The VWT is planning two radio tracking studies of the lesser horseshoe bat at two of its reserves this summer, one based near Cahernacon, Co. Mayo, from June 2nd to 12th, and one based near Gort, Co. Galway, from August 18th to 27th. We are seeking assistance from anyone living in these areas who can spare two or more nights to help with this work. We are in a position to pay volunteers mileage, and training in all aspects of the catching, handling, tagging and tracking of the bats will be provided. All we would ask volunteers to supply is their own mobile phone and head torch.
Background:
The aim of the radio tracking study is to determine how the bats make their way to their foraging areas and what foraging areas they use, so that this information can input into broader landscape conservation measures. We intend to catch the bats as they fly away from the roosts, allowing two nights for this, as the lesser horseshoe bat is notoriously hard to catch. We will be using mist nets set up along their flight paths. When we catch the bats we shall attach small radio transmitters to the eight heaviest females, we have already obtained the necessary licences to do this. Then, for the following eight nights, we shall work in two teams of two, each team following four bats, probably by car but possibly on foot, depending on what the bats choose to do. Essentially we be aiming to gather as much data on their movements as possible; it may be that three bats spend the whole night in one location all night, while others move between areas frequently during the night, so how we work on a particular night will need to be flexible.
We are carrying out similar studies in the UK, where some consultancies have offered to allow staff to assist, in return for the training aspect of the work.
Dr Kate Mc Aney,
Mammal Development Manager (Ireland),
The Vincent Wildlife Trust,
Donaghpatrick,
Headford,
County Galway,
Republic of Ireland.
Tel: 00 353 93 35304 Mobile: 00 353 86 8308849
www.vwt.org.uk
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
The Centre for Biodiversity at Tipperary - filling the information gap
The Centre for Biodiversity at Tipperary Institute is carrying out important research work on biodiversity and climate change. 13 researchers are working on Biodiversity monitoring across Tipperary, gathering important information on our environment through the study of “biodiversity indicators”, these are species which tell us a lot about the quality of our environment and climate change. If an indicator species is present in a location it can signal the health of that environment. There are significant information gaps in our knowledge of biodiversity in Ireland and how wildlife may respond to climate change and land-use change. A powerful information tool is the use of biodiversity indicators.
This summer’s focus is on our Butterfly population. Not only are butterflies a food source for birds and other animals, they are also important as pollinators and vital to all food production, without pollinators we have no food. Because of their short lifecycle and sensitivity to climate and environmental change, butterflies lend themselves as ideal biodiversity indicators. So far this summer the Centre for Biodiversity research team have identified the mass migration from butterfly’s form Africa to Ireland, researchers identified and tracked thousands of Painted Lady butterflies as the migrated from the Atlas Mountains to Ireland. We have discovered one of Europe’s most endangered species of Butterfly, Marsh Fritillary Euphydras aurinia, in Tipperary. The Marsh Fritillary is the only Irish butterfly species protected under EU law. It is now considered one of the most endangered species in Europe, it has undergone severe declines in most countries and is now extinct in northern Belgium, so the Irish population found in County Tipperary is of international importance.
We are gathering climate information from our weather station across Tipperary, this along with the biodiversity information goes into a special computerised database which provides up-to-date evidence to assist with many of the key planning decisions we now face, including: agriculture, urban development, tourism and infrastructure and renewable energy. Not all of our current research team are students studying on our B.Sc. Honours programme in Environmental & Natural Resource Management, but we have involvement form a growing number of farmers, who recognise the benefits and importance of biodiversity research. As we plan for our future green economy we face a huge obstacle in our lack of information on biodiversity, the Centre for Biodiversity at Tipperary Institute is working to provide quality information to help get our economy growing again. Wildlife related activities in Wales is estimated to be worth £9billion to its economy, while in Scotland it is estimated that wildlife watching alone is worth £57million.
The future is bright-the fiture is green.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Young Biodiversity Scientist of the future.
During the recent mass migration of Painted Lady Butterfly's from Africa to Ireland, Rhiannon and Alannah were at the Centre for Biodiversity at Tipperary Institute where they helped monitor this once in a lifetime event. Thanks to them both for their hard work on the day.
