Newcastle West Biodiversity Survey 2019

By Geoff Hunt Carlingford House, Bother Bui, Newcastle West, Co Limerick

1

Table of Contents

1 Introduction ...... 5

1.1 Survey Area ...... 6

2 Results ...... 9

2.1 Birds ...... 9

2.2 Butterflies ...... 11

2.3 Odonata...... 12

2.4 Hoverfly ...... 13

2.5 Bumblebee ...... 15

2.6 Terrestrial invertebrates ...... 15

2.7 Aquatic species...... 17

2.8 Mammals...... 19

2.9 Flowering plants ...... 20

2.10 Fungi ...... 22

2.11 Plant Galls ...... 24

3 Discussion ...... 25

3.1 Species results ...... 25

3.2 Birds ...... 26

3.3 Butterfly ...... 28

3.4 Odonata...... 29

3.5 Hoverfly ...... 30

3.6 Aquatic species...... 30

3.7 Mammals...... 31

4 Conclusion ...... 31

5 References ...... 32

6 Appendix ...... 33

Table of Figures

Figure 1 - Dipper Cinclus cinclus ...... 5

Figure 2 - River Arra ...... 6

Figure 3 - Sketch map of Newcastle West ...... 7

Figure 4 - Song Thrush Turdus philomelos ...... 8

Figure 5 - Grey Heron Ardea cineria ...... 8

Figure 6- Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto ...... 10

Figure 7 - Orange Tip Anthocharis cardamines ...... 11

Figure 8 - Banded Demoiselle Calopteryx splendens ...... 12

Figure 9 - Rhingia campestris ...... 14

Figure 10 - Bombus pratorum ...... 15

Figure 11 - Hawthorn Shieldbug Ancanthosoma haemorrhoidale...... 16

Figure 12 - 3 Spine Stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus ...... 17

Figure 13 - Frog Rana temporaria ...... 18

Figure 14 - Great Diving Water Beetle Dytiscus marginalis ...... 19

Figure 15 - Marsh Marigold Parnassia palustris ...... 22

Figure 16 - Beechwood Sickener Russula mairei ...... 23

Figure 17 - Sulphur Tuft Hypholoma fasiculare ...... 23

Figure 18 - Silk Button Gall Neuroterus numismalis ...... 24

Figure 19 - Snipe ...... 26

Figure 20 - Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus ...... 27

Figure 21 - Little Egret Egretta garzetta ...... 28

Figure 22 - Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator ...... 29

Figure 23 - Eristalis intricarius ...... 30

Figure 24 - Fox Vulpes vulpes ...... 31 Figure 25 - Fox Cover pond ...... 33

Table of Tables

Table 1- Table of birds recorded during this survey ...... 9

Table 2- Table of butterflies recorded during this survey ...... 11

Table 3 - Table of Odonata recorded during this survey ...... 12

Table 4 - Table of hoverfly recorded during this survey ...... 13

Table 5 - Table of bumblebee recorded during this survey ...... 15

Table 6 - Table of terrestrial invertebrates recorded during this survey ...... 16

Table 7 - Table of aquatic species recorded during this survey ...... 17

Table 8 - Table of Mammal species recorded during this survey ...... 19

Table 9 - Table of flowering plants recorded during this survey ...... 20

Table 10 - Table of Fungi recorded during this survey ...... 22

Table 11 - Table of Galls recorded during this survey...... 24

Table 12 Number of species recorded for each group ...... 25

1 Introduction

This survey is part of the Newcastle West Tidy Town's Biodiversity Plan and will be included as part of the submission for the Tidy Towns Competition 2019.

The aim of this survey was to collect records of species present at Newcastle West, County Limerick [Grid Reference R2733, R2734]. The objective was to improve the number of species recorded at this site and to provide up to date records. The species lists include Amphibian, Bony Fish, Bird, Butterfly, Dragonfly, Hoverfly, other Terrestrial invertebrates , Galls, Fungi and Flowering Plants.

