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Biodiversity
Biodiversity is a term used to describe all of nature's variety. It refers to all aspects of variety in the living world and includes diversity with species, between species and of ecosystems. The state of Ireland's biodiversity can be viewed as a litmus test of the state of the environment, as whatever takes place in the land, air and water environments affects biodiversity. Biodiversity comes under threat through habitat destruction, invasive species, pollution and overharvesting of natural resources.
Ireland's biodiversity
Ireland is home to approximately 815 species of flowering plants and about 80 native ferns, over 700 mosses and liverworts, 3500 fungi, over 1000 lichens and 1400 algae. There are 32 terrestrial mammals, including ten bat species, and two seals and 24 whales and dolphins have been observed in Irish waters. Some 425 bird species have been recorded, about half of which breed here, and the Red Grouse, Irish Jay, Dipper and Coal Tit are races unique to Ireland. The Viviparous Lizard is Ireland's only land reptile, joined recently by the Slow Worm, which has been introduced in the Burren. We have three amphibians, the Smooth Newt, Common Frog, and Natterjack Toad. Ireland is home to many thousands of invertebrates, the most famous of which is the Kerry Slug, Geomalacus maculosus. Twenty-seven freshwater fish species are found in our lakes and rivers.
(source: www.npws.ie)
Galway's biodiversity
Galway City has a particularly diverse range of natural habitats, many of which are of international and national conservation importance. These include peatlands, wetlands, woodlands, rivers, canals, semi-natural grassland and the many coastal habitats found along the city coastline including sandy, muddy and rocky shores. These wild areas, and the many city parks, private gardens and green spaces, help create a vibrant and colourful city where people and nature co-exist.
Those parts of the city where nature is allowed to flourish provide food and shelter to a wide range of wildlife. The inner part of Galway Bay and Lough Corrib are internationally renowned for their wealth of birdlife. Galway City has a relatively rich small mammal fauna for an urban area of its size, including hares, foxes and otters, which reflects the abundance wild areas that occur in the city.
Galway City’s rich natural heritage or biodiversity is a major part of its attraction and charm for the people who live, work and visit the city. It adds to the city’s distinctive identity, and has shaped the cultural heritage that Galway City is famed for.
For more information on biodiversity in Galway, check the website www.galwaybiodiversity.com.