Online edition: ew 2009-0900 Print edition: ISSN 2009-8464

ISSUE 18 | AUTUMN/WINTER 2018

The Hare Survey of Ireland 2017-19

Ireland’s wild geese Eric Dempsey introduces these migrant visitors

Global biodiversity meeting 25th GBIF meeting hosted in Kilkenny

Biodiversity Tales News from recording schemes for butterflies, bats and birds Contents

Biodiversity Ireland Issue 18 Autumn/Winter 2018 Biodiversity Ireland is published by the National NEWS...... 3, 6, 7, 13 Biodiversity Data Centre. Enquiries should be sent to the editor, Juanita Browne, [email protected] GBIF comes to Kilkenny...... 4 The National Biodiversity Data Centre, 25th GBIF Governing Board Meeting Beechfield House, WIT West Campus, Carriganore, Waterford. Tel: +353 (0)51 306240 Email: [email protected] Social Impact Award...... 8 Web: www.biodiversityireland.ie National Biodiversity Data Centre wins top Data Science award

Management Board BIODIVERSITY BEGINNERS – Ireland’s wild geese...... 10 The National Biodiversity Data Centre is governed by a Management Board, established by the Heritage Eric Dempsey introduces our migrant visitors Council. The Management Board is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the work of the National Biodiversity Data Centre and for ensuring Running with the Hare...... 14 proper corporate governance. Dr Neil Reid explains how you can contribute to the Hare Survey of Ireland The composition of the Management Board:

Bernadette Guest Heritage Officer, Waterford City BIODIVERSITY TALES ...... 16 and County Council Updates on birds, whales, bryophytes and vascular plants Dr Matthew Jebb Director, National Botanic Gardens

Rachel Kenny Director of Planning, An Bord Pleanála Staff of the National Biodiversity Data Centre Dr. Micheál Lehane Director, Environmental Protection Agency

Dr Peter McLoughlin Head of School of Science Juanita Browne, Ben Malone, and Computing All-Ireland Pollinator Plan Officer, Administrative & Engagement Department, Waterford Institute of Technology is responsible for engaging Officer, is responsible for day- with partner organisations to-day office management at the Nigel Monaghan Keeper, National Museum of to assist implementation of Centre. He also has developed and Ireland – Natural History Division the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan and to promote is coordinating the Centre’s engagement and outreach Jack Nolan Head of Nitrates, Biodiversity and the conservation of Ireland’s pollinators. She also programme, including organising the capacity-building Engineering Division, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine contributes to communications activities of the recorder workshops. Data Centre. Dr Ciaran O’Keeffe Director, National Parks Dr Tomás Murray, and Wildlife Service Dr. Úna Fitzpatrick, Senior Ecologist, deals with Declan Quigley Senior Port Office, Sea Fisheries Senior Ecologist, is responsible for much of the analysis, ecological Protection Authority the development of, and oversees modelling and national reporting Michael Starrett Chief Executive, delivery of, the All-Ireland Pollinator work of the Data Centre. His The Heritage Council Plan 2015-2020, and is responsible responsibilities include management of the Butterfly The National Biodiversity Data Centre is an initiative of for the plant and vegetation work programmes of the and Bumblebee Monitoring Schemes, and delivery the Heritage Council and is operated under a service Data Centre. This includes management of the National of the National Biodiversity Indicators, and providing level agreement by Compass Informatics. The Centre is funded by the Department of Culture, Heritage and Vegetation Database and contributing to development advice on biodiversity survey design. the Gaeltacht. of the Irish Vegetation Classification System. Colette O’Flynn, Gemma Hughes, Invasive Species Officer, is All-Ireland Pollinator Plan Officer, responsible for the Invasive is responsible for engaging with Species work programmes of the agri-business sector to assist the Data Centre. She manages implementation of the All-Ireland the National Invasive Species Database, provides Pollinator Plan and to promote the conservation of coordination of invasive species data and information, Ireland’s pollinators. and contributes advice and policy support at the national and European level. Dr Liam Lysaght, Centre Director, is responsible Barry O’Neill, for setting the strategic Data and ICT Manager, direction of the Data Centre is responsible for the IT and overall management of infrastructure and database the operations and work programme. He takes the management activities of the lead on much of the Data Centre’s citizen science Data Centre. He developed the Citizen Science Data engagement and is responsible for building relations Portal and other online data capture systems that are with partner organisations. He also serves as Head provided as shared services to partner organisations. of Delegation for Ireland to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility.

Cover: Irish Mountain Hare © Mike Brown Delegates from all over the world travelled to Kilkenny in October to attend the Governing Board meeting of the Global Biodiversity Information Facility.

Director’s Comment As I write, the World Wildlife hosting the 25th meeting of the Global Biodiversity Fund for Nature has published Information Facility’s (GBIF) Governing Board. GBIF its Living Planet Report 2018, is a huge global network of 59 participant countries and which provides a platform for 38 international organisations, all working together, the best science, cutting-edge using common data standards to promote the sharing research and diverse voices of vast amounts of information on biodiversity. on the impact of humans on The evidence shows that now, more than ever, we the health of planet Earth. need to have robust data and information to build the More than 50 experts from scientific evidence on how biodiversity is changing at academia, policy, international development and the global, regional, national and local levels. Like the conservation organizations have contributed to the management of any natural resource, and biodiversity report. This report has credibility. is most certainly a natural resource, we need fit-for- The Living Planet Index is ‘an indicator of the state purpose information management systems. This of global biodiversity and the health of our planet, and means providing access to as much data as possible, it tracks the population abundance of thousands of for researchers and policy makers to use in their work. mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians from It was exciting to have the global GBIF network in around the world’. It uses the trends that emerge as a Kilkenny. The Data Centre hosted a one-day symposium measure for changes in biodiversity; a surrogate measure which introduced delegates to the global work of GBIF for the health of the planet on which we live and we and highlighted some regional data and information depend. The Living Planet Report 2018 reports there has needs to address the challenge of biodiversity loss. Part been an astonishingly steep fall of 60% in biodiversity ‘we are the first generation that has a clear picture over the last 40 years. Even as a small island off the west coast of Europe, of the value of nature and the enormous impact we Ireland is not immune from these trends. Of the 3,000 or have on it. We may also be the last generation that so species that have undergone a Red List conservation can act to reverse this trend’. assessment, on average one in every three or four species is threatened with extinction here. This is a of the symposium also showcased some of the exciting truly shocking legacy that we are handing on to future work that is being done at the local level within Ireland, generations. The most succinct summation of where by NGOs, local authorities and citizen scientists. humanity is at, is the statement that ‘we are the first The word coming back from the international GBIF generation that has a clear picture of the value of nature delegates attending was that Ireland really is to the fore and the enormous impact we have on it. We may also in terms of bringing added value to data collection and be the last generation that can act to reverse this trend’. making it available for citizen engagement, promotion Sobering words indeed. and action at the ground level. Clearly, the use of such It was against this background that the National data and systems is still in its infancy in Ireland, but we Biodiversity Data Centre welcomed the global are well placed to deliver biodiversity conservation if we bioinformatics community to Kilkenny in early October, can get more buy-in from our politicians. 3 he National Biodiversity Data Centre hosted the 25th meeting of the Governing Board of Tthe Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) in Kilkenny on October 15-19th. GBIF is a global network of 59 Participant Countries and 38 international organisations and initiatives, working together to share data and information on the world’s biological diversity.

To mark the occasion, the Data Centre held a one-day symposium, on October 18th, showcasing how the work of the National Biodiversity Data Centre bridges the gap between the global and regional work of GBIF and delivery of on-the-ground actions for biodiversity at the national and local levels. The symposium served as a very valuable networking opportunity. Dearbhala Ledwidge, Heritage Officer, Kilkenny County Council; Pat Reid, HeritageMaps.ie; and Ciaran O’Keeffe, National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Una FitzPatrick, National Biodiversity Data Centre; and Amanda Pedlow, Heritage Kyle Copas, GBIF Secretariat, Copenhagen; Chantal Huijbers, Australia; and Dag Officer, Offaly County Council. Endresen, Norway.

Donald Hobern, Executive Secretary, GBIF; Ben Malone, National Biodiversity Data Róisiín O’Grady, Heritage Officer, Centre; James Holborow, New Zealand; and Greg Riccardi, Florida State University. Tipperary County Council, and Tom Piotr Tykarski, Poland; and Ben Malone, Sullivan, Western Massachussets National Biodiversity Data Centre. Pollinator Network.

