Latest news with #NationalParksandWildlifeService
Irish Examiner
a day ago
- General
- Irish Examiner
White-tailed eagle in Kerry poisoned with banned substance, confirms NPWS
A white-tailed sea eagle in Glencar, Co Kerry, has been poisoned with a banned substance, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has confirmed. Toxicology tests confirmed the young female was poisoned with Carbofuran, an insecticide which has been banned in Ireland since 2007. 'It is not known how the eagle ingested this substance at this time,' the NPWS said. An investigation has begun, and the public's assistance is being sought. A second eagle is suspected to have been poisoned in Co Clare, but the substance has yet to be confirmed. That case involves one of Ireland's oldest breeding white-tailed eagles, Caimin, who held territory in Lough Derg. He was one of the first chicks to be released from Killarney National Park in 2008, as part of the White-tailed Eagle Reintroduction Programme to bring back the formerly extinct species to Irish skies. The NPWS is appealing to the public for information on the Glencar poisoning. The scenic valley alongside Carrauntoohil in Macgillycuddy's Reeks is mainly a sheep farming area and is popular with walkers and climbers. The young female eagle was brought in as a chick from Norway in 2024 by the reintroduction programme and was released in Killarney National Park the same year. Since 2020, all eagles released as part of this programme are monitored via satellite tags. Concerns were raised in early April, as the eagle's satellite tag showed she had remained stationary for several days. NPWS staff went to the location of the satellite tag and located the partially decomposed carcass of the eagle in a woodland. Minister of state for nature and biodiversity Christopher O'Sullivan said it was "a tragic loss", but added "the NPWS and his department would continue to protect and to introduce the birds which were once native to the Irish skies". 'We will continue with our efforts to introduce, nurture and protect these birds as part of the reintroduction programme, which has been making significant progress in restoring this lost flagship species to Irish skies.' The reintroduction programme has so far released nearly 200 young eagles, which have been supplied by the Norwegian government. The eagles are delivered to Kerry Airport and the young chicks are taken to sites in Killarney National Park and the Shannon estuary in North Kerry, where they are fed and released into the skies. Currently, there are 13 to 16 breeding pairs, with 64 chicks fledged by the end of 2024. Persecution by humans is the biggest threat to the reintroduction programme in Ireland, the NPWS said. Poisonings account for nearly half of eagle deaths, where the cause of death is able to be determined. At least one eagle has been shot and a number of eagles have succumbed to avian flu, as well as other conditions. The NPWS said it 'deplores the deliberate killing of rare and endangered species, and takes bird of prey persecutions extremely seriously'. In its appeal to the public, the NPWS is calling for anyone who may have information in relation to the incident, or any other suspected poisoning or other unlawful killing of birds to come forward. Any information in respect of this or any suspected breaches of the Wildlife legislation should be reported to the NPWS head office or local offices or via email to wildlifeenforcement@ Wildlife crime incidents can also be reported to An Garda Síochána. The public is strongly advised not to handle the dead birds in the interests of their own health and safety. Read More Wildlife crime is a real crime and a serious problem
Irish Examiner
3 days ago
- General
- Irish Examiner
Suspected poisoning of white-tailed eagle prompts call for public vigilance
One of Ireland's oldest breeding white-tailed eagles, Caimin (Y), was recently found dead from suspected poisoning in Clare. He was one of the first chicks to be released from Killarney National Park in 2008, as part of a National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) re-introduction programme to bring back this formerly extinct species to Irish skies. Caimin held territory at the Mountshannon nest site on Lough Derg for the past 17 years, during which he mated and fledged a number of chicks. All of the white-tailed eagle chicks re-introduced under the programme are fitted with satellite tags, which enable them to be monitored and tracked. In 2013, Camin mated with Saoirse, a female eagle who was also part of the re-introduction programme. They became the first white-tailed eagles to successfully raise and fledge chicks in the wild in Ireland in over 100 years. Some 10,000 people visited Mountshannon to see the eagles and their chicks that year. Saoirse sadly died of avian influenza three years later. Caimin later mated with Bernardine (B) in 2023 to successfully fledge more chicks to the wild. Despite the recent loss of her mate, Bernardine is continuing to raise a chick on the nest site in Mountshannon. Minister of state for nature, heritage and biodiversity, Christopher O'Sullivan, has called for public co-operation in the investigation of the possible poisoning of Caimin. He said any loss in the wild not due to natural causes is usually the result of human activity. The tragic loss of a wonderfully aged bird, breeding happily in the Irish wild, is deeply regrettable. He said the re-introduction programme had been making significant progress in restoring this lost flagship species to Irish skies. He said: These birds are part of Ireland's natural heritage and are important for our biodiversity, as they are a good indicator species regarding the health of our ecosystems. 