Cuckoo and meadow crane's bill amongst priority species at risk

A new list of Northern Ireland priority species, which require conservation action because of their decline, rarity and importance, was published today.

New species added to the updated list, published by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), include the cuckoo, swift, garden tiger moth, swan mussel and frog orchid and meadow crane's-bill.

Species retained on the list from 2004 include Irish hare, yellowhammer, house sparrow, marsh fritillary butterfly, horse mussel and Irish lady’s-tresses orchid.

The priority species list has increased significantly from 271 in 2004 to 481 in 2010, due to a break down in a number of species groups into individual species, the addition of new species and updated information becoming available.

Graham Seymour, Director of Natural Heritage (NIEA) said: “The list identifies a range of declining, rare and threatened species and will be used to help focus conservation action into the foreseeable future.

“We see this list as a means of informing, supporting and guiding Government Departments as well as other stakeholders in the conservation of our natural environment.

“In this International Year for Biodiversity, and with the EU agreeing the headline target of halting the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystem services in the EU by 2020, it is important that we continue to develop mechanisms to help meet this very challenging goal.”

Judith Annett, Chair of the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Group (NIBG) added: “NIBG welcomes the publication of this list which highlights our most vulnerable and at risk species and is an important element in halting biodiversity loss. Our local biodiversity is extremely valuable and everything must be done to ensure its protection."

The list has been drawn up with consultation and advice from a wide range of experts both here in Northern Ireland and from across the rest of the UK.

Notes to editors:

1. A selection of photographs are available on request.
2. Species will have been removed from the list for a number of reasons including the existence of new and up-to-date information.
3. The preparation of the list has included analysis of data on an all-Ireland basis from relevant Irish Red Data books.
4. Some groups e.g. moths have recently been recorded in greater detail and this has resulted in an increase in numbers from 14 to 66 moth species.
5. It is recognised that it would not be sensible to publish species action plans for all species on the considerably expanded list. Signposted actions will be identified for each species. These will indicate those species whose conservation needs may be addressed by a range of actions relating to habitat action plans, designated site management, research and survey or other cross-cutting action such as pollution control.
6. The list has been approved by both the Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside (CNCC, the statutory advisory committee for nature conservation) and the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Group (NIBG). These two committees have also agreed that the list can be updated in the light of any new information and that the list will be subject to annual reviews.
7. All media enquiries should be directed to the DOE Press Office on 028 9054 0003. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.