Corncrake numbers continue to recover

Almost 1,500 hectares of land are now being managed by 250 farmers and landowners to conserve the corncrake.

Numbers of corncrake territories recorded in core breeding areas of Donegal, Mayo and Galway increased by 45% on 2018 figures. File picture

New data shows that efforts to increase corncrake populations in the west and northwest of Ireland are beginning to pay off.

A 2024 survey from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) shows an increase of the national corncrake population by 15 birds, up 7% on 2023 figures.