4 John Paul Phelan, Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government; Tanya Abrahamse, Chair, GBIF; Donald Hobern, Executive Secretary of GBIF; Susanne Sheldon and Anne Mette Nielsen, GBIF Secretariat.

Nigel Monaghan, National Museum of Ireland - Natural History; and Des Boyhan, Niamh Roche, Bat Conservation Ireland; and Frances Berrow. City Council.

André Heughebaert, Belgium; Eric Chenin, France; Francisco Pando, Spain; Anne- Achenui Robert Biketi, Brandenburg University of Technology; and Pat Reid, Sophie Archambeau, France; and Philippe Grandcolas, France. HeritageMaps.ie

Paula Tracey, Waterways Ireland; and Liam Lysaght, Director, National Simon Berrow, Irish Whale and Dolphin Group; and Signa Martin. Pantaleo Munishi, United Republic of Biodiversity Data Centre. Tanzania.

5 Clonmel Tidy Towns group, overall winners of the Pollinator Award Eight communities celebrate Local Authority Pollinator Awards lonmel won the top special Pollinator Award at the gardens, roadside verges and green areas could all be managed TidyTowns awards on Monday September 24th, at with pollinators in mind. Cthe Helix in Dublin, recognising all that has been Juanita Browne, Project Officer with the All-Ireland done by the town to help pollinating . Pollinator Plan said of the winners: “It’s amazing to see the One third of our 99 bee species are threatened with whole town of Clonmel get behind this project. We’re so extinction from Ireland. This is because we have drastically grateful to all our winners, and all 66 towns and villages who reduced the amount of food (wildflowers) and safe nesting have done so much to help their local pollinating insects. We sites in our landscapes. The All Ireland Pollinator Plan was hope this will continue into the future. With so much of our launched in 2015 as a shared plan of action to try to reverse landscapes being intensively managed and one third of our bee these declines by working with communities, businesses, species at risk of extinction, these 66 sites act as much-needed parks, schools, councils and farms to make an Ireland where safe refuges for bees across the country.” pollinators can survive and thrive. Seven other regional Pollinator Awards of ¤1,000 were The Local Authority Pollinator Award aims to encourage also presented to Ennis, Sneem, Tullahought, , TidyTowns groups to implement pollinator-friendly actions in Killeshandra, Swords and Geashill. their towns and villages as part of the TidyTowns competition. To find out how you can take actions to help pollinators or It is sponsored by the Heritage Offices and Biodiversity Offices to enter the 2019 Local Authority Pollinator Award, please see of Local Authorities across Ireland, in partnership with the www.pollinators.ie National Biodiversity Data Centre. In 2018, there were 66 entries, from 22 counties, for the Pollinator Award and the standard of entries was extremely high. To take home the top prize, Clonmel adopted a whole-town approach, mapping the town and areas that could provide food and shelter for pollinating insects. Clonmel Tidy Towns were commended for working with all sectors to raise awareness of how the local council, businesses, home-owners and schools could all get involved. They distributed the Pollinator Plan’s ‘Business’ guidelines to local businesses to encourage them to sign up as plan supporters. Working with the Men’s Shed Tullahought Tidy Towns, Regional award winner and other Community groups, such as SuirCam and 2CanDo, they planted a Community Orchard, an amazing way to both help pollinators and provide free fruit for the community. They also visited local schools and planted pollinator-friendly flowers with the children in local parks. The group manually weeded kerbs, roundabouts and flowerbeds so as to avoid using pesticides, and stone walls and soil banks were protected as nesting sites for solitary bees. They also promoted the ‘Garden guidelines’ and circulated a ‘Pollinator-friendly guide for estate management’ to local Residents’ Associations so that private Ennis Tidy Towns, Regional award winner

6 New biodiversity portal for Kilkenny

The National Biodiversity Data Centre recently worked with the Heritage Office of Kilkenny County Council to develop a new biodiversity portal and citizen science project which encourages people to explore and record the biodiversity of some of Kilkenny’s beautiful habitats.

peaking at the Global Biodiversity Information Facility conference dinner on October 16th, in SSt Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum in Kilkenny, Eamon Aylward, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Working with a small but dedicated staff, they set a Council, said: ‘We are delighted to be partnering with very high standard in the collection, management and the Data Centre on developing a pilot website and citizen dissemination of data on Ireland’s biological diversity, science project, the first of its kind with a local authority and have been very successful in spreading their passion in Ireland. The project encourages local communities, for the importance of data collection, and getting people schools, and the public to explore our parks, woodlands actively involved throughout Ireland.’ and rivers in the county and record the flora and fauna The Kilkenny Photographic Society has kindly they see there. We hope that similar projects will be supplied photographs, and the website has been funded rolled out to other Local Authorities in the coming years.’ by the Heritage Office of Kilkenny County Council, the The online portal has biodiversity and visitor National Biodiversity Data Centre, the Creative Ireland information on 20 of Kilkenny’s parks, woodlands (Kilkenny) Programme, and the Department of Culture, and rivers, including information on the key species Heritage and the Gaeltacht as an action of the National people might see when they visit. The public can enter Biodiversity Action Plan 2017-2022. records of species, and this data is logged on the National Biodiversity Data Centre’s Citizen Science Portal. ‘Latest If your local authority would like to create a sightings’ of species will also be highlighted. similar biodiversity portal for your county, please Aylward went on to say: ‘We are exceptionally fortunate to have such a professional organisation contact the National Biodiversity Data Centre. as the National Biodiversity Data Centre in Ireland. [email protected]

7 Screen shots of web pages from Kilkenny's new biodiversity portal. National Biodiversity Data Centre wins top award for Best use of data to achieve social impact’

he DatSci awards, sponsored by Deloitte, bring The 2018 DatSci Awards, hosted by Next Generation in together the best and brightest data scientists association with the Centre for Applied Data Analytics, Tin Ireland to recognise the important work brings together more than 300 data science industry being done in one of the fastest growing sectors in leaders and honours those who have accomplished and Ireland. contributed most in the rapidly expanding field of data Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming big science and analytics. business in Ireland. It has been approximated that there The ‘Best Use of Data to achieve Social Impact’ award will be 40,000-60,000 analytics roles in Ireland by 2020. was sponsored by Deutsche Bank, and was a new

DatSci Awards www.datsciawards.ie Biodiversity Maps can be accessed at https://maps.biodiversityireland.ie/ Ireland’s Citizen Science Portal can be accessed at https://records.biodiversityireland.ie/

8 award category in the DatSci awards, and attracted Council, through which the funding for the Centre is entrants from across Europe. The award was announced provided, stated “This is a brilliant accolade and makes at a special ceremony held in Croke Park, Dublin, on clear the very strong link between the quality of the September 7th, attended by over 300 data scientists and biodiversity data and the manner in which it can be industry representatives. applied to improve the quality of people’s lives and hence This award recognised that the “National Biodiversity have a positive social impact”. Data Centre has made a strong positive impact on our Speaking after the awards ceremony, Gearóid Ó national understanding of Ireland’s biodiversity, an important natural This award recognised “the National resource that contributes a minimum of ¤2.6 billion to the Irish economy each Biodiversity Data Centre has made a year. Using scientific methodologies strong positive impact on our national combined with innovative data analytical techniques, and supported understanding of Ireland’s biodiversity”. by modern technologies, it is raising the profile of biodiversity, encouraging citizen engagement through biodiversity recording and conservation, and influencing policy through the provision of robust data-driven insights”. The National Biodiversity Data Centre, based in Waterford, has a team of seven full time staff, supported by a small team of ICT specialists, all employed by Compass Informatics, the SME that runs the National Biodiversity Data Centre on behalf of the Heritage Council. The Biodiversity Data Centre’s mission is to provide national coordination and standards of biodiversity data and recording, assist the mainstreaming of biodiversity data and information into decision-making, planning, conservation management and research, and encourage greater engagement by society in documenting and appreciating biodiversity. When the National Biodiversity Data Centre commenced operations in 2007 there was no central repository of biodiversity records, no tradition of data sharing, and a weak citizen science network with little capacity for generating high quality data. Today, there is a scientifically validated, Irish biodiversity database of over 4 million records documenting more than 16,000

The National Biodiversity Data Centre Riain, Managing Director Vivienne Kelly, of Compass Informatics, Compass Informatics, and “is raising the profile of biodiversity, noted ‘that the role of a Dr Tomás Murray, encouraging citizen engagement through private company, Compass the National Informatics, has had very Biodiversity Data biodiversity recording and conservation, positive outcomes. The Centre, accepting the DatSci award. and influencing policy through the company has been able to bring the experience gained provision of robust data-driven insights and expertise developed to species sourced from 144 different data sources. other clients and countries – including with the South The Centre’s network includes more than 9,000 African National Biodiversity Institute, and creating high active citizen scientists, and over the last five years it value jobs and new data science approaches, not only has provided 106 training courses, upskilling more than in Dublin but also in Waterford. Compass Informatics 1,500 individuals through its workshop programme. has also been contributing significant research and Access to these data are provided through a state-of-the- development benefits from its own resources to the art mapping portal: https://maps.biodiversityireland.ie/ . Centre, ensuring that commercially, scientifically and Michael Starrett, Chief Executive of the Heritage socially, biodiversity is the winner.”

