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29/09/2023
281 Species Of Wildlife At Risk Of Extinction In NI
Some 281 species of wildlife are at risk of extinction in Northern Ireland, according to the latest State of Nature 2023 Report, published by the RSPB.
Following the publication, Alliance Environment spokesperson John Blair said that the report was "yet another stark reminder of the danger our natural environment is in".
The South Antrim MLA has said: "As if the current crisis we have been facing in recent months with blue-green algal blooms in Lough Neagh and other areas across Northern Ireland is not a sharp enough wake-up call, the publication of RSPB's State of Nature report highlights yet again the devastating condition of our species population, habitats and ecosystems.
"The report has highlighted that 12% of our species are being threatened with extinction, with the European eel being one of the species identified. Additionally, the area of certified woodland has decreased in Northern Ireland despite increasing in England, and around half of our protected areas are in an unfavourable condition.
“Northern Ireland has so many natural assets, but if we continue this trend, we will cause irrevocable damage. As stated in the report, we know what needs to be done, and there are many opportunities for restoration and recovery, but we must act quicker.
"Urgent movement from DAERA on its nature recovery strategy is essential. When I last sought an update from the Department in June I was told a draft strategy would be published in autumn, and I will continue to press for this timely delivery. However, it is also clear that the lack of a functioning Executive only further contributes to the delay when it comes to environmental action. We need to get the Assembly back up and running and a minister in place to ensure vital progress gets underway."
Following the publication, Alliance Environment spokesperson John Blair said that the report was "yet another stark reminder of the danger our natural environment is in".
The South Antrim MLA has said: "As if the current crisis we have been facing in recent months with blue-green algal blooms in Lough Neagh and other areas across Northern Ireland is not a sharp enough wake-up call, the publication of RSPB's State of Nature report highlights yet again the devastating condition of our species population, habitats and ecosystems.
"The report has highlighted that 12% of our species are being threatened with extinction, with the European eel being one of the species identified. Additionally, the area of certified woodland has decreased in Northern Ireland despite increasing in England, and around half of our protected areas are in an unfavourable condition.
“Northern Ireland has so many natural assets, but if we continue this trend, we will cause irrevocable damage. As stated in the report, we know what needs to be done, and there are many opportunities for restoration and recovery, but we must act quicker.
"Urgent movement from DAERA on its nature recovery strategy is essential. When I last sought an update from the Department in June I was told a draft strategy would be published in autumn, and I will continue to press for this timely delivery. However, it is also clear that the lack of a functioning Executive only further contributes to the delay when it comes to environmental action. We need to get the Assembly back up and running and a minister in place to ensure vital progress gets underway."
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10 April 2006
Governments launch project to repel invaders
Government conservation experts have unveiled plans to repel invasive species of animals and plants from Ireland.
Governments launch project to repel invaders
Government conservation experts have unveiled plans to repel invasive species of animals and plants from Ireland.
13 February 2013
Rising Temperatures Affect NI Marine Life
Rising sea temperatures are having a significant detrimental effect on Northern Ireland’s marine life. A joint report was conducted in coastal waters at Rathlin, Skerries and Strangford Lough by researchers from National Museums Northern Ireland and Department of Environment’s Marine Division.
Rising Temperatures Affect NI Marine Life
Rising sea temperatures are having a significant detrimental effect on Northern Ireland’s marine life. A joint report was conducted in coastal waters at Rathlin, Skerries and Strangford Lough by researchers from National Museums Northern Ireland and Department of Environment’s Marine Division.
19 May 2017
Baby Giraffe Makes Debut At Belfast Zoo
A baby giraffe named Gilbert has been delighting visitors at Belfast Zoo. Gilbert, an endangered Rothschild giraffe, was born to mother, Daisy and father, Finn, on Sunday 07 May. The zoo introduced him as part of endangered species day on 19 May.
Baby Giraffe Makes Debut At Belfast Zoo
A baby giraffe named Gilbert has been delighting visitors at Belfast Zoo. Gilbert, an endangered Rothschild giraffe, was born to mother, Daisy and father, Finn, on Sunday 07 May. The zoo introduced him as part of endangered species day on 19 May.
09 June 2014
NI Forests In Woodland Trust Restoration
Northern Ireland's forests could be set to benefit from a 52,000 hectare restoration of damaged woodland across the UK, following a £1.9m boost from the Heritage Lottery Fund to the Woodland Trust. The Woodland Trust project will see the restoration of woodland across 10 priority areas across the UK, including Northern Ireland.
NI Forests In Woodland Trust Restoration
Northern Ireland's forests could be set to benefit from a 52,000 hectare restoration of damaged woodland across the UK, following a £1.9m boost from the Heritage Lottery Fund to the Woodland Trust. The Woodland Trust project will see the restoration of woodland across 10 priority areas across the UK, including Northern Ireland.
16 October 2008
Spider Alert For NI
Imported fruit is usually blamed as the source of any 'alien' species of spider that turns up in Northern Ireland, but, according to the Agri Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) in Belfast, a poisonous 'banded huntsman' or giant crab spider from Australia has arrived here on an imported rally car.
Spider Alert For NI
Imported fruit is usually blamed as the source of any 'alien' species of spider that turns up in Northern Ireland, but, according to the Agri Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) in Belfast, a poisonous 'banded huntsman' or giant crab spider from Australia has arrived here on an imported rally car.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy. Also mainly dry at first this evening but then occasional outbreaks of rain developing overnight. Light southwest winds, and staying mild. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
