Birdwatch Ireland reports dramatic curlew reduction

BIRDWATCH Ireland has launched a fundraiser to save Ireland’s dwindling curlew population, after a survey carried out by UCC researchers showed its population has declined by 80% since the 1970s.

The researchers found there were fewer than 200 breeding pairs left in the entire country, compared to around 5,000-plus in the 1970s. The decline is being blamed on the loss of the birds’ habitats.

According to Anita Donaghy of Birdwatch Ireland, the loss of habitat in upland areas due to commercialisation was one of the primary reasons for the decline.

She said breeding areas had been destroyed or fragmented by a rage of “land use pressures” including afforestation, commercial peat-cutting and the development of windfarms.

The most striking decline noticed by researchers was in counties Donegal and Mayo.

Around 20 years ago there were 60 sites where breeding curlews were identified. The latest UCC survey identified only six.

When their natural habitats are destroyed curlews become more vulnerable to predators.

Birdwatch Ireland is now organising a special HELP project to protect the species amid growing concern that the birds are on the edge of extinction in this country.

Birdwatch Ireland has identified several areas where the curlew population can be nurtured back to acceptable numbers and will be working closely with farmers to secure that aim.

The birds have been listed as a globally threatened species. There are regular sightings of curlews along the coast during the winter, but these are mainly migrants which come in from northern Europe to escape the hard weather there.

However, it is the resident breeding population which is in severe danger.

Birdwatch Ireland is requesting donations from the public to help the organisation with its curlew projects.

The charity hopes to raise around €100,000 from donations. More info: www.mycharity. ie/charity/birdwatchireland