After hatching in February or March in Africa, the Painted Lady butterfly migrates north every year, normally arriving in Ireland in May or early June, spreading out across the country, others going on into Scandinavia. Historically recorded 'swarm' years include, 1272, 1889, 1903, 1928, 1980 and more recently 1996, 2003 and 2006. 2009 might be added to this list. T
he highest count so far from our research staff is 52 per minute passing overhead.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Taoiseach Visits Centre for Biodiversity
We recently had a visit from Taoiseach (Prime Minister of Ireland) Brian Cowen, During the Taoiseach’s visit our Biodiversity Data recording software was on display and its capabilities were being demonstrated. And what a day it was. Just prior to the Taoiseach’s arrival at the Centre for Biodiversity, we noticed increasing numbers of butterfly’s flying in a North West direction over the grounds and gardens surrounding the Centre. We estimated there were 200 per hour passing by, all the same species, Painted Lady Vanessa cardui. We knew this was an unusual event. As the Taoiseach arrived accompanied by Dr. Martin Mansergh, Minister of State, and his PA Siobhan Ambrose (Photo below) we demonstrated the Biodiversity Data Recording capabilities. As we did, we began to get live reports of large numbers of Painted Lady Vanessa cardui butterflies, crossing the country. We have a Butterfly m
onitoring programme in operation this summer and our fieldworkers began to send in reports of sightings of between 160 and 1000 Painted Lady Vanessa cardui butterflies, per hour passing survey points. This was a mass migration of this species from Africa to Ireland. After hatching in February or March in Africa, the Painted Lady butterfly migrates north every year, normally arrivi
ng in Ireland in May or early June, spreading out across the country, others going on into Scandinavia. Historically recorded 'swarm' years include, 1272, 1889, 1903, 1928, 1980 and more recently 1996, 2003 and 2006. 2009 might be added to this list.
Demonstrating our Biodiversity work isn’t always easy, but in this case events conspired to impress all present. We were able to show how live data, has the capability to be captured in real time, the results enhanced with geographical and environmental variables, can be used for evidence based decision making.
If you wish to get invlolved in our Butterfly monitoring please get in touch.
onitoring programme in operation this summer and our fieldworkers began to send in reports of sightings of between 160 and 1000 Painted Lady Vanessa cardui butterflies, per hour passing survey points. This was a mass migration of this species from Africa to Ireland. After hatching in February or March in Africa, the Painted Lady butterfly migrates north every year, normally arrivi
ng in Ireland in May or early June, spreading out across the country, others going on into Scandinavia. Historically recorded 'swarm' years include, 1272, 1889, 1903, 1928, 1980 and more recently 1996, 2003 and 2006. 2009 might be added to this list.Demonstrating our Biodiversity work isn’t always easy, but in this case events conspired to impress all present. We were able to show how live data, has the capability to be captured in real time, the results enhanced with geographical and environmental variables, can be used for evidence based decision making.
If you wish to get invlolved in our Butterfly monitoring please get in touch.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Job vacancy Ecololgist in ireland
Bord na Móna is Ireland's leading environmentally responsible integrated utility service provider encompassing electricity, heating, resource recovery, water, growing media, environmental solutions and related services. In defining our 'New Contract with Nature', Bord na Móna is committed to continued growth through superior customer service, outstanding quality and innovation delivered through the excellence and commitment of our people.
This role supports Bord na Mona Group. Bord na Mona Group is made up of a number of functions which support each of the operational divisions within Bord na Mona. The role of Group/Land Development, is to enable to the delivery of Bord na Mona strategy through value adding interventions and support to the business.
The Role: This new role is to establish a baseline of biodiversity across the Bord na Mona bogs. The study will contribute towards the development of a biodiversity policy and nature conservation. It will also form the baseline study to develop an integrated land use plan for the future development of cut away bogs.
Key duties include:
• Conducting research and analysis including collation of existing information and field work to compile the relevant information and understanding of cut away bogs and related habitats. Identification of cut away bogs and development of rehabilitation plans as appropriate.
• Identification of potentially important biodiversity areas from existing land use maps. Development of a map to indicate potential areas of biodiversity and their relationships with adjacent biodiversity and nature conservation sites.
