Heritage body concerned about decline of natural habitats

The Heritage Council has warned that Ireland's natural habitats and biodiversity are under threat.

The council said today that the natural range of plant and animal life needed for a healthy environment was decreasing in Ireland, with 95 bird and 120 plant species listed as endangered.

Ecologist Dr Liam Lysaght said the issue should be a concern for everybody on the island.

"The more diverse and healthy the environment around us, the better off we are," he said. "We're healthier ourselves as a nation."