The methods used include a telescope, binoculars, butterfly net, pond net, camera and visual sightings. This survey includes my own personal sightings up to January 2019. All records have been submitted to the National Biodiversity Data Centre in Waterford and will be included onto their online maps.

Cover photograph - The Dually River, Demesne

All photographs are by Geoff Hunt except

Frog [ page 14], Waxwing [ Garden Bird Poster] by Mark Hunt.

Long Tailed Tit [ Garden Bird Poster] by Mike Flanagan.

Figure 1 - Dipper Cinclus cinclus

Dippers build a nest under bridges on shallow rocky rivers. This one was near Sheahan's petrol station.

1.1 Survey Area

The area surveyed is within the town boundary speed limits and includes the Demesne. Habitats include built up areas of streets, housing and gardens, River Arra, an old dump site and the Demesne which is mainly playing fields with mixed woodlands, hedgerows and an unimproved wildflower meadow.

For this survey I have kept all my observations where there is public access marked as the walking route in red [ See figure 3 Page 3 ].

Figure 2 - River Arra

Figure 3 - Sketch map of Newcastle West

Figure 4 - Song Thrush Turdus philomelos

This song thrush was seen in the Demesne and was particularly tame. It allowed me to get to within 8 feet so that I could take this lovely picture.

Figure 5 - Grey Heron Ardea cineria

The Grey Heron is now a regular feature at South Quay waiting for fish near the weir. 2 Results

2.1 Birds

The table below shows the 49 bird species that have been identified and records submitted to the NBDC during this survey.

Table 1- Table of birds recorded during this survey

Birds Water birds 1 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 08/05/2016 Resident/breeding 2 Grey Heron Ardea cineria 08/05/2016 Resident 3 Little Egret Egretta garzetta 20/01/2019 Resident 4 Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus 04/02/2016 Wintering

Birds of prey 5 Buzzard Buteo buteo 20/05/2017 Resident 6 Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus 09/05/2016 Resident 7 Kestrel Falco tinnunculus 09/05/2016 Resident/breeding 8 Long-eared Owl Asio otis 22/05/2015 Resident/breeding 9 Barn Owl Tyto alba 20/06/2014 Resident/breeding

Passerines 10 Swallow Hirundo rustica 08/05/2016 Resident/breeding 11 House Martin Delichon urbicum 08/05/2016 Summer/breeding 12 Swift Apus apus 08/05/2016 Summer/breeding 13 Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba yarrelli 22/01/2019 Resident/breeding 14 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinera 19/01/2019 resident/breeding 15 Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto 22/01/2019 Resident/breeding 16 Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus 19/01/2019 resident/breeding 17 Dipper Cinclus cinclus 09/05/2016 Resident/breeding 18 Dunnock Prunella modularis 22/01/2019 Resident/breeding 19 Treecreeper Certhia familiaris 08/05/2016 Resident/breeding 20 Stonechat Saxicola torquata 09/05/2016 Resident/breeding 21 Robin Erithacus rubecula 22/01/2019 Resident/breeding 22 Song Thrush Turdus philomelos 22/01/2019 Resident/breeding 23 Redwing Turdus iliacus 19/01/2019 Wintering 24 Fieldfare Turdus pilaris 18/01/2016 Wintering 25 Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus 01/12/2018 Resident/breeding 26 Blackbird Turdus merula 21/01/2019 Resident/breeding 27 Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla 13/01/2018 Resident/breeding 28 Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus 13/05/2016 Summer/breeding 29 Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita 09/05/2016 Summer/breeding 30 Goldcrest Regulus regulus 13/01/2019 Resident/breeding 31 Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata 09/05/2016 Resident/breeding 32 Wren Troglodytes troglodytes 24/12/2019 Resident/breeding 33 Great Tit Parus major 19/01/2019 Resident/breeding 34 Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus 19/01/2019 Resident/breeding 35 Coal Tit Periparus ater 19/01/2019 Resident/breeding 36 Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus 05/01/2015 Resident/breeding 37 Jackdaw Corvus monedula 19/01/2019 Resident/breeding 38 Magpie Pica pica 11/01/2019 Resident/breeding 39 Rook Corvus frugilegus 19/01/2019 Resident/breeding 40 Hooded Crow Corvus cornix 09/05/2016 Resident/breeding 41 Raven Corvus corax 16/12/2015 Resident 42 Starling Sturnus vulgaris 19/01/2019 Resident/breeding 43 House Sparrow Passer domesticus 19/01/2019 Resident/breeding 44 Chaffinch Frigilla coelebs 19/01/2019 Resident/breeding 45 Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis 19/01/2019 Resident/breeding 46 Greenfinch Carduelis chloris 15/02/2106 Resident/breeding 47 Lesser Redpoll Carduelis cabaret 19/01/2019 Resident/breeding 48 Siskin Carduelis spinus 15/02/2016 Resident/breeding 49 Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula 09/05/2016 Resident/breeding