• Build a strong knowledge base by developing a central database and reporting structure including the identification of information gaps and the areas requiring potential further study/research, generating new ideas and innovative ways of working
• Using strong project management capability, develop reports and actions describing the nature, extent and condition of existing biodiversity areas and recommendations for future management.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to compile data, consult with relevant government departments and statutory agencies and source funding as required from EU programmes on behalf of Bord na Mona as appropriate.
The Person:
The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and experience:
• MSc in (Biology)
• Minimum 2 years experience in a similar position
• Experience of ecological field survey (flora and fauna) particularly in reference to bogs.
• Ideally some knowledge of cutaway bogs and the interaction of ecological processes and hydrological regime is required.
• Ability to project manage workload, working to tight timeframes and proactively handle and follow through on challenges as they arise.
• Strong report writing skills and the ability to communicate key messages
• A working knowledge of GIS and mapping of habitats is preferred.
The selection process for this role will include candidate screening from application.
If you wish to be considered for this position please forward your Curriculum Vitae to The Manager, HR Administration Shared Services Centre, Bord na Móna, Leabeg, Tullamore, Co. Offaly or e-mail hrsscadmin@bnm.ie on or before 29thth May 2009.
This role supports Bord na Mona Group. Bord na Mona Group is made up of a number of functions which support each of the operational divisions within Bord na Mona. The role of Group/Land Development, is to enable to the delivery of Bord na Mona strategy through value adding interventions and support to the business.
The Role: This new role is to establish a baseline of biodiversity across the Bord na Mona bogs. The study will contribute towards the development of a biodiversity policy and nature conservation. It will also form the baseline study to develop an integrated land use plan for the future development of cut away bogs.
Key duties include:
• Conducting research and analysis including collation of existing information and field work to compile the relevant information and understanding of cut away bogs and related habitats. Identification of cut away bogs and development of rehabilitation plans as appropriate.
• Identification of potentially important biodiversity areas from existing land use maps. Development of a map to indicate potential areas of biodiversity and their relationships with adjacent biodiversity and nature conservation sites.
• Build a strong knowledge base by developing a central database and reporting structure including the identification of information gaps and the areas requiring potential further study/research, generating new ideas and innovative ways of working
• Using strong project management capability, develop reports and actions describing the nature, extent and condition of existing biodiversity areas and recommendations for future management.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to compile data, consult with relevant government departments and statutory agencies and source funding as required from EU programmes on behalf of Bord na Mona as appropriate.
The Person:
The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and experience:
• MSc in (Biology)
• Minimum 2 years experience in a similar position
• Experience of ecological field survey (flora and fauna) particularly in reference to bogs.
• Ideally some knowledge of cutaway bogs and the interaction of ecological processes and hydrological regime is required.
• Ability to project manage workload, working to tight timeframes and proactively handle and follow through on challenges as they arise.
• Strong report writing skills and the ability to communicate key messages
• A working knowledge of GIS and mapping of habitats is preferred.
The selection process for this role will include candidate screening from application.
If you wish to be considered for this position please forward your Curriculum Vitae to The Manager, HR Administration Shared Services Centre, Bord na Móna, Leabeg, Tullamore, Co. Offaly or e-mail hrsscadmin@bnm.ie on or before 29thth May 2009.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Biodiversity Day I in Tipperary Ireland
‘Take a Walk on the Wild Side’
Wildlife event to celebrate Biodiversity Day
Friday 22nd May 2009
Where: Lough Doire Bhile, Glengoole, Slieveardagh
2pm-3:30pm Plant Identification workshop for those with a specialist interest given by Mieke Muyllaert, local ecologist and Mike Maunsell, Centre for Biodiversity, Tipperary Institute. Learn how to identify the rich variety of plants in the area. Participants should come away from this workshop with the skills to help pass on knowledge about the plants of Lough Doire Bhile and how they relate to the local habitats and wildlife, especially butterflies. Numbers are limited. Please phone to book in advance.
3:30-4pm: Tea on the bog! Bring your own flask of tea. Biscuits will be provided.
4pm-5:30pm: Guided walks of the bog site highlighting the wildlife, the birds and the habitats of the site. Local guides will be on hand to give a tour of the site.
