were recorded at Rathlin Ramore Head & Marine Life Information Network: Island (East of Black Head) (Seasearch, The Skerries http://www.marlin.ac.uk/speciesinformation.php?speciesID=3519 2005) (ASSI) ƒ Recorded from Portrush Harbour (2007) & NBN Gateway: North of Great Skerrie (2006) http://data.nbn.org.uk/interactive/map.jsp?srchSp=NBNSYS0000188514 (distribution map)

Seasearch Rathlin Island Survey (2005): http://www.seasearch.co.uk/downloads/rathlin%20report.pdf

Further counts at specific sites around Rathlin Island see NBN Gateway:

http://data.nbn.org.uk/index_homepage/index.jsp

114 MOTHS

ƒ Listed as ‘Notable’ in the UK ƒ Undergone a rapid decline. ƒ Changes to hedge Magilligan Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Small Eggar http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=5702 Moth ƒ Magilligan-Ballymaclary population is one of management; summer (SAC, ASSI) Eriogaster the largest in the UK. In 2005, 54 webs were cutting destroys larval Small Eggar: http://www.habitas.org.uk/moths/frameset.html recorded. Appears to be extinct at the nearby webs, spring cutting lanestris Umbra may remove eggs & Allen and Mellon (2005) A Survey of the Scarce Crimson and Gold (Pyrausta sanguinalis) in Northern Ireland 2005: winter cutting may http://www.habitas.org.uk/cedar/ScarceCrimsonAndGold.pdf remove pupae. (Small eggar also surveyed)

ƒ Once widespread throughout the UK & ƒ Agricultural Bann Estuary Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Narrow http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=6070 Bordered Bee Ireland but now has a mainly western improvement of (SAC, ASSI) Hawk Moth* distribution. Most recent records from NI are unimproved grassland & UK Species Action Plan (1999): from Co. Fermanagh heathland http://www.ukbap.org.uk/UKPlans.aspx?ID=358 Hemaris tityus ƒ Rarely more than one or two reported Narrow Bordered Bee Hawk Moth: sightings each year. Possibly overlooked due http://www.habitas.org.uk/moths/species.asp?item=6070 to its bee-like appearance

ƒ Rare species, which is thought to have ƒ Threats are unknown Portstewart Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Wood Tiger http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=6142 Parasemia undergone a serious decline in range & ƒ Likely to be linked to Strand (NT) plantaginis numbers agricultural improvement The Butterflies and Moths of Northern Ireland: ƒ In recent years it has been recorded from two & loss of acid grassland The Umbra http://www.habitas.org.uk/moths/frameset.html

sites in Co. Fermanagh and Portstewart habitats (UWT)

Strand, Co. L’derry

ƒ Thought to have undergone a rapid decline ƒ Threats are unknown The Umbra Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Pretty Pinion http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=5886 Perizoma ƒ Most recent records have been from the ƒ Likely to be linked to (UWT) blandiata Umbra (1998 & 2002) agricultural improvement The Butterflies and Moths of Northern Ireland: ƒ Other records include Rathlin Island & & loss of herb-rich http://www.habitas.org.uk/moths/frameset.html

Lisblake Bog, Co. Fermanagh (1992) grassland ƒ Historically recorded from four other sites: Glenarm (Co. Antrim), Lough Fea (Co. Tyrone), Rostrevor & Newcastle (Co. Down)

ƒ One of UK’s rarest moths. ƒ Habitat loss & damage Magilligan Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Scarce http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=26894 Crimson & ƒ Known distribution limited to north coast of through recreational use (SAC, ASSI) Gold Moth* Northern Ireland & northern tip of Isle of Man. and development of golf Allen and Mellon (2005) A Survey of the Scarce Crimson and Gold (Pyrausta ƒ Rare with NI as the UK stronghold, as there courses and housing sanguinalis) in Northern Ireland 2005: Pyrausta are 4 sites in the UK, 3 of which are in NI. http://www.habitas.org.uk/cedar/ScarceCrimsonAndGold.pdf sanguinalis ƒ Restricted to sand dune systems at Portstewart, the Umbra & Magilligan- Ballymaclary Strands. ƒ Survey in 2005 (Allen & Mellon) discovered

115 new colonies at Magilligan Strand & the Umbra. Populations at all of the sites appeared healthy, with a total of 83 individuals recorded

ƒ Rare & declining in Northern Ireland ƒ Threats unknown Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: The Confused http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=6428 Apamea furva ƒ Only recorded from Rathlin Island since 1988 (SAC, SPA) ƒ Historical records from two sites in Co. Butterflies and Moths of Northern Ireland: L’derry & one site in Co. Down http://www.habitas.org.uk/moths/species.asp?item=6428

ƒ Extremely rare moth, with less than a dozen ƒ Threats unknown Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Square-spot http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=6166 dart recorded sightings. (SAC, SPA) Euxoa obelisca ƒ First discovered on Rathlin Island in 1988, Butterflies and Moths of Northern Ireland: then rediscovered on Rathlin Island in 2001, http://www.habitas.org.uk/moths/species.asp?item=6166

where it is quite widely distributed

ƒ Found at Copeland Bird Observatory (Co. Down) in 2003 ƒ Old record from Magilligan in 1990

ƒ Extremely rare species in Northern Ireland ƒ Loss or deterioration of Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Bordered Grey http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=6030 Selidosema ƒ Recent records are from Mullenakill Bog NNR suitable habitat (SAC, SPA) brunnearia in Peatlands Park (Co. Armagh) Butterflies and Moths of Northern Ireland: ƒ Single specimen was recorded on Rathlin http://www.habitas.org.uk/moths/species.asp?item=6030

Island for the first time in 2001

BUTTERFLIES

ƒ Protected under the Bern ƒ In 1990s the Marsh Fritillary was recorded ƒ Parasitic wasps can Magilligan Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Marsh http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=5567 Fritillary* Convention (Annex II) from 58 sites in Northern Ireland but in 2005 it cause severe mortality of (SAC, ASSI) ƒ Listed in EC Habitats & Species was only recorded from 8 (Co. Down: 5 sites, caterpillars Eurodryas Northern Ireland Species Action Plan Marsh Fritillary (2005): http://www.ni- Directive (Annex II) Co. Antrim: 2 sites, Co. Fermanagh: 1 site). ƒ Loss/ reduced quality of aurinia environment.gov.uk/pubs/publications/marshfritillary_pdf.pdf ƒ Protected under Schedules 5 and 7 ƒ Six sites are included in the UK list of cSACs, breeding habitat due to

of the Wildlife (NI) Order with Marsh Fritillary included as a selection agricultural improvement Butterflies and Moths of Northern Ireland: feature. ƒ Habitat fragmentation http://www.habitas.org.uk/moths/species.asp?item=5567

ƒ Northern Ireland constitutes one of the main leading to small/ isolated Butterfly Conservation Marsh Fritillary: http://www.butterfly- populations known anywhere (Butterfly colonies conservation.org/Butterfly/32/Butterfly.html?ButterflyId=10 Conservation NI Butterfly Report, 2008) ƒ Grazing: absence of ƒ There were 158 recordings of the Marsh grazing or over-grazing UK Species Action Plan Marsh Fritillary: http://www.ukbap.org.uk/UKPlans.aspx?ID=300 Fritillary in 2008 & 564 in 2007. The highest can result in loss of number of recordings was 602 in 1999 but the marsh fritillary habitat Butterfly Conservation Northern Ireland Butterfly Report for 2008: lowest was 42 in 2003 (Butterfly Conservation http://www.bcni.org.uk/Main.HTM NI Butterfly Report, 2008) UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme Annual Report (2007):

116 http://www.ukbms.org/docs/reports/2007/UKBMS%20Annual%20Report%20 2007.pdf

Nelson (2004) The Distribution, Status and Habitat Preference of the Marsh Fritillary Euphydras Aurinia in Northern Ireland. A Report to EHS: http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/marshfrit.pdf

ƒ Found throughout western Europe, inhabiting ƒ Vulnerable to habitat Creighton’s Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Green http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=5528 Hairstreak mainly heathland habitats Damage/destruction Wood (UWT) Callophrys rubi ƒ Has declined considerably in Northern Ireland Butterflies and Moths of Northern Ireland: over the last 25 years; by at least 1% per year http://www.habitas.org.uk/moths/species.asp?item=5528

Butterfly Ireland: http://www.butterflyireland.com/GreenHairstreak.htm

BEES

ƒ Classified as ‘Rare’ in Great Britain • Four active sites were recorded on the ƒ Land use changes: Ballymaclary Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Northern http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=9599 Colletes* North Coast in Counties L’derry & Antrim in abandonment of (NNR) Colletes floralis 2003. These were the first NI records since traditional grazing UK Species Action Plan The Northern Colletes (1999): 1933 (Portballintrae). Also confirmed at the practices Bann Estuary http://www.ukbap.org.uk/UKPlans.aspx?ID=235

Umbra in 2004. ƒ Loss of foraging & [Portstewart Northern Ireland Species Action Plan Northern Colletes (2006): • Largest populations were found at nesting sites Strand] (SAC, http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/colletessapwebversionapril06.pdf Ballymaclary dunes & Portstewart Strand. ƒ Agricultural ASSI) These were found in several aggregations intensification: loss of Quercus Project (2009): over relatively large areas & appear stable. herb-rich dune Magilligan http://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/Quercus/Projects/2009/8Northernminingbeeecology/ • Those at Bushfoot Strand & White Park grasslands (SAC, ASSI) Bay consist of three small aggregations, ƒ Habitat fragmentation therefore may be vulnerable to minor ƒ Climate change: could North Antrim disturbances &/or management changes affect its distribution & Coast (SAC) • A small population also exists at The abundance Umbra Nature Reserve (R Paxton, pers. Runkerry comm.) [Bushfoot • A Quercus project is being conducted Strand] (ASSI) (2009-2010) on the conservation ecology & genetics of this species The Umbra (UWT)

White Park Bay (ASSI, NT)

117

• Rare in Northern Ireland, restricted to a ƒ Loss of habitat White Park Bay Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Solitary Bee http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=9720 Lasioglossum single site ƒ Destruction of nest sites (ASSI, NT) rufitarse • Only recorded once in NI at White Park Bay ƒ Loss of forage plants as on the North Antrim Coast in 1985 they must be close to nest sites

FLIES/DRAGONFLIES

ƒ Rare with the Irish population restricted to ƒ Changes in drainage Giant’s Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Cranefly http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=8080 Dicranomyia Northern Ireland patterns but habitat is Causeway & goritiensis ƒ Recorded from two sites in Co. Antrim: probably secure Dunseverick Giant’s Causeway & Skernaghan Point (NT) (WHS, ASSI,

on Islandmagee NNR)

ƒ Northern Irelands holds the entire UK ƒ Eutrophication: Irish Creighton’s Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Irish Damselfly http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=5609 Coenagrion population & an estimated 40% of the Irish damselfly requires Wood (UWT) lunulatum population wetland habitat with Dragonfly Ireland: http://www.habitas.org.uk/dragonflyireland/ ƒ Declining species: decline estimated at 10% good water quality

per decade ƒ Drainge: leading to Irish Damselfly: http://www.habitas.org.uk/dragonflyireland/5609.htm

ƒ In 2000, there was a minimum of 35 colonies drying out of wetland Northern Ireland Species Action Plan (2007): in NI, mostly occurring in Counties Armagh, habitats http://www.belfasthills.org/minisite/adult_version/draftirishdamselflysapmar07 Fermanagh & Tyrone. ƒ Forestry: leading to -2.pdf ƒ Recorded from Creighton’s Wood (2004) drying out of wetland ƒ Further studies are required to understand habitat & lowering of the life history & ecological requirements of water table the Irish damselfly. ƒ Alien freshwater species ƒ Climate change could result in a shift in its distribution TRUE BUGS

• Scarce in Northern Ireland • Increasing temperature Lough Neagh & Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Water http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=10406 Boatman • Northern Ireland holds the entire UK may threaten Irish Lough Beg Sigara population populations which are (SPA, Ramsar) • Globally this species is quite rare, recorded the only ones that exist fallenoidea from four countries in a temperate climate Lough Beg • Found in Lough Beg, Lough Neagh, Lower • Eutrophication of lakes (ASSI) Lough Erne (1988 & 1989) & Upper Lough • Lowering of water levels Erne (2005) • Alien fish & invertebrate species

118 BEETLES

ƒ Very rare with Northern Ireland being the ƒ Cause of decline is Bann Estuary Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Rove Beetle http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=23191 Bledius erraticus Irish stronghold unknown (SAC, ASSI) ƒ Important in British Isles context ƒ Habitat fragmentation ƒ Likely to be in decline in Northern Ireland & ƒ Isolation of remnant Magilligan vulnerable in its isolated Bann Estuary site population (SAC, ASSI)