9 IRELAND’S wintering geese Bird expert Eric Dempsey introduces Ireland’s visiting geese.

ll wild geese are winter visitors to Ireland, but feral A(formerly domesticated but now wild) populations of Greylag, along with smaller numbers of Canada Geese, are now breeding here and are found all year round. Geese that visit Ireland can be divided into two quite distinct groups: the ‘grey’ (really greyish-brown) and the ‘black and white’. In this article, we will look at the six most common species seen each winter. Within the ‘grey’ group are Greylag, White-fronted and Pink-footed Geese, while the ‘black and white’ group consists of Barnacle, Canada and Brent Geese. Greylag Goose

Let’s look at each one separately…

PINK-FOOTED GOOSE GREYLAG GOOSE The Pink-footed Goose is the smallest of t h e Greylag Goose is the largest of the group and is the ‘grey’ geese and, as the name suggests, they have very original farmyard goose. They show thickset, brownish bright, obviously pink legs as well as small, stubby, heads and necks with darker neck stripes. Their dark bills with a pink band towards the tip. Breeding upperparts are a similar colour, but show pale fringes in Greenland and Iceland, small numbers reach Ireland to the feathers, giving them a banded appearance. The each winter. To my eye, Pink-footed Goose is one of underparts are pale greyish brown and, like all geese in the most aesthetically pleasing of all geese, showing a the ‘grey’ group, the area under the tail is white. The legs small, dark ‘Bourneville’ chocolate-coloured head and are a dull pink, with our birds showing a thick orange short neck, contrasting with a sandy-coloured breast bill. When in flight, the front part of the wing (the and underparts. The upperparts are equally striking, forewing) appears very pale grey, which gives Greylag Main image: Three being a ‘frosty’ bluish-grey that dominates the whole Goose its name. Pink-footed Goose of the wing when seen in flight.

10 wintering geese

Greenland White-fronted goose

WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE black head, neck and breast, a stubby White-fronted Geese are very like Greylag but black bill and white underparts with appear much darker brown overall, lacking the neat grey barring on the flanks. The pale fringes to the upperpart feathers and showing upperparts show a beautiful pattern distinct black patches on the belly. The most distinctive of pale grey, black and white barring. feature is the broad white patch at the These features make Barnacle Geese base of the bill, which extends up onto unmistakeable. the forehead (known as a blaze). The race that occurs in Ireland is the Greenland White- fronted Goose and it shows an orange bill and orange legs. In flight, their wings show very little contrast, appearing wholly brown. Every winter, half of the world’s population of Greenland White-fronted Geese visit the Wexford Wildfowl Reserve.

BARNACLE GOOSE The most attractive of the black and white group is the strikingly patterned Barnacle Goose. Breeding in Greenland and migrating through Iceland, it’s not surprising that the main populations are found along the rugged west coast of Ireland. Before bird migration was fully understood, it was believed that these birds emerged from barnacles each winter, hence their name. Barnacle Geese show a striking white face against a Barnacle Goose

“Each winter, half of the world’s population of Greenland White-fronted Geese visit the Wexford Wildfowl Reserve.

11 Pale-bellied Brent Goose Canada Goose

The Brent Geese that occur in Ireland are referred to as ‘pale-bellied’ Brent and come from Arctic Canada. © ERIC DEMPSEY CANADA GOOSE Canada Geese are equally distinctive, showing a black head, neck and breast, but with striking white cheeks BRENT GOOSE that extend down to form a white ‘chinstrap’. The The last in this group, the Brent Goose, will be most underparts show a brownish wash, while the upperparts familiar to those who live along coastal estuaries. They, are greyish-brown with indistinct barring. The problem too, have black heads, necks and breasts, but show white with Canada Geese is that there are many different neck patches. The upperparts are dark grey, appearing forms, each varying in size from as small as a Barnacle almost black at a distance. The birds that occur in to as large as a Greylag Goose. While Canada Geese Ireland are referred to as ‘pale-bellied’ Brent and come can be seen in parks and collections, the only true from Arctic Canada. As their name suggests, pale-bellied wild Canada Geese that occur in Ireland are birds that Brent have pale, greyish-brown lower breasts and bellies arrive with wintering Barnacle or Greenland White- that contrast with the black breast. The Siberian race fronted Geese, where their breeding ranges may overlap. is known as ‘dark-bellied’ Brent and, you’ve guessed it, In North America there are now two species recognised, have dark lower breasts and bellies that show little or no the larger Canada Goose and the smaller Cackling contrast with the black breast. Dark-bellied Brent occur Goose. Both have been seen in Ireland. in small numbers each year in Ireland.

Eric Dempsey is the author of many books Dark-bellied Brent Goose including The Complete Field Guide to Ireland’s Birds, Birdwatching in Ireland with Eric Dempsey and Finding Birds in Ireland. His new book, Don’t Die in Autumn – a memoir, was published to critical acclaim. He also leads eco-tourism groups to all parts of Ireland in search of birds, and is a team member of the popular ‘Mooney Goes Wild’ on RTE Radio 1.

The Siberian race of Brent Geese is known as ‘dark-bellied’ Brent and have dark lower breasts and bellies that show little or no contrast with the black breast. Dark-bellied Brent occur in small numbers each year in Ireland. all other images © Shutterstock

12 News

National Biodiversity Data Centre Data Centre and EPA working to signs collaboration agreement with promote Citizen Science South African Biodiversity Institute The Data Centre has received funding from the The National Biodiversity Data Centre is delighted to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a three- year have signed a Collaboration Agreement with the South collaborative initiative to build citizen science capacity in African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) to Ireland. The collaboration between the Data Centre and formalise a partnership to promote the complementary the EPA will see the establishment of two citizen science exchange of skills and technology relating to biodiversity initiatives targeted at water environments. The first information management and assessment. will look at developing a network of recorders to collect The Collaboration Agreement covers three areas: information on coastal biodiversity, providing valuable (i) Development of research infrastructures, (ii) insights into habitat diversity, habitat quality and the Advancement of data science, biodiversity assessment spread of invasive alien species. The second initiative and monitoring, and policy advice, and (iii) Collaboration will focus on collecting information on dragonfly usage on funding proposals to support special initiatives. of freshwater and riparian habitats to assess their use as This agreement was pursued because of the indicators of habitat quality. A full- complementary roles and experiences of each partner, time Citizen Science Officer will thereby providing clear opportunities for mutual commence employment with the learning experiences between SANBI and the Data Data Centre in December 2018, with Centre. In particular, SANBI can learn from the Data a view to launching both initiatives Centre and Compass Informtics about technical and in spring 2019. software solutions to build and sustain its National Biodiversity Information System and help it to increase its effectiveness as the national data centre for South Africa. For its part, the Data Centre can learn Data Centre secures European from SANBI’s extensive experience in using data for Innovation Partnership funding biodiversity assessment processes and policy advice. The Data Centre has successfully secured ¤1.26 million for a project to test farmland pollinator measures under the recent European Innovation Partnership programme administered by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine. The project, Protecting Farmland Pollinators, will develop and test a whole-farm pollinator scoring system that can be easily calculated, easily understood and easily improved, building on the All- Ireland Pollinator Plan farmland pollinator guidelines published in 2017. The five-year project will test management actions on 40 farms across different farming types in Co. Kildare. It will be a result-based system – the higher the pollinator score of the farm, the more the farmer will be paid annually. The project will also include significant /plant surveys to test whether farms that achieve high scores have more pollinators (bees, hoverflies) and more biodiversity generally. The operational group for From left, Jeff Manuel and Kristal Maze, SANBI; Ciaran O’Keeffe, NPWS; Gearóid Ó Riain, Compass Informatics; the project includes the Data Centre, Yonah Seleti, Department of Science and Technology, South Trinity College Dublin, Bord Bia, Africa; and Liam Lysaght, National Biodiversity Data Centre, Glanbia, Teagasc, Macra na Feirme at the signing of the Data Centre’s collaboration agreement and local farmers. with the South African National Biodiversity Institute.