6pm – 8pm Family wildlife event: Explore the wild, wet and wonderful boglands of Ireland. Nuala Madigan from the Irish Peatland Conservation Council will lead an interactive walk and talk on Lough Doire Bhile bog. The evening will include the formation of a peatland through the hands on making of a 'Bog in a Bottle', traditional nature crafts made on the bog at the end of harvest each year, a look at some of Irelands invasive species on boglands and the identification of bogland plants and freshwater invertebrates caught during a pond dipping session on the evening.
All welcome to attend one or all of the events. All events are free of charge. Contact Slieveardagh Rural Development on 052 56165 for further information or to book a place.
Sunday 24th May 2009
Launch of Grange Looped Walks with Ella McSweeney of RTE’s ‘Shanks Mare’ and ‘Ear to the Ground’. A celebratory event with a presentation on biodiversity for the opening of the Grange Looped Walks in Grange village, Barna, Slieveardagh. Refreshments served. Contact Slieveardagh Rural Development on 052 56165 for further information.
Wildlife event to celebrate Biodiversity Day
Friday 22nd May 2009
Where: Lough Doire Bhile, Glengoole, Slieveardagh
2pm-3:30pm Plant Identification workshop for those with a specialist interest given by Mieke Muyllaert, local ecologist and Mike Maunsell, Centre for Biodiversity, Tipperary Institute. Learn how to identify the rich variety of plants in the area. Participants should come away from this workshop with the skills to help pass on knowledge about the plants of Lough Doire Bhile and how they relate to the local habitats and wildlife, especially butterflies. Numbers are limited. Please phone to book in advance.
3:30-4pm: Tea on the bog! Bring your own flask of tea. Biscuits will be provided.
4pm-5:30pm: Guided walks of the bog site highlighting the wildlife, the birds and the habitats of the site. Local guides will be on hand to give a tour of the site.
6pm – 8pm Family wildlife event: Explore the wild, wet and wonderful boglands of Ireland. Nuala Madigan from the Irish Peatland Conservation Council will lead an interactive walk and talk on Lough Doire Bhile bog. The evening will include the formation of a peatland through the hands on making of a 'Bog in a Bottle', traditional nature crafts made on the bog at the end of harvest each year, a look at some of Irelands invasive species on boglands and the identification of bogland plants and freshwater invertebrates caught during a pond dipping session on the evening.
All welcome to attend one or all of the events. All events are free of charge. Contact Slieveardagh Rural Development on 052 56165 for further information or to book a place.
Sunday 24th May 2009
Launch of Grange Looped Walks with Ella McSweeney of RTE’s ‘Shanks Mare’ and ‘Ear to the Ground’. A celebratory event with a presentation on biodiversity for the opening of the Grange Looped Walks in Grange village, Barna, Slieveardagh. Refreshments served. Contact Slieveardagh Rural Development on 052 56165 for further information.
Friday, May 1, 2009
THE 450 bicycle rental scheme for Dublin city
Today Irish Times reports that 450 bicycles will soon be available in Dublin City for commuters and tourists.
According to Olivia Kelly, 450 bicycles which are to be provided under long-awaited bicycle rental scheme for Dublin city will be available at 40 locations around the city from July 2009.
The installation of the 40 bicycle “stations”, where users will be able to pick up or drop off bicycles, began this week and is due to be completed by the end of June, paving the way for the scheme to begin in early July.
The bicycles are being provided through a deal between Dublin City Council and advertising multinational JC Decaux. Under the deal JC Decaux will provide and maintain the bicycles in exchange for a 15-year permission to use outdoor advertising space in Dublin estimated to be worth €1 million annually. Read more in todays Irish times.
According to Olivia Kelly, 450 bicycles which are to be provided under long-awaited bicycle rental scheme for Dublin city will be available at 40 locations around the city from July 2009.
The installation of the 40 bicycle “stations”, where users will be able to pick up or drop off bicycles, began this week and is due to be completed by the end of June, paving the way for the scheme to begin in early July.
The bicycles are being provided through a deal between Dublin City Council and advertising multinational JC Decaux. Under the deal JC Decaux will provide and maintain the bicycles in exchange for a 15-year permission to use outdoor advertising space in Dublin estimated to be worth €1 million annually. Read more in todays Irish times.
