Endangered and rare species of birds have been given a major boost after EU funding allowed the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) to launch a new cot to transport animals and machinery across the conservation island region of Lough Erne in Co Fermanagh.
The good news is of specific importance to the dwindling curlew population, with up to 10% of their total numbers on the island of Ireland living across the Lough Erne islands.
A curlew.
Modern farming practices have led to the decimation of the curlew population, with numbers declining by 98% in Northern Ireland since 1987.
In the Republic of Ireland, it is estimated that the population has fallen by 96% since the 1990s.
The vessel has been named Joe Magee, after the dedicated and tireless work of one of their wardens.
RSPB NI’s Brad Robson and former RSPB Fermanagh warden Joe Magee launch the conservation charity’s new boat on Lower Lough Erne.
“RSPB NI has operated a cot to transport livestock between islands on Lower Lough Erne since 1991,” they said.
“When on the islands, the grazing cattle and sheep create a suitable structure of grass and vegetation to form an ideal habitat for breeding wading birds including curlews, lapwings, redshanks and snipe to nest and raise young.”
Read more
Lack of action will see the curlew become extinct in 10 years - report
'Further work needed to save the Curlew'
Endangered and rare species of birds have been given a major boost after EU funding allowed the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) to launch a new cot to transport animals and machinery across the conservation island region of Lough Erne in Co Fermanagh.
The good news is of specific importance to the dwindling curlew population, with up to 10% of their total numbers on the island of Ireland living across the Lough Erne islands.
A curlew.
Modern farming practices have led to the decimation of the curlew population, with numbers declining by 98% in Northern Ireland since 1987.
In the Republic of Ireland, it is estimated that the population has fallen by 96% since the 1990s.
The vessel has been named Joe Magee, after the dedicated and tireless work of one of their wardens.
RSPB NI’s Brad Robson and former RSPB Fermanagh warden Joe Magee launch the conservation charity’s new boat on Lower Lough Erne.
“RSPB NI has operated a cot to transport livestock between islands on Lower Lough Erne since 1991,” they said.
“When on the islands, the grazing cattle and sheep create a suitable structure of grass and vegetation to form an ideal habitat for breeding wading birds including curlews, lapwings, redshanks and snipe to nest and raise young.”
Read more
Lack of action will see the curlew become extinct in 10 years - report
'Further work needed to save the Curlew'
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