13 Dr Neil Reid explains the importance of submitting hare sightings to the Hare Survey of Ireland 2017-19

© James O'Neill

he Irish hare (Lepus timidus hibernicus) is a sub-species of mountain hare, which colonised Ireland during the last Ice Age. As such, it is one of Ireland’s few truly endemic species and the only lagomorph native to the island. There Tcan be no more Irish an , and as such, it has been held up as a flagship species – a symbol of Ireland’s biodiversity.

The Irish hare is found from sea level to mountain summits and feeds predominately on grasses. It differs from the other mountain hares, being larger with distinct variation in its skull and jaw morphology; a © Mike Brown likely consequence of a change in diet. Despite its size (up to 4.5kg), the productivity of agricultural grasslands century, with the population reaching a low in the mid- allows the Irish hare to have comparatively small 1990s, but the population appears to have stabilised home ranges (less than 50 hectares). It has a distinctly since then at low densities (approximately 3 hares/ russet red summer pelage and moults to dusky grey- km2) during the early 21st century. The Irish hare is, brown in winter but, with a near complete therefore, protected by the EU Habitats Directive, Bern absence of snow, it does not turn entirely Convention, the Wildlife and Natural Environment Act white like its relatives in other countries. (Northern Ireland) 2011 and the Wildlife Amendment Act () 2000. The last All-Ireland Population change population estimate suggested there were approximately Game-bag shooting records collected 500,000 hares in Ireland during 2007, which remained from 14 estates throughout Ireland widespread. from 1848 to 1970 suggest that Hare life histories are remarkably like those of ground- historical populations existed at nesting birds. Hares give birth on the surface of the land, much higher densities than today. usually farmland, where their young remain motionless. During the early 20th century, This is not unlike the grey partridge, skylark, lapwing agricultural intensification, or curlew, which lay their eggs in a shallow scrape or increases in larger, monocultural, nest in open farmland. It is not surprising that declines mechanised farms and a move from in ground-nesting birds mirror those of the Irish hare hay-making to multiple silage cuts The corollary is that conservation actions that benefit per year drove population declines. ground-nesting birds appear to also support hares. Land These continued through the late 20th management sympathetic to raising grey partridges

14

© Mike Brown as game birds, such as leaving winter stubble in place; There can be no more less intensive grassland management (fewer reseeding Irish an animal, events and less frequent harvests); and having field edge margins including wildflower strips, provides hares and as such, it has been with suitable grazing adjacent to rougher vegetation held up as a for shelter increasing the carrying capacity of the land. Oddly, Dublin and Belfast International Airports, flagship species – as well as many golf courses, are well known as Irish a symbol of hare hotspots. Such sites have areas of rough grass that are typically cut only once annually and don’t Ireland’s undergo reseeding or extensive herbicide treatment. biodiversity”. If the habitat is suitable, hares can habituate to any amount of disturbance, hardly twitching an ear as a jet screams to a halt only metres away, or weaving in and Hare records 2010-2015 had large ‘holes’ in distribution, out of the crowds lining the fairways at the Irish Open! which need filling in. As you log Thus, despite historical declines, it is difficult not to be the location and date of your optimistic about an animal that seems so adaptable and hare record, it will help us to Legend capable of tolerating so much disturbance. fill in the blanks on our latest species distribution map. 1 - 2 3 - 5 Hare Survey of Ireland 6 - 9 10 - 15

The current conservation status of the Irish hare is 16 - 22 being assessed under the ‘Hare Survey of Ireland 2017-19’ project, funded by the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) which aims to produce an up-to-date population estimate and distribution, while assessing current threats and pressures, and we need your help! Any and all sightings of hares can be submitted to the National Biodiversity Data Centre, which offers a dedicated Hare Recording Page. Simply log the location and date of the record and it will help fill in the blanks on our latest species distribution map.

Dr Neil Reid is Lecturer in Conservation Biology at Queen’s University, Belfast.

© Tom McDonnell

State-of-the-art information systems The National for public and private sectors through shared services. Biodiversity Data Solutions for record management needs for NGOs through provision of Centre offers IT bespoke recording forms, design and hosting of websites. services, including: To find out more about our services, please call 051-306240