Monday, April 27, 2009
climate change impacts on Ireland
A new report has predicted climate change will have significant impacts on Ireland within a matter of decades.
This will include far more intense rainfall and an increased number of droughts.
Research conducted at NUI Maynooth and published by the EPA projects winter rainfall will increase by 10%, while summer rainfall will drop by up to 17% by 2050. EPA Director Laura Burke said the data will enable the country to plan and take actions to avoid the worst impacts but she stressed that such forward planning is required urgently.
The report also found that average temperatures will rise by 1.8C by 2050, and by more than two degrees by end of the century.
Two degrees is the point at which both the EU and UN believe catastrophic and irreversible impacts will begin to take place.
The report's lead author, Professor John Sweeney, says the largest winter rainfall increases are expected
to occur in the midlands. He added that by 2050, reductions in summer rainfall of between 20 and 28% are projected for the southern and eastern coasts.This is project to increase to between 30 and 40% by 2080 - supporting expectations that the commercial growing of potatoes will become impossible.
During summer months, longer heat waves and drought may occur, which will be especially important for eastern and southern parts of Ireland. Professor Sweeney advised a risk management type approach to adaptation will be required to take account of these uncertainties.
This will include far more intense rainfall and an increased number of droughts.
Research conducted at NUI Maynooth and published by the EPA projects winter rainfall will increase by 10%, while summer rainfall will drop by up to 17% by 2050. EPA Director Laura Burke said the data will enable the country to plan and take actions to avoid the worst impacts but she stressed that such forward planning is required urgently.
The report also found that average temperatures will rise by 1.8C by 2050, and by more than two degrees by end of the century.
Two degrees is the point at which both the EU and UN believe catastrophic and irreversible impacts will begin to take place.
The report's lead author, Professor John Sweeney, says the largest winter rainfall increases are expected
to occur in the midlands. He added that by 2050, reductions in summer rainfall of between 20 and 28% are projected for the southern and eastern coasts.This is project to increase to between 30 and 40% by 2080 - supporting expectations that the commercial growing of potatoes will become impossible.During summer months, longer heat waves and drought may occur, which will be especially important for eastern and southern parts of Ireland. Professor Sweeney advised a risk management type approach to adaptation will be required to take account of these uncertainties.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Butterfly Survey Tipperary
It's that time of year again when our Butterflies are starting to appear. It also means the start of the Butterfly surveying season. Between now and September I’ll be out once a week for about an hour recording Butterflies at the survey site I established last year in Cabragh Wetland outside Thurles, North Tipperary. It was the only butterfly survey site in County Tipperary in 2008. All this is about to change, luckily this year I've got offers of help from 5 students on our B.Sc. in Environmental & Natural Resource Management,
to take on a butterfly survey site each. While they will study Butterflies on the B.Sc. course, these students want to get their own sites established on their own patch. Also I've got offers from two community biodiversity initiatives, wishing to set up their own survey sites. These are Tipperary Town and Slieveardagh Rural Development group. Anyone who wants training and would like to participate in butterfly monitoring it County Tipperary Please get in touch with me. All the records collected will be entered into our electronic Biodiversity Database, at 
the Centre for Biodiversity at Tipperary Institute. This will give is important information on the state of Tipperary’s Butterfly population. Results will also be sent to the National Biodiversity Data Centre. Biodiversity Day in South Tipperary
As part of Biodiversity week 2009, there will be a wildlife event taking place a t Loch Doire Bhile on the Littleton Bog in Tipperary on May 22nd. The event will be hosted by Slieveardagh Rural Development Group & South Tipperary County Council's Heritage Forum.
I'll keep you posted on event details closer to the date.
If you just can't wait you can contact:
Slieveardagh Cultural & Enterprise Centre.
Tel: 052 56165
Email: info@slieveardagh.com
Or Labhaoise McKenna Heritage Officer, South Tipperary County Council.:052 34821
Email: labhaoise.mckenna@southtippcoco.ie
I'll keep you posted on event details closer to the date.
If you just can't wait you can contact:
Slieveardagh Cultural & Enterprise Centre.
Tel: 052 56165
Email: info@slieveardagh.com
Or Labhaoise McKenna Heritage Officer, South Tipperary County Council.:052 34821
Email: labhaoise.mckenna@southtippcoco.ie
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