ƒ H. novemlineatus has only been found ƒ Eutrophication of lakes Lough Beg Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Nine-striped http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=7532 Diving Beetle recently at Church Island at Lough Beg, ƒ Loss of marginal sandy [Church Island] Hygrotus Loughs Skale & Vearty in Fermanagh bays to fen vegetation (SPA, ASSI, ƒ Rapidly declining and scarce species ƒ Anaerobic mud due to NNR, Ramsar) novemlineatus ƒ Modern records (1980-2005) for 3 hectads in algal blooms Northern Ireland. Decline rates based on losses post-1980 are 63% for NI

SEGMENTED WORMS

ƒ No legal protection ƒ Very scarce in Northern Ireland ƒ Heavy mobile fishing Magilligan Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Honeycomb http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=649 Worm ƒ Thought to be in decline gear damages reefs (SAC, ASSI) Sabellaria ƒ Known from three sites on the north coast & ƒ Laying underwater The Marine Life Information Network: one in Strangford Lough pipes and cables http://www.marlin.ac.uk/speciesinformation.php?speciesID=4278 spinulosa ƒ Found offshore of Magilligan Strand ƒ Sumarine constructions NI Habitat Action Plan Sabellaria spinulosa Reefs ( 2005): Rinnagree Point, Portstewart Point & off ƒ Aggregate extraction http://www.ni- Ballyhenry Point in Strangford Lough (not in environment.gov.uk/natural/biodiversity/sabellariaspinulosareefs.pdf reef form)

ƒ No legal protection • Northern Ireland has the only known sites for ƒ Habitat of sublittoral Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Segmented http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=716 Worm this species in the UK sand & shell material is (SAC, SPA) Leucia nivea • Found in Strangford Lough, east coast of vulnerable to Rathlin Island & south-west of the West disturbance by mobile Maidens. The habitat at these three sites fishing gear may have been damaged

119 MOLLUSCS

ƒ Protected under Wildlife (NI) Order ƒ Rare in Northern Ireland ƒ Damage caused by Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Fan Mussel* http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=40786 Atrina fragilis 1985 ƒ Has undergone a rapid decline. commercial fishing Coast ƒ Has only been found living once in NI waters gear: trawls & dredges. (ASSI) UK Species Action Plan Fan Mussel (1999): since 1971, when an individual was taken These disturb the http://www.ukbap.org.uk/UKPlans.aspx?ID=123 from sand & gravel habitats in Church Bay seabed & remove fan during a trawling survey for the Queen mussels from the NBN Gateway: Scallop sediment http://data.nbn.org.uk/interactive/map.jsp?srchSp=NBNSYS0000040786 ƒ In June 2007 it was found off the east coast ƒ Gravel & sand (distribution map) of Rathlin Island by divers from EHS & Ulster extraction Museum. This is the only known living CEDaR Annual Report 2007-2008: individual in NI. http://www.nmni.com/Documents/UM/CEDaR/um_naturalsciences_cedar_ab outus_aimofcedar_an-(3) ƒ Shells have been found on Portstewart, Downhill & Magilligan Strand. Seasearch Skerries Survey (2006): ƒ Two empty shells were found inside of the http://www.seasearch.co.uk/downloads/skerries%20report.pdf Skerries. No live specimens were found but it is thought they may be present as one of Seasearch Rathlin Island Survey (2007) shells found was young. Dense cover of http://www.seasearch.co.uk/downloads/rathlin%202007%20report.pdf hydroids & boulders makes it difficult to locate live specimens (Seasearch, 2006)

ƒ Rare in Northern Ireland, confined to two ƒ Threats unknown Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Egg Cowrie http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=638 Erato voluta sites off Rathlin Island. NI is the UK & Irish (SAC, SPA) stronghold. ƒ Only found living off the coast of Rathlin

Island in waters >20m during summer months of 1983 & 1984. ƒ Shells have been found on strands of Portstewart & Magilligan ƒ Further studies are required to understand the biology & ecology of this species

ƒ Listed on Annex II of the EU ƒ There are less than a dozen sites in Ireland ƒ Eutrophication of Giant’s Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Narrow- http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?Item=6675 mouthed Whorl Habitats Directive & Species that support this snail. coastal seepages Causeway & Snail* Directive ƒ In Northern Ireland it is recorded from a small which maintain the Dunseverick JNCC: ƒ Listed as ‘vulnerable’ on the area on the Causeway Coast. The areas at sites at the Giant’s (WHS, ASSI, http://www.jncc.gov.uk/ProtectedSites/SACselection/species.asp?FeatureInt Vertigo IUCN/WCMC red list the Giant’s Causeway support strong Causeway NNR) Code=S1014 angustior populations, where it is protected by ƒ Deterioration of water UK Species Action Plan Narrow-mouthed Whorl Snail: ASSI/SAC/NNR designations quality North Antrim http://www.ukbap.org.uk/UKPlans.aspx?ID=626 ƒ Holyoak (2005) rediscovered the Causeway Coast (SAC) colony at Port Noffer, Port Ganny, Portnaboe & Port Moon ƒ Has also been recorded from White Park & Magilligan but dates of these recordings are unavailable.

ƒ Listed on Annex II of the EU ƒ Scarce in Northern Ireland with scattered ƒ Overgrazing Garron Plateau Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Whorl Snail* http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=6674 Vertigo geyeri Habitats Directive & Species sites which are very small & vulnerable. ƒ Wind farm (SAC, ASSI,

120 Directive ƒ Ireland & Scandinavia are the only areas with developments, roads & Ramsar) UK Species Action Plan Whorl snail (1995): ƒ Classified as ‘Vulnerable’ on the substantial populations development of tracks http://www.ukbap.org.uk/UKPlans.aspx?ID=628 IUCN/WCMC Red List ƒ Close proximity to Carn/ ƒ ‘Endangered’ on the GB Red List. conifer plantations may Glenshane risk acidification & (SAC, ASSI)

shading

ƒ The Golden Mussel has been found at ƒ Climate change Bann Estuary Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Golden Mussel http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=713 Crenella Strangford Lough (1976 to 2005) & Belfast (SAC, ASSI) decussata Lough (1978 to 2002). ƒ Has also been found in Larne Lough, Lough Larne Lough

Foyle, Carlingford Lough, Bann Estuary & off (SPA, ASSI, the Antrim coast. Ramsar)

Lough Foyle (SPA, ASSI, Ramsar)

ƒ This nudibranch mollusc was found at ƒ Threats unknown Bann Estuary Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Nudibranch http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=711 Mollusc Strangford Lough (1962 to 1997) & off (SAC, ASSI) Embletonia Belfast Lough (1990 to 2005) The Marine Life Information Network: ƒ Has also been found in Lough Foyle, Lough Foyle http://www.marlin.ac.uk/speciesinformation.php?speciesID=3261 pulchra Carlingford Lough & the Bann Estuary (SPA, ASSI, Encyclopaedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland: ƒ Northern Ireland holds the majority of the Ramsar) http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/ Irish populations. ƒ Likely to be under-recorded and there is little knowledge of current populations ƒ Further studies are required to investigate the status in the UK & Northern Ireland TUNICATES

ƒ No legal protection ƒ Northern Ireland holds approximately 50% of ƒ Threats unknown Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Sea Squirt http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=728 Archidistoma the Irish sites (SAC, SPA) aggregatum ƒ Found at numerous sites in NI: Portstewart Encyclopaedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland: Point, south coast of Rathlin Island, Murlough http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/species.asp?item=ZD230

Bay, Fair Head, Torr Head, Carnlough, the

Maidens & Muck Island in areas of strong tidal currents with rock scoured by drifting sand particles ƒ No legal protection Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: ƒ Rare & Northern Ireland holds all the Irish ƒ Main threat is disruption Rathlin Island http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=729 Sea Squirt Boltenia sites of its seabed habitat by (SAC, SPA) Encyclopaedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland: echinata ƒ Found at Rue Point on Rathlin Island, use of mobile bottom http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/species.asp?item=ZD2300 Murlough Bay, the Maiden, Muck Island fishing gear, trawling or

ƒ Co. Down sites include the Copeland Islands, scallop dredging.

Long Sheelagh in Strangford Lough & off St John’s Point in Dundrum Bay

121 CNIDARIANS (Hydroids, anemones, corals)

• No legal protection ƒ Extremely rare in Northern Ireland & may be ƒ No specific reasons for Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Cerianthid http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=609 Anemone declining. Scarce throughout the rest of the decline identified (SAC, SPA) Arachnanthus UK & Ireland ƒ Vulnerable to Encyclopaedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland: ƒ In NI only known from one section of disturbance of seabed http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/species.asp?item=D10920 sarsi (southern) coast on Rathlin Island. habitat by mobile fishing The Marine Life Information Network: ƒ This anemone was previously known from gear & scallop dredging. http://www.marlin.ac.uk/speciesinformation.php?speciesID=258 only two records from Church Bay (east of Church Bay is regularly Black Head & the White Cliffs). During a fished by scallop CEDaR Annual Report 2007-2008: survey in 2006 of Rathlin Island, one record dredgers http://www.nmni.com/Documents/UM/CEDaR/um_naturalsciences_cedar_ab outus_aimofcedar_an-(3) was made during a night dive, close to the original records. During 2007 further records were made on seven dives, all at the White Cliffs. Several of these dives were in the daytime, showing that this species is not nocturnal on Rathlin as previously thought. ƒ Populations on Rathlin may be comparable with the most abundant populations within the UK, which makes Rathlin Island a UK stronghold for this species (Source: CEDaR Annual Report 2007-2008) Southern Cup ƒ Rare & probably declining ƒ No known threats Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Coral http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=610 Caryophyllia ƒ Northern Ireland holds one of the only two ƒ Vulnerable to ecosystem (SAC, SPA) inornata known sites in Ireland: Ruecallan, Rathlin changes due to changes The Marine Life Information Network: Island in water quality & climate http://www.marlin.ac.uk/speciesinformation.php?speciesID=2898

ƒ Characteristic species of unusual sublittoral change Encyclopaedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland: cliffs & cave systems around the western http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/species.asp?item=D13710 end of Rathlin Island CEDaR Annual Report 2006-2007: http://www.nmni.com/Documents/UM/CEDaR/um_naturalsciences_cedar_ab outus_aimofcedar_an-(4)

ƒ Rapid decline with Northern Ireland being ƒ Scallop dredging is the Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Hydroid http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=611 Diphasia alata the Irish & UK stronghold main threat (SAC, SPA) ƒ Rare, confined to small population of one or Encyclopaedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland: two sites in NI: east coast of Rathlin Island & http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/species.asp?item=D6370

at the Maidens, Co. Antrim. CEDaR Annual Report 2007-2008: ƒ East coast of Rathlin Island was a http://www.nmni.com/Documents/UM/CEDaR/um_naturalsciences_cedar_ab stronghold for this species but this area has outus_aimofcedar_an-(3) changed considerably since 1986. When visited in 2005, most of the boulders where this species was previously attached had been removed, presumably by scallop dredging. It remains quite common on bedrock reefs in the area

122

ƒ No legal protection ƒ Rapid decline with Northern Ireland being ƒ Scallop dredging is the Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Hydroid http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=612 Diphasia nigra the Irish and UK stronghold main threat (SAC, SPA) ƒ Rare, confined to small population of one or Encyclopaedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland: two sites in NI: east coast of Rathlin Island http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/species.asp?item=D6410

ƒ Recorded from the Maidens (Sublittoral CEDaR Annual Report 2006-2007: Survey of Northern Ireland, 2006) http://www.nmni.com/Documents/UM/CEDaR/um_naturalsciences_cedar_ab ƒ East coast of Rathlin Island was a outus_aimofcedar_an-(4) stronghold for this species but this area has changed considerably since 1986. When CEDaR Annual Report 2007-2008: http://www.nmni.com/Documents/UM/CEDaR/um_naturalsciences_cedar_ab visited in 2005, most of the boulders where outus_aimofcedar_an-(3) this species was previously attached had been removed, presumably by scallop dredging. This species was not seen. ƒ Recorded at Rathlin Island (Sublittoral Survey of Northern Ireland, 2007)

ƒ Confined to only two sites in Northern ƒ No threats identified Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Hydroid http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=614 Halecium Ireland, which probably represents >50% of ƒ Where this species (SAC, SPA) plumosum the Irish population: east coast of Rathlin occurs on smaller Encyclopaedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland: Island on the wreck of the lochgary & on the boulders, gravel & dead http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/species.asp?item=D5300

Russell’s Rock in the Maidens. shells, it may be CEDaR Annual Report 2007-2008: ƒ Recorded from several sites on Rathlin vulnerable to habitat http://www.nmni.com/Documents/UM/CEDaR/um_naturalsciences_cedar_ab Island (Sublittoral Survey of Northern disruption by mobile outus_aimofcedar_an-(3) Ireland, 2006) fishing gear. Such ƒ Only other site in Ireland is in south Donegal disruption would pose a Bay. severe threat to the NI population