15 August. Despite the late spring, the Tawny everyone to look out for Tree bumblebees mining bee (Andrena fulva) was reported to help map their progress in Ireland. The safe and well from its existing sites in Tree Bumblebee has a black head, a fuzzy Wicklow and Kilkenny. That’s the lovely ginger-brown thorax, a black abdomen and spring-flying solitary bee that reappeared a white tail. The mapping system Biodiversity Maps from extinction in 2012. We’ve also had new Some of our solitary bees nest in small provides access to data on Ireland’s populations of the most recent solitary bee groups or aggregations. To help track biodiversity. It is a shared service that to arrive in Ireland. The Wool Carder bee progress within the All-Ireland Pollinator brings together data from both the public (Anthidium manicatum) was recorded for the Plan, 2017 saw the launch of a small and private sectors to help build the first time in Ireland from Wexford in 2015. scheme that aims to monitor a selection of knowledge base on what species occur Records this year show it spreading rapidly those nest sites. Where volunteers know of where in Ireland. It also showcases those in the south-east. Across the summer, a nesting area, this monitoring scheme asks who are the main holders of biodiversity we’ve been enjoying watching the males them to count the number of active nest data and the national experts on different aggressively defending their territory here holes once a year. In 2017, 17 nesting areas taxonomic groups. at the National Biodiversity Data Centre in were monitored (across four main species). Currently, the systems maps 4.17 million The scheme was promoted again in 2018. records of 16,092 species from 144 datasets. Data is currently beginning to be received, but to date monitoring information has Updated datasets been submitted on 19 populations. Data Butterflies of Ireland – National Biodiversity capture is finalised each year in October- Data Centre (5,917 records) November and a newsletter is produced in Ladybirds of Ireland – National Biodiversity The Tree Bumblebee (Bombus December. Ultimately, the aim is to reach Data Centre (2 records) hypnorum). © Michael O’Donnell a target where at least 20 nesting areas Bees of Ireland – National Biodiversity Data of each of the main species are monitored Centre (1,780 records) annually. Huge thanks to all those who took Hoverflies of Ireland – National Biodiversity Waterford (the bees that is!). part in 2018. Data Centre (817 records) Of most interest this year, is that the Tree Each autumn, I ask people to keep an Amphibians and reptiles of Ireland – Bumblebee (Bombus hypnorum) seems to eye out for the Ivy Bee (Colletes hederae). National Biodiversity Data Centre (126 be slowly establishing in Dublin. It was first It has never been spotted in Ireland, but records) spotted in Ireland from St. Stephen’s Green it is now common in Britain and seems last September (2017). Back then, Michael likely to arrive on our shores very soon. To view the datasets and records, O’Donnell spotted a single queen, so we http://www.bwars.com/content/colletes- visit Biodiversity Maps at http://maps. were unclear whether we had any breeding hederae-mapping-project It’s a solitary biodiversityireland.ie/. populations. This summer Laura Russo bee with a very late flight period, to The submission of records to Ireland’s found a male in UCD which suggests at least match the flowering of its favourite plant, Citizen Science Portal continues to be very one population has already established. Ivy. In Britain it can be found from early active, with 90,000 records submitted The Tree Bumblebee arrived in southern September until early November. As bees between January and September this England from France in 2001 and has rapidly go, it should be fairly easy to recognise year. It is almost certain that 2018 will see spread throughout Britain. We are very as it’s quite large and has very distinctive more than 100,000 records generated and excited because we are going to be the first bands of white on the abdomen. To make submitted by citizen scientists, which is a country in Europe that can track the impact it a little easier, most of our solitary bees remarkable level of recording. of this new bumblebee since we have an have already completed their life cycles for To submit records, please visit Ireland’s already established bumblebee monitoring this year, but there will still be hoverflies Citizen Science Portal at http://www. scheme. Unlike most bumblebee species and honeybees on the wing. If you think biodiversityireland.ie/ which make their nests at ground level, in you’ve spotted this bee please, try to take a long grass or in old abandoned rodent nests, photograph and email it to us for validation. Tree Bumblebees nest in holes in trees or See www.pollinators.ie Bees other similar structures and are commonly 2018 has been a great year, with 2,680 new found in empty bird boxes. The National Dr Úna FitzPatrick 16 records already received up until the end of Biodiversity Data Centre is encouraging National Biodiversity Data Centre Butterflies Our fantastic network of recorders continues to expand and excel, as for the second year in a row they’ve beaten all previous records: 810 recorders have now submitted over 16,400 records to the Data Centre this year alone, a 15% increase in recorders and 35% in butterfly records compared to 2017! In addition, there are now 32 recorders who have successfully surveyed 52 Five-Visit Monitoring squares The Small Tortoiseshell seems to for the atlas, too, so for anyone wishing to have declined by ca.20% this year. take a step beyond casual recording and explore a new area with a Five-Visit walk, please take a look at the Butterfly Atlas 2021 peculiar combination of weather this year most of the time. By necessity many will website to see where and how you can get did benefit some species more than others, move away from the plant they lived on involved. with Essex Skipper, Dingy Skipper, Grayling, for the simple reason the leaves are no It’s humbling to see the level of support Marsh Fritillary and (as mentioned above) longer there. Gorse Shieldbug, Piezodorus that the Butterfly Atlas 2021 has received Small Blue counts double or triple those lituratus, is one exception as they can stay and the increase in recording activity recorded in previous years! Even up until protected by the spiny evergreen foliage. across our partners Butterfly Conservation the end of September, butterfly monitors Basking clusters of Gorse Shieldbugs are Ireland and Butterfly Conservation were still recording Common Blue and especially easy to see at present on sunny Northern Ireland, too. With this many Small Copper, both of whom had poor 1st days. As the temperatures get colder, eyes on the ground, it’s unsurprising that generations but excellent 2nd generations. they retreat deeper into the bushes. Look our rarer resident and migrant species are In parallel with populations in the UK, the carefully at these clusters as there may be being detected with greater frequencies. Small Tortoiseshell seems to be one of the individuals of other species amongst them. Normally only recorded every 5-10 years, few species to have declined by ca.20% I have seen single Hairy, Dolycoris baccarum, the rare migrant Camberwell Beauty this year. Although still widespread and and Green Shieldbugs, Palomena prasina, was sighted again this year in Smithfield very common in some localities, this is the recently within Gorse Shieldbug clusters on July 17th, by Damien Walshe. Clearly fourth year in a row the national population at a regular site. benefitting from the heatwave, between of this species has declined. The drivers Species may also be seen off their 200-500 individuals of one of our rarest of the decline are still a mystery as its foodplants as they seek hibernation spots. resident species, the Small Blue, were foodplant, the ubiquitous nettle, thrives The two -feeding shieldbugs, Parent, recorded by both Janet Whelehan in in our agricultural landscapes and urban grisea, and Birch, Elasmostethus Wexford and John Lovatt in Dublin in areas. It may well be that we’ll have to look interstinctus, also will have had to move as early June. In addition, counts of one of our toward a mystery disease, parasite or even their host trees become bare. Hawthorn more easily overlooked species, the Green climate change for an answer. Shieldbugs, Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale, Hairstreak, increased two-fold this year, similarly seem to have all vacated their and what would normally be considered a Dr Tomás Murray host plants. I have seen Birch Shieldbugs north, midlands and west-coast species has National Biodiversity Data Centre within pine cones, but have never found been recorded in good numbers in eastern http://www.biodiversityireland.ie/record- a hibernating Parent Shieldbug. The counties too. biodiversity/surveys/butterflyatlas/ only Hawthorn Shieldbug I have found At the time of writing, the Irish Butterfly hibernating was behind a piece of bark. Monitoring season has just ended and http://www.biodiversityireland.ie/record- It would be interesting to receive your records are still winging their way in biodiversity/surveys/butterfly-monitoring- observations of hibernating shieldbugs if from our wonderful network of butterfly scheme/ you encounter them. monitors. Initial estimates from two-thirds Hawthorn Shieldbug can be very mobile of our sites show that although the start of at this time of year. They often appear the season was delayed due to the snow Shieldbugs and indoors (or perhaps get carried in on and poor weather in April, we had an clothing) but are best put outside on above-average May, with populations up by other true bugs say Ivy or a loose piece of bark to find a 38%, followed by a second boost from the Autumn marks the effective end of the safer, cooler winter position. A feature of heatwave, with counts across late June and shieldbug recording period as species this species in my local area was finding July up 15%. Overall, across the year, the move into hibernation and become nearly Hawthorn Shieldbug breeding on Rowan. dips and peaks have evened out, resulting impossible to find. Most of the Irish I have never found it as abundantly on this in 2018 being an average year in terms of species hibernate as adults so they are tree as in this summer and for a while it the size of our butterfly populations. The still around, but are hidden from sight really became Rowan Shieldbug. Another