'We will continue with our efforts to introduce, nurture and protect these birds, and I have tasked the NPWS with leaving no stone unturned to try to get to the bottom of this heinous potential crime,' he said. Eamonn Meskell, Divisional Manager, NPWS, said the knowing destruction of this wonderful bird of prey displays a wanton disregard for the re-introduction and nature protection efforts. These noble birds are beloved of the public and each loss is keenly felt by them and indeed by the NPWS staff. 'They have nurtured these birds from chicks to fledglings, onto adult life and into successfully breeding pairs,' he said. Mr Meskill said the main threat to the species in Ireland is persecution, predominantly through shooting, the illegal use of poison and wind turbine strikes. The misuse/illegal use of poisons accounts for nearly 50% of eagle deaths where the cause of mortality was able to be determined. Avian influenza and adverse weather also negatively impacted the breeding population, he said. He urged any member of the public with information that would help the investigation into Caimin's death to notify the Gardai or the National Parks and Wildlife Service. White-tailed eagles White-tailed eagles were formerly bred across Ireland but are now rare and listed as species of Conservation Concern. The wings have fingered tips and, as their name suggests, they have a short white tail which has a distinctive wedge shape. The head and neck are pale, almost white in mature birds, although juveniles are dark brown, and do not attain full adult plumage until four to five years of age. They have a hooked yellow beak, piercing golden eyes, and their legs and talons are yellow. White-tailed eagles largely eat fish, but also take various birds, rabbits and hares. Carrion is an important part of their diet, especially during the winter months. They lay one to three eggs in late March to early April, which are then incubated for 38-40 days by both parents. For the first two to three weeks after hatching the female mainly broods the chicks and the male does much of the hunting. The female will also take turns to hunt. Chicks fledge after 10-12 weeks and remain reliant on their parents for a further five to six weeks. The Irish White-tailed Eagle Re-introduction Programme is a long-term initiative to re-establish a population of this extinct species in Ireland being carried out by the NPWS. Under the programme, 200 white-tailed eagles have been brought to Ireland from Norway and released over two phases of the project. Read More Wildlife crime is a real crime and a serious problem
Agriland
7 days ago
- Agriland
Report published on work of NPWS in 2024
A report detailing the work of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in 2024 has been published by the government. Among the notable highlights in the report is the increase of national parks from six to eight, including the establishment of Ireland's first marine national park, Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara Ciarraí in Co. Kerry. National parks in Ireland saw over 5.5 million visitors in 2024, according to the report. 2024 also saw the publication of Ireland's fourth National Biodiversity Action Plan, which is the first to be backed by legislation and legal requirements for public bodies to 'embed biodiversity and report their progress'. The report also said that protection of waters in Ireland increased from 2% to 9%, including the 'Seas off Wexford' Special Protected Area (SPA). The report noted that peatland habitat restoration measures were completed on an area of more than 565ha across eight protected raised bog sites under NPWS programmes. On the issue of 'wildlife crime', the report said that the NPWS enhanced collaboration with other enforcement agencies, including An Garda Síochána, with 30 new prosecution cases for alleged breaches of wildlife legislation. Throughout 2024, the NPWS continued to administer seven LIFE projects, including the LIFE 'integrated projects' (IPs) such as Wild Atlantic Nature and the Corncrake LIFE. The purpose of these projects, according to the NPWS, is to protect and restore Ireland's habitats and species. Other projects include Tochár Wetlands Restoration, and a new European Innovation Partnership (EIP) for breeding wader birds. Commenting on the NPWS report, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne said: 'Notable achievements for the NPWS last year included the acquisition of land for nature; the expansion of national parks; rolling out a range of conservation projects; and strengthening partnerships with communities around the country.' 'This government is committed to continuing this work. 2025 sees record levels of investment in our natural heritage, including €78 million in core funding to the NPWS. 'I would like thank NPWS staff around the country for their exceptional work to protect our valuable natural heritage for all of us and future generations,' Minister Browne added. Also commenting on the report, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O'Sullivan said: 'Our National Parks and Nature Reserves are vital ecosystems which combat climate change, protect biodiversity and provide spaces for recreation, mental wellbeing and the enjoyment of Ireland's wild landscapes. 'Ensuring that the NPWS has the resources it needs to thrive is essential to safeguarding these spaces for the species which depend on them for survival, along with the 5.5 million people who visited and enjoyed Ireland's national parks last year,' Minister O' Sullivan added. Niall Ó Donnchú, Director General of the NPWS, said: 'A wide range of NPWS initiatives, projects and funding streams are now delivering positive change for nature. 'Partnership with communities, farmers and landowners has been key, and I would like to pay tribute to them for their ongoing collaboration,' Ó Donnchú.
