West Cork Wild

The Curlew, a once-common sight across the Irish countryside, has sadly become critically endangered in recent years. Once abundant, the population of these iconic birds has declined dramatically, with only a fraction of their former numbers remaining. Estimates suggest that there are now fewer than 150 breeding pairs left in Ireland, marking a significant decline from historical populations. These elusive birds are predominantly found in the western and northern regions of the country, favoring coastal habitats such as salt marshes, estuaries, and wet grasslands for nesting and foraging. However, habitat loss due to agricultural intensification, drainage of wetlands, and predation pressure have contributed to their dwindling numbers.

The Atlantic Salmon, a species renowned for its remarkable journey from freshwater rivers to the vast expanses of the Atlantic Ocean and back, faces a perilous decline in Ireland. Once abundant in the country's rivers, the population of wild Atlantic Salmon has dramatically decreased in recent decades. Current estimates suggest that only a fraction of historical numbers remain, with some rivers experiencing declines of up to 70% in salmon numbers over the past 40 years. These iconic fish are primarily found in the rivers and streams along the western and southern coasts of Ireland, where they spawn in freshwater before migrating to the Atlantic to feed and mature. However, threats such as overfishing, habitat degradation, pollution, and climate change have severely impacted their populations

The White Skate, also known as the common skate or flapper skate, is an endangered species that once thrived in the waters around Ireland but now faces a critical decline. Historically abundant in the North Atlantic, including Irish waters, the White Skate population has plummeted in recent decades due to overfishing and habitat destruction. Currently, the White Skate is considered one of the most threatened species of elasmobranchs (cartilaginous fish) globally. In Ireland, sightings of these majestic creatures are increasingly rare, and their numbers have dwindled to a fraction of their former abundance. White Skates are primarily found along the continental shelf and slope in depths ranging from 100 to 600 meters, preferring sandy or muddy substrates where they feed on a variety of bottom-dwelling organisms.

The European Eel, a fascinating migratory species that has played a significant ecological and cultural role in Ireland for centuries, is now facing a serious threat of extinction. Once abundant in the rivers, lakes, and coastal waters of Ireland, the population of European Eels has experienced a drastic decline in recent years. Current estimates indicate that their numbers have plummeted by over 90% since the 1970s, prompting concerns about their survival. European Eels are typically found in freshwater habitats, including rivers, lakes, and estuaries, where they spend the majority of their lives before embarking on an epic journey to the Sargasso Sea to spawn

The Thrift Clearwing, a strikingly beautiful moth species native to Ireland, is unfortunately facing the threat of extinction. Once relatively common along the coastal regions of Ireland, the population of Thrift Clearwings has sharply declined in recent years, raising concerns among conservationists. Exact numbers of remaining individuals are difficult to ascertain due to the moth's elusive nature and limited research on its population dynamics. Thrift Clearwings are typically found in coastal habitats characterized by the presence of their larval host plant, Sea Thrift (Armeria maritima), upon which they depend for survival.

The freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) is a critically endangered species in Ireland, facing an uncertain future due to habitat degradation and overexploitation. Once widespread in the clean, fast-flowing rivers of Ireland, the population of freshwater pearl mussels has plummeted, with only a fraction of their former numbers remaining. Estimates suggest that fewer than 20 viable populations exist across the country. These mussels inhabit streams and rivers with high water quality, where they play a crucial role in maintaining aquatic ecosystems by filtering water and providing habitat for other species.

The Twite (Carduelis flavirostris), a small and unassuming finch species, is facing a concerning decline in Ireland, earning its classification as an endangered bird. Historically, Twites were a common sight in the upland areas and coastal regions of Ireland, particularly in habitats characterized by grasslands, heathlands, and rocky slopes. However, in recent years, the population of Twites has experienced a significant decrease, with estimates suggesting that there are now fewer than 200 breeding pairs remaining in the country

The Great Yellow Bumblebee (Bombus distinguendus), a charismatic pollinator species once widespread in Ireland, is now perilously close to extinction. Historically, these vibrant insects could be found across various habitats, including wildflower-rich grasslands, heathlands, and coastal areas. However, due to habitat loss, degradation, and the decline of their preferred wildflower food sources, the population of Great Yellow Bumblebees has dwindled significantly. Presently, it is estimated that there are only a handful of remaining populations in Ireland, with numbers in the low hundreds.

The Wall Butterfly (Lasiommata megera), a species once commonly spotted in Ireland's grasslands, scrublands, and coastal habitats, is now classified as endangered, facing a concerning decline in population numbers. Historically, these delicate butterflies could be found throughout the country, particularly in areas with suitable vegetation for their larval food plants, including grasses and various herbaceous species. However, due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation caused by agricultural intensification, urbanization, and climate change, the population of Wall Butterflies has significantly diminished. Presently, there are only a few scattered populations remaining in Ireland, with numbers declining each year

The Natterjack Toad (Epidalea calamita), a unique amphibian species with distinctive yellow stripes down its back, is endangered in Ireland, facing significant threats to its survival. Historically, Natterjack Toads were found in coastal dune systems and sandy habitats across the country, where they thrived in ephemeral pools and ponds. However, due to habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation, primarily caused by coastal development, agricultural expansion, and afforestation, the population of Natterjack Toads has declined sharply. Presently, there are only a few isolated populations remaining in Ireland, mostly concentrated along the western coastline. Estimates suggest that there are fewer than 100 breeding sites left, with population numbers dwindling each year.