17 tree on which I found evidence of breeding clutch of eggs in August on the Insects/ it easily in the meadows at this site. In fact, was Whitebeam. Invertebrates of Ireland Facebook page and it was probably the commonest species Green Shieldbug is still a bit of a novelty this may have been such an instance. This at the site, something that would not have in my garden, but is now firmly established strategy is clearly useful when early broods been true just a few years ago. and the simplest species to find. Without may have been lost when the trees were The level of recording in other bugs much effort I can see them on sunny, affected by the drought. remains low, and news sometimes takes warm days. They especially favour one On the same Facebook page, a scattering longer to filter through to me. However, sunny corner of the garden on a cultivated of interesting records have been posted, there appear to be at least four additions Geranium. In 2017, they were visible well along with many requests for identification. to the Irish list in 2018 and possibly two into November. This year, the numbers Hopefully these will all be added to the others. Three of these new additions often exceed 10 in quite a small patch. database. Four to pick out are observations are tree-living species. One, Sthenarus Again these clusters have been joined by from Larry Doherty, Maria Long, Brendan rotermundi, is found on White Poplar, which odd individuals of other species including McSherry and Liam Stenson. Larry found is a widely planted species in some parts a Hairy Shieldbug and a Gorse Shieldbug. Juniper Shieldbug, Cyphostethus tristriatus, of Ireland. The leaves are distinctively very The spring and summer of 2018 will be on Lawson’s Cypress in the grounds of pale and white haired. The bug is, too, but remembered for persistent dry, sunny and Rockwell College, Cashel, Co Tipperary. is nevertheless easy to see in the growing often warm weather and this has probably Adults and nymphs were both present, tips of the branches. The bug has probably had an impact on the abundance of our so the species must have been breeding. arrived here on its own steam, catching shieldbugs. The cold snowy weather in This is the first recorded instance of the up with its foodplant. Looking for bugs on early March was perhaps deleterious to species on Lawson’s Cypress away from commonly planted trees is probably going early emerging individuals. parks in Dublin as far as I know. Juniper to be a productive way to find new species Another very noticeable impact of the Shieldbug (and other juniper-feeding here. very dry early summer was on the foliage species) have switched to this species Finally, thanks to all those who have of birch trees. Many of these were looking from native Juniper and this has allowed submitted records. The increase in record very stressed, with shrivelled leaves, which it to increase in abundance and spread its submission is very encouraging and all must have had an effect on Parent and range across Britain. The same trend is records are very welcome, especially any Birch Shieldbugs. However, some trees now perhaps becoming apparent in Ireland, old ones you may have. Verification of the did produce a new flush of leaves in July. which is supported by Brendan McSherry’s dataset will take place this winter, with an Parent Shieldbugs can also use , so sighting of an adult in Drogheda, a update in the dataset early next year. perhaps this provided a refuge for them. significant extension of range as well as a Parent Bug is so called for its habit of new county record. If you have any large Dr Brian Nelson brooding its eggs and often its nymphs. Lawson’s Cypress, ornamental Junipers or National Parks and Wildlife Service The nymphs form large clusters or creches, related conifers, it is worth looking for this often with an adult in company, the insect attractive shieldbug. Birds equivalent of a brood of ducklings. The Liam Stenson's photograph showed an Saturday September 29th was a beautiful brooding behaviour by the female is not adult Heather Shieldbug, Rhacognathus day, with a frosty start, but then a balmy true incubation but is to protect the eggs punctatus, from Abbeyleix Bog in April. 22 degrees in the early afternoon, with from egg parasites. The size of the hatched This was also a new county record for Co. me in Lough Dan, Co. Wicklow, running broods shows it works, but then as we Laois and the only one from 2018 of which I a workshop making nestboxes for birds. are not knee-deep in Parent Shieldbugs, am currently aware. I have not had success Although I was surrounded by bird feeders something else must reduce the numbers with finding this species this year, although offering all sorts of food, not a single bird each year. There is evidence that females stands of heather-beetle-damaged heather put in an appearance all day! However, can lay two clutches, which again would have been searched in several sites. there was plenty of insect activity, with have helped them this year. Peter Foss Maria Long’s record of Blue Shieldbug, bumblebees, wasps, Speckled Wood posted a picture of a female brooding a Zicrona caerulea, was also a surprise as it and Small Tortoiseshell butterflies in came from a wetland within abundance and a male Ruddy Darter Kilkenny City. This is the shared my outdoor workbench, munching first record of this small, but a fly. So later in the day we had to make an instantly recognisable, species ‘insect hotel’. from Co. Kilkenny since 1901. I had better get back to a review of For more common species, the summer and breeding season just there have been signs of passed, although in many ways it was far further spread and increases from being memorable except for Storm in abundance. Hairy Shieldbug Hector in the middle of June followed by is now well established in north a very hot month, but by August, normal Co. Armagh and participants cool conditions prevailed. The spring, on a Shieldbug course held certainly April, was cold, and for many by CEDaR at Oxford Island in days the dawn chorus was rather muted early August were able to find and it was quite hard to detect common Female Parent Bug, Elasmucha grisea, brooding18 eggs. ©Brian Nelson (Manx Shearwater, European and Leach’s we will pass on records to the appropriate Storm-petrels) and Puffin. Teams from ringer/groups. UCC and NPWS (in Kerry) and BirdWatch Well, back to the present and the Ireland (in Donegal) made a start on the autumn exodus of our migrant breeders. European Storm-petrel, though the poor A phenomenal ‘passage’ of Swallows sea state in the west from the middle of occurred on the evening of Monday July restricted our access to fewer islands September 24th in eastern Wicklow. than we had hoped. In the far northwest, Myself and three colleagues spread Swallow © Shay Connolly it is nice to announce that we discovered between Wicklow Town in the south, early migrant breeders such as Willow an ‘apparently new’ colony on Inishdooey. Bray in the north and Roundwood (west) Warblers. My colleague Dick Coombes, Hopefully, the weather gods will be kind and Greystones (east) all experienced who organises the Countryside Bird Survey, next year and we will be able to finish off hundreds or thousands of Swallows and I both feel the Wren population on the this survey, the fourth of these undertaken heading north, northeast or east between east coast must be at a very low level; Dick at 15-year intervals, and we will then have 17:30 and 19:00! This was not a pre-roost covers a Wicklow upland square where news of population trends for all species. flight to the reed beds of The Murrough on the dense heather would normally be alive At our well watched and wardened east the coast (although that may have been so with Wrens (usually 20 to 25 in the two coast tern colonies, most species and sites for the Wicklow birds) and so far we have transects), and he recorded no Wrens at all had a good year. On (Dublin), no explanation. Did anyone else see this on either of his two visits (April and June) numbers of breeding Roseate Terns spectacle? Please let me know. Thanks. and the other typical species of the area, increased again (to 1,642 pairs), and more Stonechat and Reed Bunting were also importantly had fairly good productivity, Dr Steve Newton absent. The most likely reason for some fledging nearly 1 young per egg-laying pair BirdWatch Ireland residents, such as the Wren, being down is (0.98). The Kilcoole (Wicklow) Little Tern likely to have been the snow in March but colony was stable at 142 pairs and although Terrestrial mammals that the effects of that cold snap seemed 45 nests were lost to Storm Hector, most On a warm night in August, the terrier to be patchy – numbers okay in some areas of these re-laid and a late cohort of young cornered a hedgehog. Well, I may be and noticeabley low numbers in others, fledged in early August. In Portrane, north giving the dog too much credit as she is especially inland and on higher ground. Dublin, Little Terns are now flourishing, not really a terrier, more of a mongrel, and Anecdotally, it seemed that the number and despite a storm setback, saw 11-12 the hedgehog was already in a corner when of Robins were down a bit, too. pairs rearing about 13 young, virtually all she spotted it. Either way, I was delighted, As the summer progressed, our of which were colour ringed. The Common as I hadn’t seen a hedgehog around our correspondents across the country Terns nesting on four structures in Dublin area for a couple of years. This was a fine reported a large drop in Swallows, Song Port had a reasonably good year and the big animal, too, and the dog, although Thrushes and maybe Whitethroats. Two only colony which failed outright was south encountering such a beast for the first time, nationally scarce species, but usually Dublin’s Island. knew to keep her distance. reliable in Wicklow’s oak woods, the Wood Colour ringing and ring reading are We admired its spiny defences for a Warbler and Common Redstart both failed becoming vital in helping us to understand while and then continued walking the to show this year. On the plus side, we, the movements and survival of many block. By the time we came back around, through the Irish Rare Breeding Birds Panel, species, and this is especially true for the hedgehog was gone. S/he reappeared received proof that Lesser Whitethroats seabirds and waders. Several new or in the same grassy spot two nights later – nested successfully in north Wexford. newish Gull ringing schemes are now I’m guessing it was the same animal – but Thus, summer marked the fourth year in operation: Lesser Black-backed Gulls Hedgehog ©Terry Flanagan of the national seabird census and we are breeding on Lough Ree (Longford) are getting close to the end point now, with being ringed with blue ‘darvics’, with a most of the country covered for 20 of our code always including ‘:R’ at the end, the 24 breeding species. Inevitably same species is being marked the tricky ones come at the on Cape Clear, end, and here I mean Cork, with the three nocturnal black darvics burrow- and ‘:C’, while nesters in Dublin, Herring and Great Black- hasn’t been seen since. Over 60% of the backed Gulls get a red hedgehog records submitted to the Atlas ring, naturally enough of Mammals in Ireland project were with a ‘:D’. Please of roadkills and I have certainly report sightings to seen more squashed hedgehogs me or Colourrings@ than live ones over the years. birdwatchireland.ie and Nonetheless, I did spot another