ƒ No legal protection ƒ Rare and declining in numbers & distribution ƒ Habitat heavily affected Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Hydroid http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=615 Lytocarpia ƒ Recorded off Rathlin Island, the Maidens & by bottom trawling & (SAC, SPA) myriophyllum off Co. Down. dredging. This is likely to Encyclopaedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland: be the reason for its http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/species.asp?item=D5660

decline CEDaR Annual Report 2007-2008: http://www.nmni.com/Documents/UM/CEDaR/um_naturalsciences_cedar_ab outus_aimofcedar_an-(3)

ƒ No legal protection ƒ Rare & declining in Northern Ireland ƒ No threats identified Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Yellow Cluster http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=616 Anemone ƒ Scarce throughout rest of the UK & Ireland ƒ Where this species (SAC, SPA) Parazoanthus ƒ Recorded from four sites on Rathlin Island, occurs in more level The Marine Life Information Network: at the western end of its north coast areas of seabed,it may http://www.marlin.ac.uk/speciesinformation.php?speciesID=4044 axinellae ƒ Recorded from the Arches, Derginan point, be vulnerable to mobile Encyclopaedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland: Rathlin Island (Seasearch, 2005) fishing geaar http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/species.asp?item=D11150

Seasearch Rathlin Island Survey (2005): http://www.seasearch.co.uk/downloads/rathlin%20report.pdf

123

ƒ Scarce & declining, with Northern Ireland ƒ Scallop dredging is the Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Hydroid http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=617 Polyplumaria being the stronghold consisting of >50% of main threat (SAC, SPA) flabellata Irish population & >20% of UK population Encyclopaedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland: ƒ Populations recorded on the east coast of http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/species.asp?item=D6100

Rathlin Island & the Maidens Seasearch Isle of Muck and Maidens (2005/2006) Survey: ƒ The east coast of Rathlin Island was the http://seasearch.wisshost.net/downloads/muckmaidens%20report.pdf stronghold for this species, but this area has changed considerably since 1986. When visited in 2005 boulders which this species had previously attached to had mostly been removed, presumably by scallop dredging. It remains quite common on bedrock reefs in the area. ƒ Seasearch Survey (2005/06) recorded this species from West Maidens & in larger numbers from East Maidens

ƒ No legal protection ƒ Scarce & declining in Northern Ireland: holds ƒ Vulnerable to Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Slender Sea http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=618 Pen >50% of all known Irish sites disturbance of the soft (SAC, SPA) Virgularia ƒ Widely distributed in Northern Ireland, with sediments in which it Encyclopaedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland: records from Rathlin Island, Red Bay, the lives. http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/species.asp?item=D10560 mirabilis Maidens, souther section of inner Strangford ƒ May be threatened by The Marine Life Information Network: Lough, Dundrum Bay & inner Carlingford changes in currents & http://www.marlin.ac.uk/speciesinformation.php?speciesID=4579 Lough water exchange (e.g. by ƒ Recorded from Ancarragh Bay, Rathlin Island tidal barrages) as it is a NBN Gateway: (Seasearch, 2005) filter-feeder that relies http://data.nbn.org.uk/interactive/map.jsp?srchSp=NHMSYS0019996984 (distribution map) ƒ Several were found in Church Bay, Rathlin on adequate supplies of Island (Seasearch, 2007). It was also plankton & organic Seasearch Rathlin Island Survey (2005): recorded South of ‘HMS Drake’ Cardinal particles http://seasearch.wisshost.net/downloads/rathlin%20report.pdf Mark, Rathlin Island. A total of seven were ƒ Habitat disruption & Seasearch Rathlin Island Survey (2007): found. suspension of bottom ttp://www.seasearch.co.uk/downloads/rathlin%202007%20report.pdf silts from use of mobile

fishing gear blocks the CEDaR Annual Report 2007-2008:

filter-feeding mechanism http://www.nmni.com/Documents/UM/CEDaR/um_naturalsciences_cedar_ab outus_aimofcedar_an-(3)

ƒ No legal protection ƒ Extremely scarce species ƒ Due to its method of Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Pink Sea http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=693 Fingers ƒ Northern Ireland holds an estimated 50% of reproduction & localised (SAC, SPA) Alcyonium the Irish population nature of larval The Marine Life Information Network: ƒ Only one recorded site in Northern Ireland: dispersal, this species http://www.marlin.ac.uk/speciesinformation.php?speciesID=2444 hibernicum Farganlack Point on the west end of Rathlin would be unlikely to Encyclopaedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland: Island recover after significant http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/species.asp?item=D10300 ƒ Recorded from Farganlack Point & the disruption Arches, Rathlin Island (Seasearch, 2005) Seasearch Rathlin Island Survey (2005): http://www.seasearch.co.uk/downloads/rathlin%20report.pdf

124

ƒ No legal protection ƒ Scarce & declining, with Northern Ireland ƒ Vulnerable to disruption Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Imperial http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=694 Anemone holding >50% of the Irish population & of its habitat (sands, (SAC, SPA) Aureliania possibly 20% of the UK population gravels & maerl beds) The Marine Life Information Network: ƒ Recorded from four sites on the Antrim by mobile bottom fishing http://www.marlin.ac.uk/speciesinformation.php?speciesID=2690 heterocera Coast: Church Bay, Rathlin Island; Red Bay; gear Encyclopaedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland: off the Maidens; Gobbins & four within ƒ Extraction of aggregates http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/species.asp?item=D11860 Strangford Lough for building industry

ƒ No legal protection ƒ Rare & declining in Northern Ireland, which ƒ May be vulnerable to Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: White Cluster http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=695 Anemone is a stronghold for >50% of the Irish mobile fishing gear (SAC, SPA) Parazoanthus population. NI may hold >20% of the UK where this species The Marine Life Information Network: population occurs in more level http://www.marlin.ac.uk/speciesinformation.php?speciesID=4043 anguicomis ƒ Found along the north coast of Rathlin Island areas of seabed Seasearch Rathlin Island Survey (2005): & off the West Light http://www.seasearch.co.uk/downloads/rathlin%20report.pdf ƒ Recorded at Russell’s & Allen’s Rocks in the Maidens ƒ Recorded from the Arches, Derginan point, Rathlin Island (Seasearch, 2005)

ƒ No legal protection ƒ Northern Ireland holds the entire Irish ƒ May be vulnerable to Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Sea Anemone http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=696 Stomphia population disruption of its habitat, (SAC, SPA) coccinea ƒ Recorded from numerous sites on the north- caused by mobile bottom The Marine Life Information Network: east & east coasts of Northern Ireland: trawling or dredging gear http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/species.asp?item=D11920

Rathlin Island, off Ballycastle, Torr Head, & aggregate extraction Seasearch Isle of Muck and Maidens Survey (2005/2006): The Gobbins (2006), Ballygalley Head, ƒ Climate change: http://seasearch.wisshost.net/downloads/muckmaidens%20report.pdf Island Magee & at the entrance to Belfast increasing sea Lough. Also found at Copeland Islands & temperature may result northern parts of the Outer Ards (Co. Down) in northwards contraction of the range.

ƒ No legal protection ƒ Nationally scarce species ƒ No known threats Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Hydroid http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=697 Tamarisca ƒ Recorded from two sites in Northern Ireland: ƒ May be vulnerable to (SAC, SPA) tamarisca Castle Head, Rathlin Island & east of the coastal developments The Marine Life Information Network: North Rocks, Cloghy (Co. Down) & changes to local http://www.marlin.ac.uk/speciesinformation.php?speciesID=4419

current & sediment Encyclopaedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland: regimes http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/species.asp?item=D6890

CEDaR Annual Report 2006-2007: http://www.nmni.com/Documents/UM/CEDaR/um_naturalsciences_cedar_ab outus_aimofcedar_an-(4)

125 BRYOZOANS

ƒ Thought to be declining due to damage to ƒ Trawling & scallop Ramore Head & Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Rose Coral http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=606 Pentapora fragile colonies dredging, which has The Skerries foliacea ƒ Found North of Great Skerrie (Seasearch, altered the habitat & (ASSI) Encyclopaedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland: 2006) destroys fragile http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/species.asp?item=Y3510

colonies Seasearch Skerries Survey (2006): ƒ Climate change http://www.seasearch.co.uk/downloads/skerries%20report.pdf

• No legal protection • Very rare & localised distribution • Threats unknown Ramore Head & Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Lace Coral http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=692 Bugula • Northern Ireland is the stronghold for this • Vulnerable due to the the Skerries turbinata species in Ireland; may hold 50% of small number of sites (ASSI) The Marine Life Information Network: population but this required more • Habitat disruption from http://www.marlin.ac.uk/speciesinformation.php?speciesID=2825

investigation mobile fishing gear Encyclopaedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland: • Likely to be declining http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/species.asp?item=Y8790 • Found at two areas on the north coast: Portrush, Skerries & Portstewart Point, off Muck Island & near the Maidens, and near Green Island in Strangford Lough • Recorded from the Gobbins (2006) • May increase in range with climate change SPONGES

ƒ No legal protection ƒ Rare & in decline ƒ Damage caused by Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Sponge http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=650 Clathria barleei ƒ Northern Ireland holds >50% of Irish sites dredging (SAC, SPA) ƒ Known from six sites in NI: south-east end of Encyclopaedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland: Rathlin Island & five sites in the vicinity of the http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/sponge_guide/sponges.asp?item=C7920

Maidens (stronghold for this species) CEDaR Annual Report 2006-2007: ƒ On Rathlin Island this species was originally http://www.nmni.com/Documents/UM/CEDaR/um_naturalsciences_cedar_ab recorded from boulder habitat between 20m- outus_aimofcedar_an-(4) 35m which is thought to have been lost. Found to be present in deeper water off the CEDaR Annual Report 2007-2008: east Rathlin Island coast but these http://www.nmni.com/Documents/UM/CEDaR/um_naturalsciences_cedar_ab populations remain vulnerable to dredge outus_aimofcedar_an-(3) damage (CEDaR, 2007/08).

ƒ No legal protection ƒ Northern Ireland holds all the Irish sites for this ƒ Where it is found Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Sponge http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=652 Hymerhabdia species amongst boulders (SAC, SPA) typica ƒ Recorded from sites on north & south coasts grading into more level Encyclopaedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland: of Rathlin Island gravel seabed, disruption http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/sponge_guide/sponges.asp?item=C3840

by mobile fishing gear could be a threat as it requires stable conditions

ƒ No legal protection ƒ Found on the North Coast at Portrush ƒ Disruption of seabed Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Sponge http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=653 Iophon ingalli Skerries, Rathlin Island, Fair Head & Torr habitat by bottom (SAC, SPA) (hyndmani) Head. Also found from the Maidens, Muck trawling and dredging Encyclopaedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland: Island, Copeland Islands, Strangford Lough Ramore Head & http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/sponge_guide/sponges.asp?item=C6840

126 & at the entrance to Carlingford Lough The Skerries ƒ ‘Sponge Biodiversity of Rathlin Island’ project (ASSI) CEDaR Annual Report 2007-2008: http://www.nmni.com/Documents/UM/CEDaR/um_naturalsciences_cedar_ab found this species to be common on Rathlin outus_aimofcedar_an-(3) Island ƒ Strangford Lough populations are associated with horse mussel (Modiolus modiolus) beds. Damage to these beds has resulted in loss of habitat.

