Spotlight on biodiversity in Ireland

Holly Blue Butterfly

Photograph of a Holly Blue butterfly resting on a leaf. The Holly Blue is a small butterfly with a wingspan of 20mm and is found commonly in parts of the east and south.

Wexford County Library

Holly Blue Butterfly
Wexford County Library

Holly Blue Butterfly

Photograph of a Holly Blue butterfly resting on a leaf. The Holly Blue is a small butterfly with a wingspan of 20mm and is found commonly in parts of the east and south.

Wexford County Library

Enlarge image

Biodiversity, globally and in our own country, is going through a tough time and it is important to get informed about halting its decline, in order to keep our world healthy. Every single plant and animal is precious – destroying one can have a huge impact on the other plants and animals that might depend on it. Also don't forget that biodiversity supplies eco-system services like clean air, food, textiles and medicines.

Some of Ireland’s diverse plants and animals are under threat because:

Many local species depend on woodland to survive – but Ireland has only 10% forest cover
Our coast is under pressure from property development, litter, pollution and over use by all of us
Bogs are disappearing with the use of peat as a fuel increasing.
Hedges are in danger from farmers clearing land
Invasive species are becoming more apparent on the island - like the grey squirrel which threatens the red squirrel’s survival
Intensive farming is an economically viable way to feed our world but it is at a cost to our biodiversity.