Wren © Shay Connolly 19 3D hedgehog earlier in the summer when drivers of the change. We need to keep an the island of Ireland. While the number of I was out bat surveying. It was positively eye on our Irish hedgehogs, and autumn is records of this species is increasing; so far, trotting along the road in front of me, a good time to spot them out and about, no breeding roosts have been recorded in wherever it was off to. stuffing themselves before their winter the Republic of Ireland. The latest National Biodiversity Data hibernation. A major push was undertaken in 2015, Centre map shows the hedgehog to be widespread across the country, with Ferdia Marnell records from every county (see https:// National Parks & Wildlife Service records.biodiversityireland.ie/). There might be some suggestion of an easterly Bats bias in the distribution of the 2018 records On the hunt for Nathusius’ pipistrelle in Ireland taken on their own, but pooling all the data The distribution of Nathusius’ pipistrelle from the last five years gives a clearer covers vast parts of Europe. While the picture. Hedgehogs may be more prevalent breeding areas of this species are located in the south-eastern half of the country mainly in the north-eastern parts of (south of a line from Limerick to Dundalk), Europe, it hibernates mainly in south- but the species is very widely distributed. western and southern parts of Europe. Only parts of Connemara, south Donegal, Nathusius’ pipistrelles are considered to Mayo and Monaghan show extensive areas have adapted to seasonal climatic changes In December 2013, a ringed Nathusius’ pipistrelle from the UK was located in of absence, with wet soil conditions helping and, as a result, perform vast movements the Netherlands, 596 km (directly) from to explain the gaps in distribution in those to avail of food resources. Recovery data where it was ringed, proving this species is counties. of banded bats highlight that this species travelling across the North Sea. The size of the hedgehog population in can travel distances of up to 2,000 km Ireland is unknown. A recent estimate for between summer and winter roosting when the Nathusius’ pipistrelle Working Britain by the Mammal Society put the areas. They show that populations from Group sought to catch a specimen in population there at 522,000, but there Central Europe, north Scandinavia, the the Republic of Ireland using a bat lure were several caveats around that figure Baltics and Russia leave breeding grounds (electronic device that plays bat social as it was extrapolated from limited data. and move northeast to west/southwest calls in order to attract individual bats) Of more concern was their assessment to their winter roosts in such areas as the and a harp trap under NPWS licence. Ten that the population had declined, although Netherlands, France, Switzerland and Italy. trapping nights were completed in areas the extent of the decline was unknown; The minimum migratory speed has been where this species has been recorded estimates ranging from 1.25% to 40% estimated at approximately 50-60 km/ previously on a bat detector. While the lure over 10 years. Prey declines resulting day during this migratory movement. In and trap worked well for catching other bat from changes in agricultural practice and addition, to add to the remarkable feats species, no Nathusius’ pipistrelles were possibly pesticide use were the most likely of this bat species, acoustic surveys of caught. However, Nathusius’ pipistrelles ultrasound calls indicate that Nathusius’ were confirmed to have been flying in pipistrelles are crossing even the highest the location at a number of surveying altitudes in the Alps, up to 3,100m above sites during the trapping nights on static sea level, during their migratory travels. In recording devices, so perseverance may December 2013, a ringed bat from the UK be the order of the day. was located in the Netherlands, 596 km With a grant from Bat Conservation (directly) from where it was ringed, proving Ireland, the Nathusius’ pipistrelle Working that this species is travelling across the Group began further trapping nights North Sea. In August 2016, a ringed bat with new lure equipment at sites where from Lithuania was caught in Kent, UK. the species was recorded foraging over This is a small bat species, with a weight the summer of 2018. Success came on range of 6-10g. September 2nd 2018, when six Nathusius’ The island of Ireland is at the western pipistrelle individuals were caught at limit of its range in Europe. The Nathusius’ Killeshandra, Co. Cavan. This included pipistrelle was recorded for the first time in three males and three females, and all six Northern Ireland in 1996 by Jon Russ. Since individuals were ringed. This is the first 1 - 2 then, it has been confirmed as a resident time that this species has been caught in 3 - 5 6 - 9 species for Northern Ireland, but the full the Republic of Ireland. So now we wait 10 - 14

15 - 18 extent of its occupation still remains a to see where these guys turn up! We will mystery in the Republic of Ireland. As a keep you posted. January 2013-September 2018 Hedgehog consequence, Northern Ireland is seen as a records on Biodiversity Maps, https://maps. stronghold of this species as far as records Dr Tina Aughney biodiversityireland.ie/ Please continue to suggest, but there is still a lot to discover www.BatConservationIreland.org submit records of any hedgehogs you see to the National Biodiversity Data Centre. about where this species occurs across

20 Cetaceans also washed up on the west coast of SeaSearch Scotland. In recent years, validated cetacean Almost all the carcasses were in very Due to the unusual weather in 2018, strandings in Ireland have risen poor condition and unsuitable for post this has been an atypical recording year dramatically from a yearly ‘norm’ about a mortem and no definitive cause may ever for SeaSearch Ireland, although records decade ago of around 130 events. Over the be established. These deep-diving species are not generally submitted and collated past seven years, it seems that strandings are known to be especially susceptible to until the end of the year, and no definitive have just kept rising. In 2017, when the noise pollution associated with certain conclusions can be made until then. The IWDG Strandings database recorded an types of naval sonar, seabed surveys, etc., poor weather of the earliest part of the all-time high of 264 stranding events, but without any established cause of death, year impacted on recording across the we felt then that this must surely be the no clear answers are available. Government country. However, the calm settled weather ceiling. Well, apparently not, as we reach agencies in Ireland and the UK are currently of late spring and summer allowed divers a total of 240 cetacean strandings so far collaborating on an investigation into this to access sites that would normally be in 2018, with three months still to go. If unprecedented event. inaccessible, and we look forward to a the number of stranding records received On a less sombre note, the IWDG variety of records from new sites. annually reflects the health (or otherwise) received almost 800 sighting reports As would be expected, based on of our oceans, then there is truly cause for during this period, of which 466 have anecdotal reports, this year saw a large concern. been validated, so it’s not possible to rise in jellyfish numbers, with the compass Most of the yearly increases are directly offer much analysis of this data here. But jellyfish Chrysaora( hysoscella) particularly linked to common dolphin deaths in winter this data comprises nine species. There abundant. The warm weather also created were no unusual offshore or particularly unusual diver behaviour as, particularly rare species confirmed during this period, on the west coast, a steep thermocline although IWDG are keeping an open mind developed at a number of sites with on a whale record off St. John’s Point, Co. water temperatures of 18oC above and Down, on August 11th, reported by Chris 10oC below approximately a depth of 9m. Rankin, which may have been another The effect this is likely to have on marine Bowhead whale record, a possible third recording is unclear at the moment, but it for Ireland in as many years. seems to have inadvertently led to a large The 2018 data so far suggests a continuing increase in the recording of the 15-spined trend of humpback whales arriving earlier stickleback (Spinachia spinachia), a shallow each year along the Southwest. The first water species typically found in less than reported humpback whale in each of the 5m of water. last five years was: 17th May 2014, Galley September saw a group of recorders Head, Co. Cork; 2nd May 2015, Slea Hd., decamp to Belmullet, Co. Mayo, for a joint Co. Kerry; 9th April 2016, Valentia Island, recording trip, with the Porcupine Natural Co. Kerry; 5th April 2017, Beara Peninsula, History Society and the Conchological Co. Cork; and 25th March 2018, again off Society of Great Britain and Ireland, Crow Head, Beara Peninsula. The drivers organised by Julia Nunn. Belmullet was for their earlier arrival year on year likely selected as there were no previous Cuvier’s beaked whale, stranded at reflect local prey abundance of sand SeaSearch records for the area. Indeed, Culleenamore, Sligo Harbour, August 6th, eels. The Irish humpback whale Photo ID there was a curious gap in the distribution 2018. © Margaret Mulrooney. August-September 2018 has seen by far catalogue continues to grow, and today of the shore crab (Carcinus maenas), with the worst incidence of Cuvier’s beaked has 92 recognisable individuals that can no record in the National Biodiversity Data whale strandings ever recorded in Ireland. be identified by unique tail fluke and dorsal Centre database for the southern tip of Of the total of 98 stranding records for this fin markings. species on the IWDG strandings database, a remarkable 24% (n=23) have been recorded Minke whales were also recorded in quite here since August 3rd 2018. staggering feeding aggregations off West Cork, and from early April through to July, and early spring. This occurred again in most whale watch trips from Reen Pier, early 2018, but August and September near Union Hall, reported estimates of has also seen by far the worst incidence 20-60 individuals. Clearly the rich feeding of Cuvier’s beaked whale strandings ever potential wasn’t limited to humpback recorded in Ireland. Of the total of 98 whales. stranding records for this species on the As always, we wish to thank all the Irish strandings database, a remarkable Citizen Scientists out there who report 24% (n=23) have been recorded here cetaceans (dead or alive) to the IWDG. since August 3rd 2018 (plus two Sowerby’s Your observations make a difference. beaked whales and two Northern Harpoon weed, Asparagopsis armata. Bottlenose whales). At the same time, Mick O’Connell & Pádraig Whooley © Kathryn Schoenrock around 47 carcasses of this species have Irish Whale and Dolphin Group 21 A diver with a large spider crab, Maja brachydactyla. © Joe Fitzgibbon