Figure 6- Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto

2.2 Butterflies

The table below shows the 12 butterfly species that have been identified and recorded during this survey .

Table 2- Table of butterflies recorded during this survey

Butterfly 1 Aglais urticae Small Tortoiseshell 09/09/2012 2 Anthocharis cardamines Orange Tip 24/04/2017 3 Aphantopus hyperantus Ringlet 12/06/2014 4 Celastrina argiolus Holly Blue 09/07/2018 5 Vanessa cardui Painted Lady 31/05/2017 6 Inachis io Peacock 10/08/2017 7 Leptidea sp. Real's Wood White 31/05/2017 8 Maniola jurtina iernes Meadow Brown 12/06/2014 9 Pieris brassicae Large White 09/06/2017 10 Pieris napi Green-veined White 09/09/2012 11 Polyommatus icarus Common Blue 09/09/2012 12 Parage aegeria Speckled Wood 10/08/2017

Figure 7 - Orange Tip Anthocharis cardamines

2.3 Odonata

The table below shows the 2 species of Damselfly and 1 species of Dragonfly that have been identified and recorded during this survey.

Table 3 - Table of Odonata recorded during this survey

Damselfly

1 Calopteryx splendens Banded Demoiselle 30/05/2014

2 Calopteryx virgo Beautiful Demoiselle 30/05/2014

Dragonfly

1 Anax imperator Emperor dragonfly 17/06/2014

Figure 8 - Banded Demoiselle Calopteryx splendens 2.4 Hoverfly

The table below shows the 25 species of hoverfly that have been identified and recorded during this survey.

Table 4 - Table of hoverfly recorded during this survey

Hoverfly 1 Cheilosia bergenstammi 13/08/2014 2 Episyrphus balteatus 03/09/2014 3 Eristalis arbustorum 03/09/2014 4 Eristalis horticola 13/08/2014 5 Eristalis intricarius 03/09/2014 6 Eristalis pertinax 03/09/2014 7 Eristalis tenax 03/09/2014 8 Eupeodes latifasciatus 13/08/2014 9 Helophilus hybridus 03/09/2014 10 Helophilus pendulus 03/09/2014 11 Leucozona lucorum 28/04/2014 12 Melanostoma mellinum 13/08/2014 13 Melanostoma scalare 27/04/2014 14 Meliscaeva auricollis 27/06/2014 15 Myathropa florea 13/08/2014 16 Platycheirus albimanus 27/04/2014 17 Platycheirus granditarsus 27/06/2014 18 Platycheirus rosarum 13/08/2014 19 Platycheirus scutatus 03/09/2014 20 Rhingia campestris 03/09/2014 21 Scaeva pyrastri 13/08/2014 22 Syritta pipiens 03/09/2014 23 Syrphus ribesii 13/08/2014 24 Volucella pellucens 27/06/2014 25 Xylota segnis 27/06/2014

Figure 9 - Rhingia campestris

Figure 9 - Volucella pellucens 2.5 Bumblebee

The table below shows the 5 bumblebee species that have been identified and recorded during this survey.