ƒ No legal protection ƒ Northern Ireland holds the entire Irish ƒ No immediate threats Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Sponge http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=654 Microciona population identified (SAC, SPA) elliptichela ƒ Extremely rare in a UK context ƒ Where it is on exposed Encyclopaedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland: ƒ Formerly only recorded from Rathlin Island, surfaces of bedrock or on http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/sponge_guide/sponges.asp?item=C8145 off the White Cliffs (1988) (single specimen) boulders, it may be CEDaR Annual Report 2007-2008: ƒ More have been found at the White Cliffs vulnerable to damage by http://www.nmni.com/Documents/UM/CEDaR/um_naturalsciences_cedar and, on the Maidens & east coast (B. Picton, fishing pots, trawling & _aboutus_aimofcedar_an-(3) pers. comm.). dredging

ƒ No legal protection ƒ Known from six sites at two locations on the ƒ Not known if this Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: A Branching http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=726 Sponge North Coast: two near the Portrush Skerries species has declined (SAC, SPA) Axinella & four around Rathlin Island ƒ Vulnerable to habitat The Marine Life Information Network: ƒ Recorded from the Skerries (Seasearch, disruption due to its http://www.marlin.ac.uk/speciesinformation.php?speciesID=2695 dissimilis 2006) & Rathlin Island (Seasearch, 2007) preference for stable Encyclopaedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland: boulder habitats http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/species.asp?item=C3590

Seasearch Skerries Survey (2006): http://www.seasearch.co.uk/downloads/skerries%20report.pdf

Seasearch Northern Ireland Summary Report (2007): http://www.seasearch.co.uk/downloads/Northern%20Ireland%202007%20su mmary.pdf

ƒ No legal protection ƒ Scarce & possibly declining in Northern ƒ Threats unknown Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Sponge http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=719 Biemna Ireland (SAC, SPA) variantia ƒ Known from two sites in NI: off Rathlin Island Encyclopaedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland: & in Strangford Lough Narrows http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/sponge_guide/sponges.asp?item=C5830 ƒ Further studies are required to determine its status

ƒ No legal protection ƒ Rare in Northern Ireland ƒ Threats unknown Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Sponge http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=718 Mycale lingua ƒ Rathlin Island is the only site in all Ireland (SAC, SPA) ƒ Recorded off Farganlack Point on the north Encyclopaedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland: coast of Rathlin Island http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/sponge_guide/sponges.asp?item=C5440

ƒ No legal protection ƒ Common at numerous sites in Northern ƒ Fishing Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Sponge http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=721 Myxilla cf. Ireland: Rathlin Island, Portrush Skerries, (SAC, SPA) rosacea Fair Head, Ballygalley Head, Muck Island, Encyclopaedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland: Strangford Lough & Carlingford Lough. Ramore Head & http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/species.asp?item=C6470

ƒ Four specimens were collected from The Skerries CEDaR Annual Report 2007-2008: Strangford Lough, one from Rathlin Island, (ASSI) http://www.nmni.com/Documents/UM/CEDaR/um_naturalsciences_cedar_ab

127 the Skerries & the Maidens (Sublittoral outus_aimofcedar_an-(3) Survey of Northern Ireland, 2007)

ƒ No legal protection ƒ Rare & Northern Ireland appears to hold the ƒ No known threats but Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Sponge http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=723 Plocamiancora entire Irish population may be vulnerable to (SAC, SPA) arndti ƒ Found at a number of sites round Rathlin impacts of mobile Encyclopaedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland: Island: Doon Point, off the White Cliffs & fishing gear in the more http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/sponge_guide/sponges.asp?item=C7620

Farganlack Point. Also found at the Maidens level terrain

(well established) & Carnlough Bay.

ƒ No legal protection ƒ Only known from four sites in Northern ƒ Threats unknown but it Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Sponge http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=724 Spongionella Ireland: north coast of Rathlin Island, off is vulnerable due to its (SAC, SPA) pulchella Ballycastle, Torr Head & the Maidens dependence on a very Encyclopaedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland: ƒ Rare throughout the British Isles small number of sites http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/sponge_guide/sponges.asp?item=C8960

ƒ No legal protection ƒ Northern Ireland holds a significant ƒ No threats known but it Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Sponge http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=725 Stelletta grubii proportion of all the sites in Ireland is it is vulnerable due to (SAC, SPA) ƒ Only known from three sites in Northern its dependence of a Encyclopaedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland: Ireland: two on Rathlin Island’s north coast & very small number of http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/sponge_guide/sponges.asp?item=C1500

one off Ballintoy sites

ƒ No legal protection ƒ Scarce species ƒ No threats identified but Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Sponge http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=727 Stryphnus ƒ Northern Ireland holds >50% of the entire this species is (SAC, SPA) ponderosus Irish population vulnerable due to its Encyclopaedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland: ƒ Known from several sites at the north-west dependence on a very Sheep Island http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/sponge_guide/sponges.asp?item=C1560

end of Rathlin Island & to the east of the small number of sites (SPA, ASSI)

Lough Garry Wreck on Rathlin Island’s south-east point. Also to the west of Larry Bane Head & Sheep Island off Ballintoy.

ECHINODERMS (Starfish, brittle stars, sea urchins, sea cucumbers)

ƒ Undergone rapid decline & is scare in ƒ Bottom fishing for Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Goosefoot http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=625 Starfish Northern Ireland and the UK scallops & flatfish. (SAC, SPA) Anseropoda ƒ NI is the stronghold, with over half of the Irish Vulnerable to damage Encyclopaedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland: population by fishing gear http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/species.asp?item=ZB1190 placenta ƒ Single individuals are usually recorded at CEDaR Annual Report 2006/07: irregular intervals. Confined to a small http://www.nmni.com/Documents/UM/CEDaR/um_naturalsciences_cedar_ab population of one or two sites in NI outus_aimofcedar_an-(4) (page 47) ƒ Recorded from Ballygalley Head (Sublittoral Survey of Northern Ireland, 2006) CEDaR Annual Report 2007-2008: http://www.nmni.com/Documents/UM/CEDaR/um_naturalsciences_cedar_ab ƒ Recorded from Rathlin Island (Sublittoral outus_aimofcedar_an-(3) Survey of Northern Ireland, 2007)

128

ƒ No legal protection ƒ Known from Rathlin Island, Strangford Lough ƒ Mobile fishing gear Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Sand star http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=626 Astropecten & around the south-east coast of Co. Down disrupts the sediments (SAC, SPA) irregularis ƒ It is thought to be declining rapidly in in which it lives & likely Encyclopaedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland: Northern Ireland impacts its food species http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/species.asp?item=ZB410

ƒ Several records were made of this species at Marine Life Information Network: Church Bay, Rathlin Island (Seasearch, 2007) http://www.marlin.ac.uk/speciesinformation.php?speciesID=2669 ƒ Recorded from Rathlin Island (Sublittoral Survey of Northern Ireland, 2007) Seasearch Rathlin Island Survey (2007): http://www.seasearch.co.uk/downloads/rathlin%202007%20report.pdf

CEDaR Annual Report 2007-2008: http://www.nmni.com/Documents/UM/CEDaR/um_naturalsciences_cedar_ab outus_aimofcedar_an-(3)

ƒ Northern Ireland is a stronghold, containing ƒ Climate change: may be Ramore Head & Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Northern http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=628 Starfish >50% of the Irish population a sensitive indicator of The Skerries Leptasterias ƒ Scarce: confined to a small population of one global warming as NI is (ASSI) Encyclopaedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland: or two sites in Northern Ireland at the southern limit of its http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/species.asp?item=ZB1950 muelleri ƒ Appears to be declining shallow-water

ƒ Found in Strangford Lough. distribution ƒ Scattered records are known from Co. Down & Antrim coast. ƒ Recorded outside of Great Skerries (2006), North of Great Skerrie (2006), North-west of Giant’s Causeway (2007) & East Maidens Lighthouse (2006)

ƒ Quite rare in Northern Ireland & appears to be ƒ Threats unknwon Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Purple Sunstar http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=632 Solaster declining ƒ Possible indicator of (SAC, SPA) endeca ƒ NI is a stronghold, consisting of >50%of the global warming as NI is Encyclopaedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland: Irish population at the southern limit of http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/species.asp?item=ZB1430

ƒ Has been found close to the Narrows in its shallow-water Marine Life Information Network: Strangford Lough distribution http://www.marlin.ac.uk/speciesinformation.php?speciesID=4345 ƒ Scattered records are known from coasts of Co. Down & Co. Antrim Seasearch Rathlin Island Survey (2005): ƒ Recorded from Ancarragh Bay, Rathlin Island http://www.seasearch.co.uk/downloads/rathlin%20report.pdf (Seasearch, 2005)

ƒ No legal protection ƒ Scarce & thought to be declining in Northern ƒ No threats are currently Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Small Cushion http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=700 Star Ireland known but those listed (SAC, SPA) Asterina ƒ Known from four locations in NI Ireland: below are likely to have Encyclopaedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland: - Rathlin Island an impact: http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/species.asp?item=ZB1140 phylactica - off Dunseverick ƒ Coastal development Marine Life Information Network: - off Kearney ƒ Disruption of boulders, http://www.marlin.ac.uk/speciesinformation.php?speciesID=2660 -Strangford Lough (south end) stones & weed habitat ƒ Further studies are required to assess its status

129

ƒ Scarce and may be rapidly declining ƒ Threats unclear Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Starfish http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=703 Luidia sarsi ƒ Known from three sites in Northern Ireland: ƒ Soft mud habitat is (SAC, SPA) - Glenarm Bay vulnerable to disruption Encyclopaedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland: - Off White Cliffs, Rathlin Island by bottom fishing gear Ramore Head & http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/species.asp?item=ZB680 - Between The Skerries & adjacent mainland The Skerries

shore (ASSI)

ƒ No legal protection ƒ Widely distributed in Northern Ireland but is ƒ No threats have been Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Crimson http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=702 Cushion in decline identified (SAC, SPA) Starfish ƒ Found around Rathlin Island, along the North Encyclopaedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland: Coast, Red Bay, the Maidens, off Carnlough http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/species.asp?item=ZB1010 Porania pulvillus & within Strangford Lough Marine Life Information Network: ƒ Seven were recorded on boulders slopes http://www.marlin.ac.uk/speciesinformation.php?speciesID=2660 cliffs at the White Cliffs, Rathlin Island (Seasearch, 2005). Recorded again at the Seasearch Rathlin Island Survey (2005): White Cliffs in 2007. http://www.seasearch.co.uk/downloads/rathlin%20report.pdf

Further counts at specific sites around Rathlin Island see NBN Gateway: http://data.nbn.org.uk/index_homepage/index.jsp

FUNGI

ƒ Protected under the Wildlife & ƒ Only found one modern site: Garron Plateau, ƒ Site desiccation Garron Plateau Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Marsh Honey http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=665 Fungus* Countryside Act 1981 which is one of four confirmed in the British ƒ Peat cutting (SAC, ASSI, Armillaria ectypa ƒ Included on provisional European Isles. It is found on this site between early ƒ Land drainage Ramsar) UK Species Action Plan Marsh Honey Fungus (1999): Red Data List & provisional British & mid September. ƒ Changes in grazing http://www.ukbap.org.uk/UKPlans.aspx?ID=111 Red Data List as ‘vulnerable’ ƒ Most notable fungus of conservation concern Pressure Northern Ireland Fungus Group: in Irish peatlands ƒ Lack of understanding of http://www.nifg.org.uk/species/atlas2.htm?item=BMSSYS0000020524 ecological requirements Peatlandsni: http://www.peatlandsni.gov.uk/plants/fungi.htm

ƒ Fungal candidate for listing in ƒ Widespread but rare in Northern Ireland & ƒ Agricultural Magilligan Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Big Blue http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=39245 Pinkgill Appendix I of Bern Convention British Isles intensification (e.g. (SAC, ASSI) Entoloma (August, 2003) ƒ Found in 7 sites in Northern Ireland, fertilisers) Northern Ireland Fungus Group: ƒ Provisional British Red Data List as including Counties Fermanagh & Antrim ƒ Habitat neglect Binevenagh http://www.nifg.org.uk/species/atlas2.htm?item=NBNSYS0000039245 bloxamii ’Endangered’ ƒ Scarce & declining, with NI as the Irish ƒ Reduction in habitat (SAC, ASSI

stronghold ƒ Lack of awareness NNR) ƒ Occurs on calcareous grassland or basalt which may have calcareous flushes (e.g. Binevenagh NNR & Agnew’s Hill in Co. Antrim) ƒ Notable species at Binevenagh NNR (McHugh, 2001)

ƒ Rare species in Northern Ireland, with only ƒ Agricultural Binevenagh Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Dark Purple http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=17906 Earthtongue 11 records intensification (SAC, ASSI ƒ Northern distribution in Northern Ireland. (application of NNR) Northern Ireland Fungus Group:

130 Geoglossum Only been found in the uplands of Antrim & phosphorus & other http://www.nifg.org.uk/species/atlas2.htm?item=BMSSYS0000007141 L’derry nutrients) Rathlin Island atropurpureum NBN Gateway: ƒ Found at Binevenagh NNR, Kebble NNR, ƒ Habitat loss Kebble (NNR) http://data.nbn.org.uk/interactive/map.jsp?srchSp=NHMSYS0001482868 Slemish Mountain & Agnew’s Hill ƒ Grassland neglect (distribution map)

McHugh et al., (2001) The Fungi of Irish Grasslands and their value for Nature Conservation: http://www.ria.ie/publications/journals/ProcBI/2001/PB101I3/PDF/101B304.pdf

ƒ In Ireland there have been two pre-1960 ƒ Removal of tree cover Cleggan Valley Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Zoned Tooth* http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=21225 Hydnellum records from Kerry and Cork and one ƒ Soil eutrophication due (ASSI) concrescens modern record from Cleggan Valley ASSI, to air pollution Northern Ireland Fungus Group: Co. Antrim (2001) ƒ Soil compaction due to http://www.nifg.org.uk/species/atlas2.htm?item=NBNSYS0000021225 stock pressure NBN Gateway: http://data.nbn.org.uk/interactive/map.jsp?srchSp=NBNSYS0000021225 (interactive map)