Roy Anderson found Papaver nudicaule, In June, Rory Hodd and Maria Long the Iceland poppy, possibly a first Irish had the pleasure of seeing Polystichum record, on a landfill site in Newtownards. aculeatum (Hard shield-fern), P. lonchitis In July, Epipactis helleborine (Broad-leaved ( fern), and the uncommon hybrid helleborine) was found on a trip to the Edith between them P. x illyricum, all in close Of Lorne glen near Crawfordsburn. During proximity at Muckish Gap in Co. Donegal. the summer, Crambe maritima (Sea kale) Blacksod Bay. This oversight was quickly was reported on the Ulster BSBI Botany corrected as Porcupine and Conchological Group facebook pages at several sites Society members recorded extensively around the Co. Down coast. The beautiful within the intertidal on a number of Mertensia maritima (Oyster plant) has beaches, while the SeaSearchers took returned to the Bloody Bridge coast path to the waters, with a large number of after an absence of some years. Oyster records collected by both groups. While plant was also recorded in Donegal by Polystichum x illyricum, fern hybrid, Donegal. the records are still being digitised, some local recorders Mairéad Crawford and © Maria Long distinctive but under-recorded species Oisín Duffy on Inishowen as part of a BSBI were seen, including four species of recording weekend (get in touch to know This is one of only four post-2000 records Liocarcinus (L. corrugatus, L. depurator, more). for this taxon with the BSBI for all of the UK L. marmoreus, and L. navigator); a first and Ireland. Historically, its only sites in SeaSearch Ireland record of Pisa tetraodon Ireland are two nearby locations at Glenade and an abundance of pipefish Entelurus( in Co. Leitrim. In other fern news, the aequoreus and Syngnathus acus). A report gametophyte of Killarney fern (Trichomanes detailing the findings of both the intertidal speciosum) was re-found at a number of work and the sublittoral will be prepared locations, including in Wicklow and on and available next year. Clare Island, as well as on Bulbin Mountain, While we’re working on that, we’ll be new to East Donegal. A highly unusual new planning our calendar for 2019, which will Oysterplant, Mertensia maritima, Donegal. site in calcareous woods was discovered include specialist identification courses on © Oisín Duffy for the sporophyte near Killarney. sea squirts and nudibranchs, and hopefully another trip to an under-recorded area. If Paula O’Meara, joint BSBI recorder for you’re a diver or snorkeler, and would like Wexford, lets us know about two of her to begin recording with SeaSearch Ireland, recent favourite finds - a Victorian update, contact us on SeasearchIreland@gmail. and a new species for Wexford, and indeed com or find us on Facebook. Ireland! ‘On September 19th, I found a real rarity for Wexford, Erigeron acris (Blue Rory O’Callaghan Fleabane). It formed a small patch on SeaSearch Ireland waste ground beside a housing estate in Killarney fern, Trichomanes speciosum, Kerry. © Rory Hodd Enniscorthy. The last record in that 10km square was in 1866, when it was the first Rory, the joint BSBI recorder for North and Vascular plants county record. The tiny alien Euphorbia South Kerry, and leader of the inimitable Some botanical highlights from the past maculata (Spotted Spurge) was found on ‘Rough Crew’ (botanists who climb six months: a traffic island at Ballymoney Lower on mountains or sail to islands to make lists Graham Day, the BSBI vice-county August 27th. There are not many records of plants – get in touch if you want to hear recorder for Co. Down, notes that the for this species in the UK, and this is the more!), reports on some other key finds of first of his monthly meetings, along first in Ireland. Might be one to watch out the year for him: ‘We found Ophioglossum the Connswater Greenway in Belfast, for.’ azoricum, the Small adder’s-tongue, on resulted in records for Sanguisorba minor Dursey Island. This species is new to Co. (Salad burnet) and the non-native Galium Cork, and was a very nice find, not least album (Hedge bedstraw). On his second because of its tiny size. monthly outing, along the Granite Trail by Newcastle, the group turned up Crassula tillaea (Mossy stonecrop) and Tellima grandiflora(Fringecups), both non-natives which seem to be increasing in frequency. Disappointingly, Graham reports that the historic stand of Arbutus unedo (Strawberry Spotted spurge, Euphorbia maculata, tree) by the Glen River seems now to Wexford. © Paula O’Meara Small adder’s-tongue, Ophioglossum be reduced to a single tree. In June, azoricum, new to Co. Cork (with sheep dropping for scale!). © Cliona Byrne

22 Another highlight was re-finding the spotted by some species in Ireland, with only two confirmed exceedingly rare Polygonum viviparum eagle-eyed members records of S. fuscum from Ireland (Mark (Alpine bistort) on Bulbin on Inishowen, not of the ‘Dublin BSBI Hill, pers. comm.). Now an article in the seen at this location since 1991. The best Local Group’ a few September 2018 issue of Journal of Bryology weeks later at a has split the former S. magellanicum into second location in three species: S. magellanicum (restricted to the Gardens. Lastly, South America), S. divinum and S. medium. Robert Northridge found Pyrola minor (Common wintergreen) in Leitrim in July in what he describes as a Yellow star-of- Alpine bistort, Polygonum viviparum, Donegal ‘scrubby birch wood, Bethlehem, Gagea © Rory Hodd lutea, Dublin trampled by cattle, © Maria Long botanical find of the year in Kerry was made near a bulldozed bog’. by John Diggin, who found Bog orchid, This was the first record in the vicinity since Sphagnum beothuk (formerly known as S. Hammarbya paludosa, near Glenbeigh, the the 1800s. So you never know what you’ll fuscum) from Girley Bog, Co. Meath. © Joanne Denyer first county record since before 1970. What find until you look! a find, and well done and thanks to John Thank you to all who share their finds, and What we currently know as S. magellanicum who clearly has a great eye judging by the get in touch if you have anything to report. from ombrotrophic bogs in Ireland, is most amount of rare and scarce plants he finds!’ likely to be S. medium. S. divinum has a more In Kilkenny, BSBI Maria Long boreal, eastern distribution and is more recorder Roger Irish Officer at Botanical Society of Britain typical of transition/ flushed mires. It is Goodwillie reports and Ireland much less likely to occur in Ireland but is that some of his [email protected] worth looking out for. Full details and a key highlights include to the species are in the paper. Presumably finding an acre of this taxonomic revision was too late for Festuca altissima Bryophytes the recently published ‘Sphagnum Mosses: (Wood fescue) The Irish Bryophyte group continued to standing over a have a successful start to the ‘Bryophyte carpet of bluebells Flora of County Wicklow’ project. Following in a rocky wood on from the interesting bryophyte records I near Castlecomer. reported in the spring issue, we had a long Also findingCarex recording weekend bryophyte recording, muricata, a sedge, based in Glendalough, in late April 2018. Bog orchid, in a roadside bank, In total, 21 bryologists joined the group Hammarbya another site for for one or more days' recording. This paludosa, Kerry. Equisetum x trachyodon included four bryologists from Scotland, Sphagnum medium (formerly known as © John Diggin (an uncommon hybrid one from Northern Ireland, seven from Sphagnum magellanicum), Co. Mayo. © Joanne Denyer horsetail) by a stream and the non-native England and nine from Ireland. Not only Sharp-leaved Fluellen, Kickxia elatine, in did the group record from a large number The Stars of European Mires’. I have ordered a parched field of corn. There were also of 5km x 5km squares in Co. Wicklow for a copy (which hasn’t arrived yet) so I will things like Osmunda regalis (Royal fern) the flora, the records included two species give a short review of it in my next update. and Lysimachia vulgaris (Yellow loosestrife) new to Ireland! These were Campylophyllum Please contact Joanne Denyer (joanne@ in unexpected places, and so too for the calcareum, found by Sharon Pilkington on a denyerecology.com), or visit the Irish non-natives Anisantha diandra (Great lowland stone wall, and Marsupella alpina bryophyte Facebook page, if you would brome) and Picris hieracioides (Hawkweek on wet, upland, granite slabs. Accounts like a copy of the Irish bryophyte group oxtongue). for the species have been submitted for winter field programme 2018-19 or wish Two final notes: Staff at the National publication. to be put on group email list. Botanic Gardens noticed an unusual flower In other news, those ecologists who in April of this year, which turned out to be undertake bog surveys will be interested to Joanne Denyer Yellow star-of-Bethlehem (Gagea lutea). learn that there are further name changes in Irish Bryophyte Group This species is uncommon in the UK and the Sphagnum (bog moss) group. In 2016, unknown in the wild in Ireland. While this the species formerly known as Sphagnum is the first time it has been noted in the fuscum was divided into two species: S. Botanic Gardens, it is likely to be a very fuscum and S. beothuk. It turns out that old introduction. It was subsequently S. beothuk is actually the more common

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