Agriland
11-06-2025
- General
- Agriland
‘Bigger package' needed for landowners to conserve nature
Agri-environmental schemes should be expanded to provide a 'bigger package' to landowners to prioritise conserving nature, according to Dr. Rebecca Jeffrey of the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Dr. Jeffrey spoke at the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Water Conference in Co. Galway today (Wednesday, June 11) about the ongoing process to develop a Nature Restoration Plan for Ireland. Addressing a concern raised at the event that land has been devalued in areas as a result of designations for protecting habitats – hen harriers for example – Dr. Jeffrey said that there will be 'socioeconomic value analysis done when we're setting targets' as part of the plan. 'But, I would like to think we are working to change the value of the natural capital. 'We're increasing the value of natural heritage so that you will have a value from the natural capital of land. Farmers will be paid for the natural capital that they are holding on their land, Dr. Jeffrey said.' She told the event that Ireland has been to the 'forefront' in Europe in developing results-based schemes, whereby farmers are 'paid for the ecological and natural heritage of their land'. 'It's turning that value from the traditional livestock values to natural capital values so that you can be paid for delivering carbon, delivering hen harrier habitats, delivering a clean river. That should be recognised, that's really key,' she added. There are still 'issues and blockages' to work through in relation to agri-environmental schemes, and Dr. Jeffrey said that these schemes need to be lengthened, and merged with woodland schemes. 'There has to be a bigger package for landowners, to make it worth their while to conserve nature rather than anything else,' she added. Nature Restoration Regulation The Nature Restoration Regulation came into force in August 2024. This regulation is the first continent-wide, comprehensive law of its kind, and sets binding targets to restore degraded ecosystems. The National Parks and Wildlife Service has been appointed by the government to coordinate the development of a national Nature Restoration Plan arising from the regulation, to be submitted to the EU Commission by September 1, 2026. Dr. Jeffrey said that this plan will set out restoration targets up to 2030 and measures required to achieve them; mapping indicating areas where measures will be established; and monitoirng regimes required to determine the effectiveness of the restoration measures. Significant pressures The two-day EPA event is host to a range of speakers sharing knowledge on protecting and improving water quality in Ireland. Addressing the event, Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Christopher O'Sullivan, said that agriculture has been identified as one of the most significant pressures affecting water quality. Addressing this will 'bring benefits to the quality of our waters, biodiversity and to climate change adaptation', Minister O'Sullivan said. 'The agricultural sector will also benefit by becoming more resilient. 'The approach to addressing agricultural pressures is to balance enhanced inspection and enforcement alongside the implementation of additional targeted support measures, education and knowledge,' the minister said. The 'cornerstone measure' for addressing the pressure on water quality for agriculture remains the Nitrates Action Programme. Additional measures as part of the interim review of the fifth Nitrates Action Plan were introduced in February. Officials from Minister O'Sullivan's department are currently preparing the sixth nitrates programme, which will need to be in place from January 2026. The minister said: 'There is a lot of focus on the retention of Ireland's nitrates derogation and the newly-formed Cabinet Committee on Water Quality is specifically focused on this, 'This is underpinned by an unprecedented level of cooperation across government, state agencies and the agricultural sector in general. 'It is government policy to make an application to retain the derogation, and I know that doesn't get widespread support. But if we're to make it work, cooperation is key.'
The Age
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Age
Tapping into board game culture
'While on Grumpy Grandpa child-minding duty recently and playing the board game Monopoly Dogs with my four-year-old grandson, watching him count out the play-money got me wondering,' notes (geddit?) Neville Pleffer of Rooty Hill. 'Will future Monopoly games come with charge cards, EFTPOS machines and the encroaching card surcharge? Or has it already happened? Oh, the joy of counting those paper notes.' 'My Baby Book (C8) had a space for quaint sayings,' says Robyn Lewis of Raglan. 'I remember asking my mother why the page had no quotes. She explained there was not enough space to write 'all the interesting things' I said to the family or her friends.' 'Please tell me the practice of eating brains (C8) ceased with the advent of publicity about Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD)?' implores Jo Rainbow of Orange. 'Only zombies like brains.' Rhonda Ellis' yarn on air-rifle combat (C8) certainly got Tony Winton of Mosman fired up: 'At Sirius Cove in the late 1940s, the kids on the western side had Daisy air rifles, and on the eastern side we had German-made Diane air rifles, which were brought from Germany after WWII. There were lots and lots of bangs and nobody was ever hurt, except me, who received a dart to my right thigh. All this friendly action was to stop when the Mosman police arrived and we all disappeared. Even as kids we thought that our shooting fun had better stop.' 'My brother, when about 10, organised and held the inaugural BB gun championship of suburban Bexley in the 1960s,' recalls Janice Creenaune of Austinmer. 'He painted one pellet gold as the prize and encased it in a little container. Sharing armoury was essential, and practice minimal, but serious backyard shooting ruled (if maybe not legal). A winner was eventually found and little Ralphie went home quite chuffed.' 'So when a bird flies into an engine at the new Nancy Bird Walton Airport, the headlines will read 'Bird stops bird on Bird'?' asks George Zivkovic of Northmead. 'The Australian government is this year distributing the highest amount of free money ever (in the form of welfare payments),' notes Bill Leigh of West Pennant Hills. 'Meanwhile, the National Parks and Wildlife Service ask us, 'Please Do Not Feed the Animals'. The stated reason being 'the animals will grow dependent on handouts and will not learn to take care of themselves'. Funny how that works.'