UK BAP Tooth Fungi (1999): http://www.ukbap.org.uk/UKPlans.aspx?ID=338

ƒ Protected under the Wildlife & ƒ Widespread in Northern Ireland ƒ Agricultural Binevenagh Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Pink Waxcap* http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=39337 Hygrocybe Countryside Act 1981 ƒ At least 46 post-1960 UK records, including intensification (SAC, ASSI calyptriformis 10 sites in NI (UK BAP, 1999) (particularly application NNR) Northern Ireland Fungus Group: ƒ Found from churchyards, public parks & of phosphorus) http://www.nifg.org.uk/species/atlas2.htm?item=NBNSYS0000149099 semi-natural grassland sites such as ƒ Habitat loss Rathlin Island NBN Gateway: Binevenagh NNR (McHugh et al., 2001) & ƒ Grassland neglect Kebble (NNR) http://data.nbn.org.uk/interactive/map.jsp?srchSp=NHMSYS0001484410 Kebble NNR. (distribution map) ƒ Also found at Slievenacloy ASSI & Belfast Hills (McHugh et al., 2001) UK BAP Pink Waxcap (1999): http://www.ukbap.org.uk/UKPlans.aspx?ID=382

McHugh et al., (2001) The Fungi of Irish Grasslands and their value for Nature Conservation: http://www.ria.ie/publications/journals/ProcBI/2001/PB101I3/PDF/101B304.pdf

ƒ Only found in 2 sites in Northern Ireland ƒ Agricultural Magilligan Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Grey Waxcap http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=21529 Hygrocybe ƒ Rare & declining with Northern Ireland as intensification (SAC, ASSI) lacmus Irish stronghold (application of Northern Ireland Fungus Group: fertilisers) http://www.nifg.org.uk/species/atlas2.htm?item=NBNSYS0000038627

ƒ Habitat neglect

ƒ Reduction of habitat ƒ Lack of awareness

ƒ Rare & declining, with Northern Ireland as ƒ Agricultural Binevenagh Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Blushing http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=38828 Waxcap the Irish stronghold intensification (SAC, ASSI Hygrocybe ƒ Two recent records from Binevenagh NNR (application of NNR) Northern Ireland Fungus Group: & Altnahinch Burn near Slievenorra in North phosphorus & other http://www.nifg.org.uk/species/atlas2.htm?item=NBNSYS0000038828 ovina Antrim nutrients) (distribution map)

ƒ Habitat loss ƒ Grassland neglect

131

ƒ Found in a range of habitats in Northern ƒ Agricultural Binevenagh Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Olive http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=17521 Earthtongue* Ireland such as upland acidic grassland, intensification (SAC, ASSI Microglossum sand dunes, neutral grasslands & (particularly application NNR) Northern Ireland Fungus Group: churchyards of phosphorus & other http://www.nifg.org.uk/species/atlas2.htm?item=NBNSYS0000017521 olivaceum ƒ In Britain calcareous grasslands are an nutrients) Rathlin Island NBN Gateway: important habitat & this is likely the case in ƒ Habitat loss Kebble (NNR) http://data.nbn.org.uk/interactive/map.jsp?srchSp=NBNSYS0000017521 Northern Ireland but further studies are ƒ Grassland neglect (distribution map) required ƒ Known from 12 sites in Northern Ireland UK BAP Olive Earthtongue (1999): http://www.ukbap.org.uk/UKPlans.aspx?ID=454 including Binevenagh NNR & Kebble NNR (McHugh et al., 2001) McHugh et al., (2001) The Fungi of Irish Grasslands and their value for Nature Conservation: http://www.ria.ie/publications/journals/ProcBI/2001/PB101I3/PDF/101B304.pdf LICHEN

ƒ Rare in Northern, confined to old woodland ƒ Loss of host trees Glenarm Wood Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Lichen http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=18224 Biatora sites ƒ Loss of habitat: historic (ASSI) epixanthoides ƒ Often confined to one or few trees in each & current changes in site landscape & ƒ Found in Rostrevor Oakwood NNR & inappropriate Tollymore Forest (Co. Down in 1992) management ƒ Found in Crom Wood, Inisherk Park & ƒ Rhodondendron Wood (Co. Fermanagh, 1993) shading; tree trunks ƒ Found in an ash & oak in a wood pasture invaded by ivy habitat in Glenarm (Co. Antrim in 1992 & 2006)

Lichen ƒ Rare in Northern Ireland, confined to three ƒ Loss of habitat: Banagher Glen Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=18817 Micarea oak woodland sites. Restricted to one historical & current (ASSI) hedlundii recorded instance in each site changes in landscape ƒ Indicator of ancient woodland; its presence & inappropriate Breen Wood enhances conservation importance of a site management (SAC, ASSI, ƒ Found in Banagher Glen ASSI (1991) & ƒ Invasion by NNR) Breen Wood from oak stumps (1992) rhododendron, ivy, ƒ Also recorded from Drumless & Mullan holly & bramble Woods ASSI (Co. Tyrone) in 1991 ƒ Non-recognition of biodiversity importance of deadwood

132 ALGAE

ƒ Rare, recorded from two sites in Northern ƒ Coastal changes, Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Brown Algae http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=664 Desmarestia Ireland: Altacorry Head, Rathlin Island & in including dumping of (SAC, SPA) dresnayi the maerl & gravel sediment in a previously illegal waste & changes Algae base: undiscovered area of maerl bed in the to current http://www.algaebase.org/search/species/detail/?species_id=66&sk=0&from=results

centre of the Maidens (Sublittoral Survey of CEDaR Annual Report 2006/07: Northern Ireland, 2006/07) http://www.nmni.com/Documents/UM/CEDaR/um_naturalsciences_cedar_ab outus_aimofcedar_an-(4) (page 47)

ƒ Scarce with Northern Ireland being the UK ƒ No threats or note of Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Red Algae http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=690 Atractophora stronghold decline known (SAC, SPA) hypnoides ƒ Recorded from four sites in Northern ƒ Damage to the Algae base: Ireland: Rathlin Island & Ballygalley Head sublittoral will endanger http://www.algaebase.org/search/species/detail/?species_id=634&- (Co. Antrim), Strangford Lough & Greenore this species session=abv4:568594451618d1FCCCWth1AE4FFC

Point (Co. Down)

ƒ Scarce with Northern Ireland being the ƒ Only threat is to its Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Red Algae http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=687 Schmitzia stronghold for the Irish population habitat (SAC, SPA) hiscockiana ƒ Found at seven sites in Northern Ireland: Algae base: Rathlin Island, Murlough Bay, Torr Head, http://www.algaebase.org/search/species/detail/?species_id=116&-

Loughan Bay & Ringfad Point in Co. session=abv4:568594451618d1DF65KJl1A8E73E

Antrim. Also found at Lighthouse Island & The Marine Life Information Network: near Rue Point in Co. Down http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/species.asp?item=ZM5590 ƒ Recorded in the Maidens (Sublittoral Survey of Northern Ireland, 2006) CEDaR Annual Report 2006/07: http://www.nmni.com/Documents/UM/CEDaR/um_naturalsciences_cedar_ab outus_aimofcedar_an-(4) (page 47)

ƒ Recorded from several sites in Co. Antrim: ƒ Harvesting of Maërl Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Maërl http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=688 Phymatolithon Rathlin Island, Garron Point, Ballygalley (SAC, SPA) calcareum Head & on the north side of Belfast Lough Algae base: ƒ Also found in Strangford Lough & Garron Plateau http://www.algaebase.org/search/species/detail/?species_id=4&sk=0&from=results

Carlingford Lough [Garron Point] The Marine Life Information Network: (SAC, ASSI, http://www.marlin.ac.uk/speciesinformation.php?speciesID=4121 Ramsar) Encyclopaedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland: http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/species.asp?item=ZM4910

UK BAP (1999): http://www.ukbap.org.uk/UKPlans.aspx?ID=40

NI Species Action Plan Maerl Beds (2003): http://www.ni- environment.gov.uk/natural/biodiversity/maerl_beds_web_version_april_03.pdf

133 MOSSES

ƒ ‘Vulnerable’ in the Irish Red Data ƒ Rare in Northern Ireland ƒ Drainage Ballymaclary Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Large Hook- http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=36819 Moss Book ƒ Found at Ballymaclary NNR (1999) & ƒ Eutrophication (NNR) Drepanocladus Magilligan ASSI (1991) ƒ Shading from taller Holyoak (2006) Research on Biodiversity Priority Bryophyte Species in plants, if grazing Magilligan Northern Ireland during 1999. EHS Research & Development Series. No. lycopodioides pressure declines (SAC, ASSI) 06/05: http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/bryophyte-1999.pdf

ƒ ‘Vulnerable’ in the Irish Red Data ƒ In Northern Ireland the only recently ƒ Drainage Magilligan Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Chalk-Hook http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=36818 Moss Book confirmed record is from Magilligan. ƒ Eutrophication (SAC, ASSI) Drepanocladus ƒ Older records include Lough Neagh but it is ƒ Shading by ferns due to Holyoak (2006) Research on Biodiversity Priority Bryophyte Species in apparently extinct from here cessation of grazing Northern Ireland during 1999. EHS Research & Development Series. No. sendtneri 06/05: http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/bryophyte-1999.pdf

ƒ ‘Vulnerable’ in the Irish Red Data ƒ Rare, with the Irish population restricted to ƒ Shading from taller Ballymaclary Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Wrinkled- http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=36953 leaved Feather Book Northern Ireland grassland & scrub on (NNR) Moss ƒ Locally common in open areas of the sand sand dunes Holyoak (2006) Research on Biodiversity Priority Bryophyte Species in dunes from The Umbra to Magilligan. Found Magilligan Northern Ireland during 1999. EHS Research & Development Series. No. Rhytidium in small amounts on the northern slopes of (SAC, ASSI) 06/05: http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/bryophyte-1999.pdf rugosum Binevenagh. ƒ Recorded from Ballymaclary NR (1991), Magilligan ASSI (1991), Magilligan Point NR (1991) & Binevenagh, below cliff (1990)

ƒ ‘Vulnerable’ in the Irish Red Data ƒ Rare & Northern Ireland is the stronghold for ƒ Shading by taller Ballymaclary Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Fir Tamarisk- http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=36783 Moss Book this species in Ireland vegetation or scrub (NNR) Thuidium ƒ In Northern Ireland this species is only known Holyoak (2006) Research on Biodiversity Priority Bryophyte Species in at Ballymaclary NNR Northern Ireland during 1999. EHS Research & Development Series. No. abietinum subsp. 06/05: http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/bryophyte-1999.pdf Abietinum

ƒ ‘Vulnerable’ in the Irish Red Data ƒ In Northern Ireland this species is only known ƒ Loss of habitat if taller Ballymaclary Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Prickly http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=36781 Tamarisk-Moss Book from the edges of dune-slacks at vegetation or scrub (NNR) Thuidium Ballymaclary NNR, where it is ‘locally colonise the edges of Holyoak (2006) Research on Biodiversity Priority Bryophyte Species in plentiful’ (Holyoak, 1999) dune-slacks in the Northern Ireland during 1999. EHS Research & Development Series. No. abietinum subsp. absence of grazing 06/05: http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/bryophyte-1999.pdf hystricosum

ƒ Rare & Northern Ireland is its stronghold in ƒ Increased shade by Ballymaclary Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Lesser http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=36787 Tamarisk-Moss Ireland (NI contains approximately half of the scrub if grazing ceases (NNR) Thuidium confirmed Irish populations) Holyoak (2006) Research on Biodiversity Priority Bryophyte Species in ƒ Has been recorded from coastal dunes from Magilligan Northern Ireland during 1999. EHS Research & Development Series. No. recognitum Magilligan Point to The Umbra (coast of Co. (SAC, ASSI) 06/05: http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/bryophyte-1999.pdf

Londonderry), Monawilkin; near Marble Arch at Pollawaddy (Co. Fermanagh) ƒ Recorded from Ballymaclary NNR (1991) & Magilligan NNR (1991)

ƒ Rare in Northern Ireland. ƒ Drainage Ballymaclary Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: A moss http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=36669

134 Amblyodon ƒ Known from two sites in NI: Found in small ƒ Creation of golf courses (NNR) amounts in three places at Ballymaclary NNR ƒ Lack of grazing Holyoak (2006) Research on Biodiversity Priority Bryophyte Species in dealbatus Northern Ireland during 1999. EHS Research & Development Series. No. (1999) & Culcarrick Scarp (Co. Fermanagh) 06/05: http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/bryophyte-1999.pdf (2000) ƒ Last recorded from the Umbra in 1952 & may now be extinct there

ƒ Rare species ƒ Shading of rock Binevenagh Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Pendulous http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=36740 Wing-moss ƒ In Northern Ireland this moss was found in surfaces by taller plants (SAC, ASSI Antitrichia ‘plentiful’ supply at Binevenagh (1999), if grazing ceases NNR) Holyoak (2006) Research on Biodiversity Priority Bryophyte Species in Crossmurrin Nature Reserve (Co. Northern Ireland during 1999. EHS Research & Development Series. No. curtipendula Fermanagh) (1993), Benbradagh (Co. 06/05: http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/bryophyte-1999.pdf Londonderry) (1986) & The Wolf’s Hill,Davagh Forest Park (Co. Tyrone) (1956) LIVERWORTS

