In Northern Ireland there are a number of plants and animals that are under threat and require conservation action. These species have been identified as Priority Species and the list stands at 271. Criteria have been developed to ensure that Priority Species have been chosen using a scientific basis.
The availability of a list of named species assists those involved in the conservation of biodiversity to concentrate efforts, by guiding decisions on where to target action and invest resources.
The following web pages provide an introduction to some of the Priority Species in Northern Ireland. In the future pages will be added to include the majority of Priority Species.
In 1994 the UK developed its first list of Priority Species. In 1998 a Northern Ireland Biodiversity Group was set up and part of this group's remit was to identify Priority Species for Northern Ireland. This was achieved in 1999 in the Biodiversity Strategy Proposals. Since that time the list has changed as the criteria have been refined and new scientific information has come to light.
For many Priority Species the required conservation action will be undertaken through existing UK Species Action Plans, the management of designated sites or as a part of Northern Ireland Habitat Action Plans. However, some Priority Species require Northern Ireland Species Action Plans or all-Ireland Species Action Plans. It is the role of the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Group (NIBG) to monitor the development of Northern Ireland Action Plans.
Other bodies also play a major role in the conservation of Priority Species, including Government and Non-Governmental Organisations. Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) co-ordinates the drafting of species action plans and provides technical support and advice to NIBG. Ulster Wildlife Trust leads the implementation of the Irish Hare Action Plan and RSPB employs a Priority Bird Species Officer.
There is a role for individuals, community groups, landowners and companies within the conservation of Priority Species through for example, practical conservation work or species recording. The individual species pages suggest ways to get involved and organisations to contact.
In some areas of Northern Ireland there are Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) Officers who co-ordinate biodiversity conservation action. Contact these officers to discuss opportunities to get involved in your local area
Text written by Biodiversity Unit, Northern Ireland Environment Agency.