Table 5 - Table of bumblebee recorded during this survey

Bees 1 Bombus Lapidarius Red Tailed Bumble Bee 10/05/2016 2 Bombus Lucorum agg. White-tail Bumble Bee 13/05/2016 3 Bombus Pascuorum Common Carder Bee 21/05/2016 4 Bombus pratorum Early Bumble Bee 13/05/2016 5 Bombus Terrestris Buff-tail Bumble Bee 13/05/2016

Figure 10 - Bombus pratorum

2.6 Terrestrial invertebrates

The table below shows the 12 terrestrial invertebrate species that have been identified and recorded during this survey. Table 6 - Table of terrestrial invertebrates recorded during this survey

Terrestrial Invertebrates 1 Adalia decempunctata 10 -spot Ladybird 22/05/2015 2 Ancanthosoma haemorrhoidale Hawthorn Shieldbug 27/06/2014 3 Armadillidium vulgare Common Pill Woodlouse 24/04/2017 4 Eisenia fetida Manure Worm 24/04/2017 5 Forficula auricularia Common Earwig 12/04/2017 6 Halyzia sedecimguttata Orange Ladybird 09/07/2018 7 Lehmannia valentiana Greenhouse Slug 12/04/2017 8 Nemastoma bimaculatum Harvestman 18/09/2018 9 Oniscus asellus Common Shiny Woodlouse 24/04/2017 10 Pentatoma rufipes Forest Shieldbug 22/08/2017 11 Porcellio scaber Common Rough Woodlouse 24/04/2017 12 Tegenaria domestica Common House Spider 22/09/2017

Figure 11 - Hawthorn Shieldbug Ancanthosoma haemorrhoidale

2.7 Aquatic species

The table below shows the 2 bony fish, 1 amphibian, 4 mayfly and 2 aquatic arthropods species identified and recorded during this survey.

Table 7 - Table of aquatic species recorded during this survey

Fish

1 Gasterosteus aculeatus Three Spined Stickleback R270336 10/05/2016

2 Barbatula barbatula Stone Loach R270336 10/05/2016

Figure 12 - 3 Spine Stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus

Amphibian

1 Rana temporaria Frog R 270336 22/05/2015

Figure 13 - Frog Rana temporaria

Aquatic arthropods

1 Austropotamobius pallipes W hite -clawed Crayfish R278330 10/05/2016

2 Dytiscus marginalis Great Diving Water Beetle R278330 22/05/2015

Mayfly

1 Rhithrogena semicolorata Olive upright R278330 10/05/2016

2 Ecdyonurus venosus False March Brown R278330 10/05/2016

3 Ecdyonurus insignus Large Green Dun R278330 10/05/2016

4 Ephemera danica Green Drake R270338 10/05/2016

Figure 14 - Great Diving Water Beetle Dytiscus marginalis

2.8 Mammals

Table 8 - Table of Mammal species recorded during this survey

Mammal 1 Mustela erminea subsp.hibernica Irish Stoat 09/07/2018 2 Vulpes vulpes Fox 21/03/2014

2.9 Flowering plants

The table below shows the list of 81 flowering plants species identified and recorded during this survey.