ƒ Draft Irish Red Data Book species ƒ Rare and declining, with Northern Ireland ƒ Vulnerable species as Banagher Glen Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: A Liverwort http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=35866 Anastrophyllum classified as ‘Endangered’ being a stronghold consisting of >50% of the well-rotted logs are a (ASSI) (?) hellerianum Irish population temporary habitat Holyoak (2006) Research on Biodiversity Priority Bryophyte Species in ƒ Recorded in Banagher Glen (1959, 1961 & Northern Ireland during 1999. EHS Research & Development Series. No. 1964) & Meenameen Scarp in Lough Navar 06/05: http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/bryophyte-1999.pdf Forest. ƒ Not currently known at any locality in Ireland but it may still be present at the original sites. ƒ Further studies are required to determine if this species is still present

ƒ Listed in Irish Red Data Book as ƒ Northern Ireland holds all the Irish population ƒ Reasons for loss from The Umbra Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Downy http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=36041 Veilwort ‘Near Threatened’ ƒ Strong populations at Sallagh Braes, Co. some sites remains (UWT) Apometzgeria Antrim (found in 1999) unclear Holyoak (2006) Research on Biodiversity Priority Bryophyte Species in ƒ Known from White Park Bay ƒ Quarrying/ destruction Northern Ireland during 1999. EHS Research & Development Series. No. pubescens ƒ The only population in Co. L’derry (Umbra) of rock exposures 06/05: http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/bryophyte-1999.pdf appears to be very small. ƒ Excessive shading of rock surfaces by trees/shrubs

Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Dumortier’s ƒ ’Rare’ in the European Red List ƒ Glenarm Glen is the only known site in ƒ Felling of trees, Glenarm Wood (ASSI) http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=36045 Liverwort Northern Ireland, where it was found in 1952. reducing shade &

Dumortiera It is likely to still occur here. No search has humidity been made since the original find. ƒ Nutrient enrichment of hirsuta water supplies

135

ƒ Rare, with only a single population in Ireland; ƒ Threats to the Glenariff Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Ragged http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=35857 Notchwort Glenariff ASSI. population in Glenariff (ASSI, NNR) Leiocolea ƒ Found at Glenariff in 1969 & 1999 include: Holyoak (2006) Research on Biodiversity Priority Bryophyte Species in - Competition from Northern Ireland during 1999. EHS Research & Development Series. No. heterocolpos other bryophytes & 06/05: http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/bryophyte-1999.pdf

plants - Falls of rock or soil from above - Damage during works to maintain or replace the boardwalk, as it grows nearby.

ƒ Listed on Appendix 1 of the Bern ƒ Rare & has shown a marked decline in ƒ Habitat destruction Magilligan Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Petalwort* http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=36020 Petalophyllum Convention & Annex II of the EC Northern Ireland due to past habitat ƒ Drainage, mowing, (SAC, ASSI) ralfsii Habitats Directive destruction rolling or fertiliser in Holyoak (2006) Research on Biodiversity Priority Bryophyte Species in ƒ Listed as ‘Vulnerable’ in the Irish ƒ Restricted to two areas near a roadside in creation of golf courses Ballymaclary Northern Ireland during 1999. EHS Research & Development Series. No.

Red Data Books & ‘Scarce’ in Ballymaclary NNR (Co. Londonderry) in coastal sand dunes (NNR) 06/05: http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/bryophyte-1999.pdf

Northern Ireland ƒ Historically found at Portrush sandhills (1928) ƒ Reduction of rabbits, UK BAP Petalwort: http://www.ukbap.org.uk/UKPlans.aspx?ID=509 but likely to be extinct here due to creation of which are required to an extensive golf course. keep vegetation short ƒ Small colonies were shown to persist at the and open northern part of the Ballymaclary NNR (1999) due to disturbance from military vehicles & trampling by military personnel, which maintain small patches of suitable habitat. ƒ However, the overall population is the smallest regional population in the UK (Holyoak, 1999) VASCULAR PLANTS

ƒ There are 67 historic records in Northern ƒ Change from arable Runkerry Chaffweed Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Anagallis Ireland but it has been seen at 11 sites farming to improved [Bushfoot http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=3945 minima (approx.) since 1975, of which a high pastures: repeated use Dunes] (ASSI) proportion are on or near the North Antrim of slurry, atmospheric Beesley (2006): County Antrim Scarce, Rare and Extinct Vascular Plant

Coast nitrogen enrichment, Register and Checklist of Species: http://www.habitas.org.uk/flora/publications/Antrim%20Register.pdf ƒ Recorded at Runkerry (Bushfoot Strand) in artifical fertilisers & 1995 & Lough Beg (The Green Beds in 1970 & herbicides. These Ballyscullion East in 1973) changes have ƒ Thought to be a rare & declining species but encouraged the growth further studies are required to accurately of larger, more vigorous determine its current status before this can be species that can confirmed. outcompete small, ƒ Likely to be under-recorded due to its small shallow rotted, size relatively ephemeral ƒ County Antrim Scarce (Beesley, 2006) annual plants.

136

ƒ Protected under Schedule 8 of the ƒ Has declined in Northern Ireland (1% per year) ƒ Drainage is the main Lough Beg Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Narrow Small- http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=2632 reed Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 & is rare, with the Irish population restricted to threat (ASSI, NNR) Calamagrostis ƒ ‘Vulnerable’ in the Irish Red Data NI ƒ Over-grazing Beesley (2006): County Antrim Scarce, Rare and Extinct Vascular Plant Book ƒ The only modern site for this species in NI is in ƒ Nutrient-enrichment Register and Checklist of Species: stricta wet meadowland along the western shore of http://www.habitas.org.uk/flora/publications/Antrim%20Register.pdf

Lough Beg (within Lough Beg NNR) ƒ Not refound on the Lough Neagh shore during surveys in 2000 (BSBI’s Atlas) ƒ County Antrim Scarce (Beesley, 2006)

ƒ Protected under Schedule 8 of the ƒ All sites in Ireland are restricted to Northern ƒ No apparent decline Garron Plateau Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Few Flowered http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=2490 Sedge Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 Ireland ƒ Drainage (SAC, ASSI, Carex pauciflora ƒ ‘Vulnerable’ in Irish Red Data Book ƒ Found in two areas in NI: Garron Plateau (wet ƒ Habitat destruction Ramsar) Beesley (2006): County Antrim Scarce, Rare and Extinct Vascular Plant mires beside small lakes) & the Red Moss in Register and Checklist of Species:

the Mourne Mountains. http://www.habitas.org.uk/flora/publications/Antrim%20Register.pdf

ƒ County Antrim Scarce (Beesley, 2006) ƒ Further studies are required to estimate the numbers of plants in both areas.

ƒ This plant is found on rocky ground near the ƒ Threats unknown White Park Bay Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Scottish http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=2853 Scurvy Grass* coast (ASSI, NT) Cochlearia ƒ Previously recorded from the Runkerry area, UK BAP Scottish Scurvy Grass (1999): Giant’s Causeway (1934), Cushendall (1936) http://www.ukbap.org.uk/UKPlans.aspx?ID=230 officinalis ssp. & Torr Head (1935). scotica Beesley (2006): County Antrim Scarce, Rare and Extinct Vascular Plant ƒ Recorded from Whitepark Bay & from the Co. Register and Checklist of Species: Down coast (2000 onwards) http://www.habitas.org.uk/flora/publications/Antrim%20Register.pdf ƒ It is likely to be more common than records suggest because it is unclear if it is distinct from common scurvy-grass. This has resulted in it being ignored by botanists, giving the view that it is rare & declining. ƒ Further studies are required to accurately assess the status & distribution of this species.

ƒ No legal protection ƒ Northern Ireland holds >50% of the Irish ƒ Threats unknown Garron Plateau Parsley Fern Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Cryptogramma population ƒ Climate change may (SAC, ASSI, http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=2032 crispa ƒ Since 1980 this species has been found in the have an impact on the Ramsar) Mourne Mountains, Garron Plateau & Irish plants, which Beesley (2006): County Antrim Scarce, Rare and Extinct Vascular Plant

Benbradagh & Mullaghmore (Co. L’derry) seems to be at the Register and Checklist of Species: http://www.habitas.org.uk/flora/publications/Antrim%20Register.pdf ƒ Now only known from a few high places on edge of its natural Garron Plateau (recorded in 1989) range ƒ Recorded from Carnlough (1990) & Glenariff (1990) ƒ Seems to be declining (by an estimated 50% since 1900) but this may be a result of under- recording (small & inconspicuous)

137 ƒ Does not grow well in NI: colonies are small & plants are typically dwarf ƒ County Antrim Scarce: (Beesley, 2006)

ƒ Protected under Schedule 8 of the ƒ Rare, confined to a small population of one or ƒ Threats unknown Bann Estuary Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Dwarf Spike- http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=2393 rush Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 two sites in Northern Ireland (SAC, ASSI) Eleocharis ƒ ‘Endangered’ in the Irish Red Data ƒ NI is the stronghold for the Irish population Book ƒ Now only known from the Bann Estuary parvula

ƒ Rare with the Irish population restricted to ƒ Coastal development, White Park Bay Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Meadow http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=3147 Crane’s-bill Northern Ireland resulting in habitat loss (ASSI, NT) Geranium ƒ Those in Co. Antrim are considered the only remains one of the Beesley (2006): County Antrim Scarce, Rare and Extinct Vascular Plant native population in Ireland main threats Register and Checklist of Species: pratense ƒ Confined to a stretch of the North Coast ƒ Agricultural http://www.habitas.org.uk/flora/publications/Antrim%20Register.pdf

between Ballycastle & Dunluce Castle, where improvement (reduction Northern Ireland Species Action Plan Meadow Crane’s bill (2005): is occurs in grassy places, including sand in traditionally managed http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/pubs/publications/MeadowCranesbill.pdf dunes, close to the sea. hay meadows) ƒ Recorded from White Park Bay (1999), ƒ Road verge Ballycastle (1987), Dunseverick Castle (1985) management: this & about Ballintoy (1995). species occurs on ƒ Between 1970 & 1986 this species was lost roadside verges. If from Portballintrae and Giant’s Causeway these are cut at the ƒ The species has retained its stronghold at incorrect time of year Dunluce Castle, Portbraffen, Ballintoy & White the plants may be lost. Park Bay ƒ Habitat fragmentation ƒ Popular garden plant and occurs as ‘garden escapes’ throughout NI. Such plants may not be of Irish origin. ƒ County Antrim Scarce (Beesley, 2006)

ƒ Protected under Schedule 8 of the ƒ Rare with the entire Irish population in ƒ Agricultural Feystown Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Wood Crane’s- http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=3148 bill Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 Northern Ireland improvement (reduction (ASSI, UWT) Geranium ƒ ‘Vulnerable’ in the Irish Red Data ƒ This plant is confined to Co. Antrim & is known in traditionally managed Beesley (2006): County Antrim Scarce, Rare and Extinct Vascular Plant Book for Vascular Plants from six sites post-1970 (three sites post- hay meadows) Glenarm Wood Register and Checklist of Species: sylvaticum 1986). ƒ Eutrophication (ASSI) http://www.habitas.org.uk/flora/publications/Antrim%20Register.pdf

ƒ First recorded in NI at Glenarm Wood (1887), ƒ Habitat fragmentation Northern Ireland Species Action Plan Wood Crane’s bill (2005): where it is still a stronghold. ƒ Grazing of woodlands http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/pubs/publications/WoodCranesbill.pdf ƒ Found in hazel scrub/woodland in & around ƒ Woodland or scrub

138 Glenarm, Linford Water (1996), Feystown clearance (2003) which may be the most viable in terms ƒ Climate change: of population size. predictions from the ƒ Most southerly site is at Killyglen (1971) MONARCH project ƒ County Antrim Rare (Beesley, 2006) (Harrison et al., 2001) suggests that this species may be lost from Ireland by the 2020s (Berry et al., 2002)

ƒ Protected under Schedule 8 of the ƒ Northern Ireland holds the entire Irish ƒ Agricultural Magilligan Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Smooth Cat’s http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=4519 Ear Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 population improvement: (SAC, ASSI) Hypochaeris ƒ Listed as ‘possibly extinct’ in the ƒ Restricted to the North Coast from Magilligan cultivation, fertiliser & Beesley (2006): County Antrim Scarce, Rare and Extinct Vascular Plant Irish Red Data Book (1988) area east to Whitepark Bay pesticides, ploughing & Grangemore Register and Checklist of Species: glabra ƒ Known from sand dunes at Whitepark Bay, re-seeding [Bann Estuary http://www.habitas.org.uk/flora/publications/Antrim%20Register.pdf