Table 9 - Table of flowering plants recorded during this survey

Flowering Plants 1 Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore 2 Aegopodium podagraria Ground Elder 3 Aesculus hippocastanum Horse Chestnut 4 Alliaria petiolata Garlic Mustard 5 Alnus glutinosa Alder 6 Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel 7 Anthriscus sylvestris Cow Parsley 8 Apium nodiflorum Fool's-water-cress 9 Arum maculatum Lords and ladies 10 Asplenium scolopendrium Hart's-tongue Fern 11 Asplenium trichomanes Maidenhair Spleenwort 12 Bellis perennis Daisy 13 Brassica rapa Turnip 14 Brassica nigra Black Mustard 15 Caltha palustris Marsh-marigold 16 Calystegia sepium Hedge Bindweed 17 Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherd's-purse 18 Cardamine pratensis Lady's Smock 19 Centaurea nigra Common Knapweed 20 Centranthus ruber Red Valerian 21 Chamerion angustifolium Rosebay Willowherb 22 Chrysanthemum Leucanthemum Oxeye Daisy 23 Cirsium arvense Creeping thistle 24 Conium maculatum Hemlock 25 Conopodium majus Pignut 26 Corylus avellana Hazel 27 Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn 28 Cymbalaria muralis Ivy-leaved Toadflax 29 Daucus carota Wild Carrot 30 Dryopteris filix-mas Male -fern 31 Epilobium hirsutum Great Willowherb 32 Euonymus europaeus Spindle 33 Euphrasia nemorosa Eyebright 34 Fagus sylvatica Beech 35 Fallopia japonica Japanese Knotweed 36 Ficaria verna Lesser Celandine 37 Filipendula ulmaria Meadowsweet 38 Galium aparine Cleavers 39 Geranium dissectum Cut-leaved Cranesbill 40 Geranium robertainum Herb-robert 41 Hedera helix Ivy 42 Heracleum sphondylium Hogweed 43 Hesperis matronalis Dame's Violet 44 Ilex aquilfolium Holly 45 Lamium purpureum Red Dead-nettle 46 Lathyrus pratensis Meadow Vetchling 47 Lotus pendunculatus Greater Bird's-foot Trefoil 48 Lythrum salicaria Purple Loosestrife 49 Malus sylvestris Crab Apple 50 Matricaria discoidea Pineapple Mayweed 51 Odontites vernus Red Bartsia 52 Orobanche hederae Ivy Broomrape 53 Papaver rhoeas Poppy 54 Persicaria maculosa Redshank 55 Petasites fragrans Winter Heliotrope 56 Phylitis scolopendrium Hart's-tongue 57 Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain 58 Plantago major Greater Plantain 59 Potentilla anserina Silverweed 60 Primula vulgaris Primrose 61 Prunella vulgaris Self Heal 62 Prunus avium Wild Cherry 63 Quercus ilex Holm Oak 65 Quercus petraea Sessile Oak 66 Quercus robur Pendunculate Oak 67 Ranunculus acris Meadow Buttercup 68 Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup 69 Rubus fruticosus agg Bramble 70 Rumex obtusifolius Broad-leaved Dock 71 Salix caprea Goat Willow 72 Sambucus nigra Elder 73 Senecio jacobaea Ragwort 74 Senecio vulgaris Groundsel 75 Sisymbrium officinale Hedge Mustard 76 Sonchus oleraceus Smooth Sow-thistle 77 Sorbus aucuparia Mountain Ash 78 Stachys sylvatica Hedge Woundwort 79 Symphoricarpos albus Snowberry 80 Taxus baccata Yew 81 Torilis japonica Hedge Parsley 83 Trifolium dubium Lesser trefoil 84 Trifolium pratense Red Clover 85 Trifolium repens White Clover 86 Tripleurospermum inodorum Scentless Mayweed 87 Tussilago farfara Colt's-foot 88 Ulmus glabra Wych Elm 89 Urtica dioica Stinging nettle 90 Veronica agrestis Green Field-speedwell 91 Veronica chamaedrys Germander Speedwell 92 Vicia sativa Common Vetch 93 Viola riviniana Dog-violet

Figure 15 - Marsh Marigold Parnassia palustris

2.10 Fungi

The Table below shows the 18 Fungi species that have been identified and recorded during this survey.

Table 10 - Table of Fungi recorded during this survey

Fungi 1 Armillaria mellea Honey Fungus 08/10/2017 2 Collybita butyracea Buttercap 08/10/2017 3 Coprinus comatus Shaggy Inkcap/ Lawyer's Wig 08/10/2017 4 Coriolus versicolor Turkeytail 08/10/2017 5 Hebeloma crustuliniforme Poisonpie 08/10/2017 6 Helvella crispa White Saddle 08/10/2017 7 Hygrocybe nigrescens Blackening Wax Cap 08/10/2017 8 Hypholoma fasiculare Sulphur Tuft 9 Laccaria amathystea Amethyst Deceiver 08/10/2017 10 Lactarius blennius Beech Milkcap 08/10/2017 11 Lepista nuda Wood Blewit 08/10/2017 12 Lycoperdon pyriforme Stump Puffball 08/10/2017 13 Mycenae galericulata Common Bonnet 08/10/2017 14 Oudemansiella mucida Clustered Bonnet 08/10/2017 15 Paxillus involutus Brown Rollrim 22/09/2017 16 Rhytisma acerinum Sycamore Tarspot 14/11/2016 17 Russula mairei Beechwood Sickener 08/10/2017 18 Xylaria hypoxylon Candle Snuff Fungus 08/10/2017