Portstewart, Grangemore, Bann Estuary, ƒ Habitat fragmentation & (SAC, ASSI, Northern Ireland Species Action Plan Smooth Cat’s Ear (2008): Castlerock & Magilligan. damage of sand dune NT)] http://www.ni- ƒ Only known extant population occurs at habitat by sea defence environment.gov.uk/smoothcatsearsapmbwebversionapril2008.pdf Magilligan ASSI (D.H. Riley pers.comm.,2006) works ƒ Approximately 16 historic records; 15 from Co. ƒ Abandonment: absence Londonderry & one from White Park Bay, of management can where it has not been recorded since 1959 result in heath or rank ƒ The other three most recent sites where this growth or bracken, species has been recorded are Grangemore scrub or woodland (part of Bann Estuary ASSI & SAC) (1998), a invasion rabbit warren near Ballykelly (Co. ƒ Dredging & extraction Londonderry) (1998) & Porstewart (SAC, of marine aggregate ASSI, NT) (1998), where it is likely to be can affect sand dune extinct. formation ƒ Some populations may have been overlooked ƒ Nutrient enrichment of as the capitula only opens in morning sunlight, cultivated sandy fields closing by noon (Wilson & King, 2003) ƒ Closing of formerly ƒ UK Vulnerable ‘open’ vegetation due ƒ County Antrim Scarce, perhaps extinct to natural dune (Beesley, 2006) vegetation dynamics or undergrazing ƒ Airborne pollution: acidification & nitrogen enrichment may threaten lowland dry acid grassland, where this species occurs ƒ Alien species such as Sea Buckthorn have been planted on dunes to stabilise them, resulting in a loss of dune grassland

139 ƒ Recreational pressure ƒ Undergrazing

ƒ Scarce & in decline as it has not been ƒ Burning of vegetation Binevenagh Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Common http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=4634 Juniper* recorded from >50% of its previous sites since ƒ Scrub clearance & (SAC, ASSI Juniperus before 1986. vegetation succession NNR) Northern Ireland Species Action Plan Juniper (2007): ƒ Found in the Mourne Mountains, around the ƒ Overgrazing by rabbit & http://www.belfasthills.org/minisite/adult_version/draftjunipersapmar07-2.pdf communis basalt cliffs in north-east Co. Antrim, the north livestock Magilligan UK BAP Juniper (1999): http://www.ukbap.org.uk/UKPlans.aspx?ID=394 of Co. Londonderry & in the Carboniferous ƒ Habitat fragmentation (SAC, ASSI)

limestone areas of Co. Fermanagh Quercus Project: ƒ Recorded in Glenariff ASSI & Garron Plateau North Antrim http://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/Quercus/Projects/2008/2ConservationofJuniper/ (1986) (Beesley, 2006) Coast (SAC) ƒ Current research by Quercus (3 year project, which started in 2008) will assess the Rathlin Island distribution & extent of Juniper. (SAC, SPA)

Rathlin Island Coast (ASSI)

Straidkilly Wood (ASSI, NNR, UWT)

ƒ ‘ Rare’ in the Irish Red Data Book ƒ Maritime species that grows on rocks, rocky ƒ Climatic changes Bann Estuary Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Scots Lovage http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=3702 Ligusticum (1988) shores, sand dunes or sandy areas. resulting in increased (SAC, ASSI) scoticum ƒ Rare & in decline dryness at critical Beesley (2006): County Antrim Scarce, Rare and Extinct Vascular Plant ƒ Northern Ireland is the stronghold for the Irish periods may affect Carrick-a-rede Register and Checklist of Species: population germination. Warming (ASSI) http://www.habitas.org.uk/flora/publications/Antrim%20Register.pdf

ƒ Since 1930 there has been a loss of its most of the Irish Sea basin southerly sites in the Ards Peninsula (Co. may cause a retreat Giant’s Down) & more southerly sites in Co. Antrim northwards Causeway ƒ Recorded from the following sites: (NNR) - White Park Bay (1955) - Rathlin Island (1960) North Antrim - Sheep Island off Larry Bane Head (1985) Coast (SAC) - Ballintoy Harbour (1990) - Giant’s Causeway (1992) Rathlin Island - Carrick-a-rede (1996) (SAC, SPA) - Larry Bane Head Quarry (1996) - Bush Foot sandhills (1999) Rathlin Island - Portnaboe, Weir’s Snout, Giant’s Causeway Coast (ASSI) (2000) (Beesley, 2006)

140

ƒ Protected under Schedule 8 of the ƒ Rare, found at a few sites in Northern Ireland. ƒ Agricultural Glen Burn Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Small Cow- http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=4139 wheat* Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 Irish population is restricted to NI. intensification (ASSI) Melampyrum ƒ ‘Vulnerable’ in the Irish Red Data ƒ Has declined rapidly in NI. This severe decline ƒ Fertiliser runoff at Beesley (2006): County Antrim Scarce, Rare and Extinct Vascular Plant Book has been most dramatic from the Antrim Coast, woodland edges, Register and Checklist of Species: sylvaticum where it no longer occurs resulting in growth of http://www.habitas.org.uk/flora/publications/Antrim%20Register.pdf

ƒ Extinct in 70% of the former UK range rank competiting Northern Ireland Species Action Plan Small Cow-wheat (2005): ƒ Formerly considered a Nationally Scarce vegetation http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/pubs/publications/SmallCowWheat.pdf species, but has become increasingly rare, ƒ Over-grazing or disappearing from many previous sites. abandonment of grazing UK BAP (1999): http://www.ukbap.org.uk/UKPlans.aspx?ID=442 ƒ Recorded from Glenariff Glen (1986), Fair ƒ Acid rain & nitrogen Head & Murlough Bay (1985) enrichment ƒ Recently recorded from Glen Burn, Braid River ƒ Plantation of coniferous (5 separate sites along 1.25km of rock-bound trees in placeof native stream) (Harron, 2005) broad-leaved species ƒ Likely to be under recorded and its distribution ƒ Habitat fragmentation is poorly known due to confusion with M. results in small, isolated pratense (Broome, 2003) colonies vulnerable to extinction

ƒ Protected under Schedule 8 of the ƒ Very rare in Co. Antrim ƒ Loss of seasonally wet Lough Beg Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Pennyroyal* http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=4194 Mentha Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 ƒ Only recorded from wet pastures & shores of habitats through (ASSI) pulegium ƒ ‘Vulnerable’ in the Irish Red Data Lough Beg (western shores), where it is locally drainage or excavation Beesley (2006): County Antrim Scarce, Rare and Extinct Vascular Plant Book abundant. This is one of only two main areas ƒ Habitat destruction by Register and Checklist of Species:

within the UK (other is New Forest, agricultural http://www.habitas.org.uk/flora/publications/Antrim%20Register.pdf

Hampshire) intensification & UK BAP (1998): http://www.ukbap.org.uk/UKPlans.aspx?ID=447 ƒ Recorded from Lough Beg ASSI (1987) & development Church Island, Lough Beg (1988) ƒ Abandonment of Arkive: http://www.arkive.org/pennyroyal/mentha-pulegium/info.html ƒ Lost from former sites in Counties Tyrone, infilling of disturbed Armagh & the Creagh Bog in Co. Antrim. habitats ƒ County Antrim Rare (Beesley, 2006) ƒ Abandonment of traditional grazing management ƒ In Lough Neagh/ Lough Beg sites, losses are a likely result of lowering water levels

ƒ Protected under the Wildlife (NI) ƒ Very rare plant of bare shingle by the sea ƒ Habitat destruction Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Oyster Plant http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=4018 Mertensia Order 1985 ƒ Northern Ireland is the stronghold for the Irish caused by illegal (SAC, SPA) maritima ƒ ‘Rare’ in the Irish Red Data Book population removal of shingle Beesley (2006): County Antrim Scarce, Rare and Extinct Vascular Plant ƒ Currently recorded from two main areas: ƒ Recreational pressures Rathlin Island Register and Checklist of Species:

Giant’s Causeway area & Rathlin Island & ƒ Coastal development Coast (ASSI) http://www.habitas.org.uk/flora/publications/Antrim%20Register.pdf

shingle beaches in Co. Down (between Bloody ƒ Climatic changes which Bridge & Glasdrumman port) has resulted in the shift Giant’s ƒ Recorded from the following sites: of the latitudinal range Causeway & - Rathlin Island (1986, 1989) northwards over the Dunseverick - Ballycastle (1986) past century (WHS, ASSI, - Giant’s Causeway (2004) NNR)

141 ƒ County Antrim Rare (Beesley, 2008)

ƒ Protected under Schedule 8 of the ƒ Very rare & vulnerable species in areas of ƒ Probable reasons for Garron Plateau Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Serrated http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=4595 Wintergreen Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 basaltic rock. decline include: (SAC, ASSI, Orthilia ƒ ‘Endangered’ in the Irish Red Data ƒ Confined to a few sites in Northern Ireland -Grazing pressure from Ramsar) Beesley (2006): County Antrim Scarce, Rare and Extinct Vascular Plant Book ƒ Recorded in only two 10km squares in Co. sheep & goats Register and Checklist of Species: secunda Antrim & Fermanagh post-1986, & in another - Damage to heaths by http://www.habitas.org.uk/flora/publications/Antrim%20Register.pdf

square in L’Derry during 1970-1986 peat cutting/ use of fire ƒ Only one recent site in Co. Antrim: Garron ƒ As a northern forest Plateau (1996) species, climatic ƒ County Antrim Rare (Beesley, 2006) warming may threaten long-term survival in Britain and Ireland

ƒ Scarce & in decline ƒ Grazing pressure Straidkilly Wood Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Intermediate http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=4591 Wintergreen ƒ Northern Ireland is the Irish stronghold (sheeps & goats) (ASSI, NNR, Pyrola media ƒ Found in all six counties except Armagh ƒ Damage to heaths: UWT) Beesley (2006): County Antrim Scarce, Rare and Extinct Vascular Plant ƒ Main areas are in Counties Antrim & L’derry peat-cutting, tree- Register and Checklist of Species:

ƒ Recorded from the following sites: planting, use of fire to http://www.habitas.org.uk/flora/publications/Antrim%20Register.pdf -Glen Burn in the Braid (1984) manage heather cover - Glenariff Glen (1990) ƒ Climatic warming: - Linford Water (1996) danger to survival of - Straidkilly (EHS, 1998) this species in Britain & ƒ County Antrim Scarce (Beesley, 2006) Ireland

ƒ Rare & declining species ƒ Destruction to sites by Larne Lough Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Spiral http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=2148 Tasselweed ƒ Northern Ireland holds approximately 50% of drainage, infilling or (SPA, ASSI, Ruppia cirrhosa the total number of Irish sites water pollution Ramsar) Beesley (2006): County Antrim Scarce, Rare and Extinct Vascular Plant ƒ Recorded from brackish water bodies on the Register and Checklist of Species:

coast of Lough Foyle, saline lagoons adjacent Lough Foyle http://www.habitas.org.uk/flora/publications/Antrim%20Register.pdf

to Larne Lough, River Quoile, ponds adjacent (SPA, ASSI, to the Co. Down shore of Lough Lough, Ramsar) Strangford Lough. ƒ County Antrim Rare (Beesley, 2006)

ƒ Coastal species in Ireland ƒ Reasons for its decline Rathlin Island Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Heath http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=3050 Pearlwort ƒ Has undergone a rapid decline (2% per year) are unclear (SAC, SPA) Sagina ƒ In Northern Ireland it is confined to bare rocky ƒ Sensitive to habitat Beesley (2006): County Antrim Scarce, Rare and Extinct Vascular Plant areas of heathy sea cliffs. Only found from the loss, changes in Giant’s Register and Checklist of Species: subulata coasts of Co. L’derry & Co. Antrim. management of coastal Causeway & http://www.habitas.org.uk/flora/publications/Antrim%20Register.pdf

ƒ Has been found from the following sites in Co. grassland (e.g. Dunseverick Antrim: fertiliser, grazing (WHS, ASSI, - Garron Plateau (1976) intensity) NNR) - Brown’s Bay, Islandmagee (1980/1) - Rathlin Island (1984)

142 - Giant’s Causeway (1981/4/5) - Fair Head (1980-1988) ƒ County Antrim Scarce (Beesley, 2006) ƒ The BSBI Atlas 2000 project revealed an apparent disappearance from many of the former sites along the north coast, including the Giant’s Causeway ƒ Several areas of cliffs & semi-natural grassland along the Antrim coast are included in ASSIs, such as Carrick-a-rede & White Park Bay.

ƒ ‘Vulnerable’ in the Irish Red Data ƒ Restricted distribution in Northern Ireland; ƒ Decline due to Lemnalary Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Great Burnet http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=3387 Sanguisorba Book known from two sites, one in Co. Antrim & the ‘improvement’ & re- (ASSI) officinalis other in Co. Down (near Donaghadee) seeding of pastures Beesley (2006): County Antrim Scarce, Rare and Extinct Vascular Plant ƒ Northern Ireland is the stronghold for the Irish ƒ Cutting vegetation too Register and Checklist of Species:

population early http://www.habitas.org.uk/flora/publications/Antrim%20Register.pdf ƒ Recorded from Lemnalary ASSI (2004) (first recorded in 1873) but was previously recorded from several sites in the Carnlough area. ƒ County Antrim Rare (Beesley, 2006) ƒ Scarce & has undergone a decline ƒ Northern Ireland is the stronghold, consisting ƒ Scrub clearance Glenarm Wood Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Dark-leaved http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=3875 Willow of more than half of the Irish population associated with river [Owencloghy/ Salix ƒ Confined to a small population of one or two engineering/ Glenarm Rivers] sites in NI. maintenance (ASSI) myrsinifolia ƒ The largest population is found at the Linford &

Skegh valleys in Upper Glenarm. However, these are mainly hybrids. ƒ The pure species is found in Roe Valley, Co. L’derry

ƒ Protected under Schedule 8 of ƒ This plant has been lost from all sites ƒ Drainage Garron Plateau Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Yellow Marsh http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=3491 Saxifrage* the Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 (including two sites at Garron Plateau & Lough ƒ Habitat degradation (SAC, ASSI, Saxifraga ƒ Listed on Annexes II & IV of the Naroon) except one small flushed area on the ƒ Overgrazing by sheep Ramsar) UK BAP Yellow Marsh Saxifrage (1995): EC Habitats Directive & Appendix Garron Plateau since 1955 (Collin Top) may be the greatest http://www.ukbap.org.uk/UKPlans.aspx?ID=560 hirculus I of the Bern Convention. ƒ Vulnerable in the UK threat at the remaining Peatlandsni: http://www.peatlandsni.gov.uk/plants/rare/yellosax.htm ƒ Endangered in the Irish Red Data Book site

ƒ County Antrim Rare (Beesley, 2006) JNCC: http://www.jncc.gov.uk/ProtectedSites/SACselection/species.asp?FeatureInt Code=S1528

Beesley (2006): County Antrim Scarce, Rare and Extinct Vascular Plant Register and Checklist of Species: http://www.habitas.org.uk/flora/publications/Antrim%20Register.pdf

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ƒ UK Priority Species for the ƒ Recorded from a numbers of sites around ƒ Threats are poorly Antrim Hills Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Irish Lady’s http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=2298 Tresses* following reasons: Lough Neagh, Lough Beg, Antrim Hills, shore understood (SPA) Spiranthes - UK holds the largest population in of Upper Lough Erne & Mourne Mountains ƒ Decline in number of Northern Ireland All-Ireland Species Action Plan (2005): http://www.ni- Europe ƒ Found at Gortnagory ASSI: 239 flowering sites around Lough ECOS (UWT) environment.gov.uk/allirelandspiranthessapnov05.pdf romanzoffiana -Northern Ireland holds spikes were identified in 2001. Recorded again Neagh, Lough Beg & UK BAP (1999): http://www.ukbap.org.uk/UKPlans.aspx?ID=582 approximately one-third of total UK in 2004. In 2001 it was recorded from a new along the lower River Garron Plateau

population site on Garron Plateau (approx. 1 mile west of Bann in past 40 years, (SAC, ASSI, Beesley (2006): County Antrim Scarce, Rare and Extinct Vascular Plant -NI holds approximately 50% of the the Gortnagory site & same altitude) which is likely to be a Ramsar) Register and Checklist of Species: total Irish population ƒ Also found at Aird Snout, Giant’s Causeway result of over-grazing & http://www.habitas.org.uk/flora/publications/Antrim%20Register.pdf ƒ Protected under Schedule 8 of the (2003) reduction in water-level Gortnagory Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 ƒ Found in ECOS in 2006 of the loughs (ASSI) ƒ ’Rare’ in Irish Red Data Book ƒ County Antrim Scarce (Beesley, 2006) ƒ Overgrazing or ƒ Listed by the IUCN Orchid undergrazing may lead Giant’s Specialist Group as having to a decline as the Causeway & ’critically low populations’ in grazing regime is Dunseverick Europe (IUNC/SSC Orchid critical to this species (WHS, ASSI, Specialist Group, 1996) ƒ Fertiliser, herbicide use NNR) & silage cutting ƒ Human disturbance on Lough Beg lakeshores (ASSI) ƒ Abandonment of traditional management North Antrim practices Coast (SAC) ƒ Climate change

ƒ ’Rare’ in the Irish Red Data Book ƒ Rare & NI holds all the native population in ƒ Enroachment of scrub: Bann Estuary Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Shepherd’s http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=2845 Cress ƒ Protected under the Wildlife (NI) Ireland loss of its open sandy [Grangemore Teesdalia Order 1985 ƒ Recorded at three dune sites in the past thirty habitat Dunes] (SAC, Beesley (2006): County Antrim Scarce, Rare and Extinct Vascular Plant years: Murlough (Co. Down), Grangemore ƒ Habitat destruction by ASSI) Register and Checklist of Species: nudicaulis Dunes (Allen & Mellon, 2005) & Benone (Co. development (e.g. http://www.habitas.org.uk/flora/publications/Antrim%20Register.pdf

L’derry). May be lost from Benone since its last caravan parks) recording in 1971 ƒ Sand extraction

ƒ Rare with Northern Ireland being the Irish ƒ Sensitive to changes in Bann Estuary Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Spring Vetch http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=3295 Vicia lathyroides stronghold grazing pressure (SAC, ASSI) ƒ Sites include the Murlough/Dundrm complex (livestock & rabbits) Beesley (2006): County Antrim Scarce, Rare and Extinct Vascular Plant (Co. Down), Portstewart Dunes, Magilligan & Magilligan Register and Checklist of Species:

the Umbra (SAC, ASSI) http://www.habitas.org.uk/flora/publications/Antrim%20Register.pdf

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ƒ Protected under Schedule 8 of the ƒ Scarce with the Irish population restricted to ƒ Commercial Garron Plateau Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Tall bog-sedge http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=2439 Carex Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 Northern Ireland exploitation of peat is (SAC, ASSI, magellanica ƒ ’Rare’ in the Irish Red Data Book ƒ In Co. Antrim it is found on Garron Plateau at the main threat. Ramsar) Beesley (2006): County Antrim Scarce, Rare and Extinct Vascular Plant several sites (e.g. Pollan Burn). It has also However, this species Register and Checklist of Species:

been found at Glenariff (1981) grows in particularly Glenariff (ASSI) http://www.habitas.org.uk/flora/publications/Antrim%20Register.pdf

ƒ County Antrim Scarce (Beesley, 2006) wet bog, which is less suitable for peat extraction

ƒ Protected under Schedule 8 of the ƒ Northern Ireland holds the entire Irish ƒ Recreational pressure Bann Estuary Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Seaside http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=3965 Centuary Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 population (not recorded from the ROI) (on sand dunes) [Portstewart Centaurium ƒ Rare, confined to small populations in two sites ƒ Overgrazing, trampling Dunes] (SAC, in NI: Portstewart dune system & dune fields of & dunging by livestock ASSI) littorale Magilligan Point. ƒ Also sensitive to

undergrazing, which Magilligan allows taller vegetation (SAC, ASSI) to dominate. Rabbits are important in Magilligan Point maintaining an open (NNR) sward for this species

ƒ Protected under Schedule 8 of the ƒ Rare & declining species ƒ Peat cutting Garron Plateau Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Narrow-leaved http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=2345 Marsh-orchid Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 ƒ Three extant sites in Northern Ireland, all of ƒ Reduced water supply (SAC, ASSI, Dactylorhiza ƒ ’Near Threatened’ in the Irish Red which are in north Co. Antrim or quality Ramsar) Beesley (2006): County Antrim Scarce, Rare and Extinct Vascular Plant Data Book ƒ Found in Garron Plateau, where it is confined ƒ Reduced base status of Register and Checklist of Species: traunsteineri to a few small base-rich flush areas. Was wetlands http://www.habitas.org.uk/flora/publications/Antrim%20Register.pdf

found here in 2005, but this population is regarded as D.lapponica (Lapland Marsh- orchid) by some recorders. ƒ County Antrim Scarce (Beesley, 2006)

ƒ Protected under the Wildlife (NI) ƒ Scarce, with Northern Ireland as the ƒ Eutrophication from Lough Neagh & Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Eight- http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=2984 stamened Order 1985 stronghold for UK & Irish populations fertiliser run-off, Lough Beg waterwort ƒ Found on muddy shores around Lough Neagh resulting in algal (SPA, Ramsar) Beesley (2006): County Antrim Scarce, Rare and Extinct Vascular Plant & Lough Beg, where it is locally frequent. blooms which shade Register and Checklist of Species: Elatine Recorded at Drumraymond at Lough Beg in out smaller plants http://www.habitas.org.uk/flora/publications/Antrim%20Register.pdf hydropiper 1999. Also found in south-east Counties Down & Armagh, where it is much rarer. ƒ It seems that this species has increased in the Lough Neagh area during recent decades (Harron, 1986)

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ƒ Protected under Schedule 8 of ƒ Scarce in Northern Ireland, but frequent in ƒ Habitat changes: drying Ballymaclary Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Marsh http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=2288 helleborine the Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 central Ireland out, shading by (NNR) Epipactis ƒ Lost from previous sites in Counties Down & excessive scrub or tree Beesley (2006): County Antrim Scarce, Rare and Extinct Vascular Plant Antrim growth The Umbra Register and Checklist of Species: palustris ƒ Well established in dune slacks in the ƒ Natural succession (UWT) http://www.habitas.org.uk/flora/publications/Antrim%20Register.pdf

Magilligan - Benone – Umbra area from herb-dominated ƒ Recorded from Ballycarry, Rathlin Island in fen-like vegetation to Magilligan 1988. one dominated by (SAC, ASSI) scrub or trees Rathlin Island Ballycarry (ASSi)

ƒ Protected under Schedule 8 of the ƒ Rare& has been lost from half of its recorded ƒ Turf cutting & drainage Garron Plateau Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Bog Orchid http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=2303 Hammarbya Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 sites over the past 150 years (SAC, ASSI, paludosa ƒ ’Rare’ in the Irish Red Data Book ƒ Has been lost from former sites in Co. Antrim Ramsar) Beesley (2006): County Antrim Scarce, Rare and Extinct Vascular Plant & is now confined to the Garron Plateau area. Register and Checklist of Species:

2-10 plants were found here in 1999. There http://www.habitas.org.uk/flora/publications/Antrim%20Register.pdf

are other sites in Counties Down (Mournes) and Armagh ƒ County Antrim Scarce (Beesley, 2006) ƒ Possibly under-recorded as it is small & inconspicuous

ƒ Protected under Schedule 8 of the ƒ Rare with Northern Ireland holding >50% of ƒ Woodland destruction Straidkilly Wood Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Yellow Bird’s http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=3921 Nest Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 current sites in Ireland ƒ Changes in agricultural (ASSI, NNR, Monotropa ƒ ’Rare’ in the Irish Red Data Book ƒ Found in Straidkilly Wood NNR (Wright, 2005) practices such as UWT) Beesley (2006): County Antrim Scarce, Rare and Extinct Vascular Plant & western Co. Fermanagh, particularly around overgrazing Register and Checklist of Species: hypopitys Lough Erne. ƒ Habitat fragmentation http://www.habitas.org.uk/flora/publications/Antrim%20Register.pdf

ƒ County Antrim Rare (Beesley, 2006) ƒ Decline could be a Northern Ireland Species Action Plan Yellow Bird’s Nest (2006): result of under- http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/mhypopityssapwebversionapril06-2.pdf recording

ƒ Protected under Schedule 8 of the ƒ Loss of approximately half of its recorded sites ƒ Habitat destruction White Park Bay Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Small White http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=2311 Orchid Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 since around 1930. It has been completely lost caused by agricultural (ASSI, NT) Pseudorchis from its two Co. Down sites improvement & Beesley (2006): County Antrim Scarce, Rare and Extinct Vascular Plant ƒ Scarce & has declined. It has been lost from overgrazing Register and Checklist of Species: albida approximately half of sites in Northern Ireland http://www.habitas.org.uk/flora/publications/Antrim%20Register.pdf

ƒ Recorded from White Park Bay (1987, 1990, 1992) ƒ County Antrim Scarce (Beesley, 2006)

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ƒ Only found in two sites within Northern Ireland: ƒ Due to its rarity, this Garron Plateau Northern Ireland’s Priority Species & Species of Conservation Concern: Alpine http://www.habitas.org.uk/priority/species.asp?item=2745 Meadow-rue one in the Garron Plateau (along the Pollan species is vulnerable to (SAC, ASSI, Thalictrum Burn) & on Thomas’s Mountain in the Mournes changes in its local Ramsar) Beesley (2006): County Antrim Scarce, Rare and Extinct Vascular Plant ƒ Discovered in 1949 on Garron Plateau, but not habitat Register and Checklist of Species: alpinum refound here again until 1992 and 1993. ƒ Overgrazing & http://www.habitas.org.uk/flora/publications/Antrim%20Register.pdf

ƒ County Antrim Rare (Beesley, 2006) trampling ƒ Vulnerable to drainage alteration of its wetland habitat ƒ Lowering of water tables

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