Figure 16 - Beechwood Sickener Russula mairei

Figure 17 - Sulphur Tuft Hypholoma fasiculare

2.11 Plant Galls

The table below shows the 8 Plant Gall species that have been identified and recorded during this survey.

Table 11 - Table of Plant Galls recorded during this survey.

Plant Galls 1 Aceria fraxinivora Cauliflower Gall 22/08/2017 2 Andricus kollari Marble Gall 22/08/2017 3 Andricus lignicola Cola Nut 22/08/2017 4 Andricus quercuscalicis Knopper Gall 22/08/2017 5 Diplolepis rosae Robin's Pincushion 22/08/2017 6 Neuroterus numismalis Silk Button 22/08/2017 7 Neuroterus quercusbaccarum Common Spangle 22/08/2017 8 Rhytisma acerinum Sycamore Tarspot 22/08/2017

Figure 18 - Silk Button Gall Neuroterus numismalis

3 Discussion

3.1 Species results

Table 9 below shows the total number of species per group recorded during this survey. There were 93 flowering plants, 49 birds, 25 hoverfly, 9 aquatic, 14 terrestrial invertebrates, 5 bumblebee, 3 odonata, 12 butterfly, 2 mammal. A total of 226 species were recorded.

Table 12 Number of species recorded for each group

100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 Series1 20 10 0

This survey did not record many other groups of species including grasses, sedges, moths and Lichens. Only 2 mammal species was seen as they were also not surveyed.

Further surveys would produced a greater number of species and show Biodiversity richness within the town of Newcastle West. This study provides a baseline to work from. I intend to carry on my surveying to improve the recording of species within Newcastle West.

3.2 Birds

The number of bird species recorded was 49.

Previously recorded birds

1. Corncrake - last recorded in co Limerick in 1973. 2. Wood Duck - introduced exotic species that is native to North America 3. Mandarin Duck - an introduced exotic species 4. Snipe - seen in gardens during the bad weather of 2010 5. Woodcock - seen in gardens during the bad weather of 2010 6. Buzzard - recently seen flying over the town

Figure 19 - Snipe

This snipe was seen in a garden on the Monagea road in the winter of 2010

Figure 20 - Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus

I got a call from a friend in town to say that there was a Sparrowhawk in the Demesne. It was there about 2 hours ago eating a woodpigeon. I decided to have a look on the off chance that it might still be there. I couldn't believe my luck as I watch this magnificent bird plucking away on the dead pigeon. There were lots of people passing by within 20 feet, but this bird was not going to give up its kill. I got my chance to get some great pictures. Pure magic.

Figure 21 - Little Egret Egretta garzetta

When I first became interested in birds it took me a year and a half to find my first Grey Heron even though I had been to various places along the Shannon Estuary. Nowadays they are very common. In 1998 the very breeding pair of Little Egrets were recorded at Youghall Co Cork. They too have become widespread and recently this one has a liking for the trees in South Quay. They have a different method of finding food. If you watch them closely you will see that the Little Egret shakes its toes in the river bed hoping to find something hiding. The Grey Heron will stand like a statue and wait for the food to come to it.

3.3 Butterfly

The 12 species of Butterfly are all fairly common however, the Holly Blue has only been recently recorded in Newcastle West. This is due to a distribution expansion westward. This butterfly lays it's eggs on Holly, hence the name and can been seen in garden. 3.4 Odonata

Dragonfly and Damselfly are scarce in the town because of the lack of fresh water habitats on which they depend. The Emperor Dragonfly can travel many miles from where it emerged. This sighting is probably a fly over. They were first recorded in Ireland during the year 2000 and first seen in County limerick in 2006.

Figure 22 - Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator

3.5 Hoverfly

Hoverflies are under recorded in Ireland and there are probably more species present. They are very important as pollinators. Some are bumble bee mimics such as Eristalis intricarius seen below.

Figure 23 - Eristalis intricarius

3.6 Aquatic species

Al the aquatic species are fairly widespread and common. However, the White Clawed Crayfish has recently suffered from Crayfish Plague. The plague was probably introduced by contaminated fishing gear from another country. All equipment need to be disinfected beforehand. This species will be monitored and only time will tell what the overall impact will be. They were still present in the River Arra during the summer of 2018.

3.7 Mammals

Only two species of mammals were recorded during this survey however, I was given some personnel comments of other species seen in Newcastle West. These include Badger, Mink, Otter, Rat, Mice, Bat and Rabbit.

Figure 24 - Fox Vulpes vulpes

4 Conclusion

This survey successfully recorded species of birds, dragonfly, hoverfly, bumblebee, ladybird, bony fish, other terrestrial invertebrates, flowering plants, plant galls and fungi. However there are many other groups of living things that have not been recorded. Further recording will increase the list of Biodiversity present at Newcastle West.

This survey has identified and recorded many aquatic species such as mayfly and Caddisfly larvae that are indicators of water quality and are sensitive to pollution. The records that were submitted to the NBDC database during this survey will help to fill in the gaps of each species map. This is part of Citizen Science and I am hoping this report will encourage others to start recording and submit records. The habitat of these species needs to be protected so as to halt the loss of Biodiversity and that future generations will survive. Not only for the benefit of Biodiversity but also for the pleasure it provides to people. Connecting to nature has proven to be good for your well-being.

Recreation is very important for our well being and connecting to nature is great way of relaxing and gives pleasure to many people. I am hoping that people will look through this report and become more aware of the nature that lives beside us every day.

I get great satisfaction from creating awareness of the living things that live beside us. I hope to encourage others to develop an interest in our heritage and to enjoy it as much as I do.

Finally, I would like to thank all the people I met over the years for passing on information about what they have seen locally. Happy hunting.

5 References

The following books were used for identification of species recorded during this survey.

Collins Bird Guide, [2001] by Killian Mullarney, Lars Svensson, Dan Zetterstrom and Peter J Grant

Collins Flower Guide, [2009] by David Streeter, C. Hart-Davies, A Hardcastle, F. Cole, & L. Harper

Flora of Country Limerick, [2013] by Sylvia C.P. Reynolds, National Botanic Gardens

The Natural History of Ireland's Dragonflies, [2004] by Brian Nelson and Robert Thompson, MAGNI

British Hoverflies, [2002] by Alan E. Stubbs and Steven J. Falk, BENHS

Bird Atlas 2007-11, [2103 ] by Dawn Balmer, Simon Gillings, Brian Caffrey, Bob Swann, Iain Downie and Rob Fuller, BTO books

Identification Guide to Ireland's Ladybirds, [2015] by Colette O' Flynn, Brian J. Pinchen and Una Fitzpatrick, NBDC

Identification Guide to Ireland's Shieldbugs [2012] by Don Cotton, Brian Nelson and Una Fitzpatrick, NBDC

Identification Guide to Ireland's Bumblebees [2010] by Una Fitzpatrick, Andrew Byrne and Bryan J. Pinchen, NBDC

Identification Guide to Ireland's Butterflies [2011] by Eugenie Regan and Liam Lysaght, NBDC

Britain's Plant Galls, [2011] by Michael Chinery, Wild Guides

Mushrooms, [2003] by Patrick Harding, Collins Gem

Face book Geoff Hunt

Insects/Invertebrates of Ireland

Web sites www.wildflowersofireland.net [Zoe Devlin, Identification by colour] www.naturespot.org.uk [Identification of species]]

Figure 25 - Fox Cover pond

6 Appendix

See the following pages for images of species seen during this survey.

.