Plant Life and Wildlife in Ireland

By | May 12, 2020

Plant life in Ireland

Larger forests are rare in Ireland; heather, marsh and aquatic plants dominate. In the east, plant growth is largely the same as in England, in the west it has a stronger Atlantic feature, with plants that otherwise belong in Portugal. Farther to the southwest, some American species also occur in the genus Eriocaulon, Sisyrinchium and Spiranthes.

Wildlife in Ireland

Almost all of Ireland was ice covered during the last ice age. The fauna has mainly migrated from the United Kingdom, with which it has been on land for periods. Wildlife, therefore, is similar to that of Britain, but is poorer in species.

Common English mammals and birds lacking in Ireland are e.g. mole, vånd, deer, black grouse, cat owl and woodpeckers. Only 24 mammal species occur naturally, i.e. hedgehogs, dwarf pointed mice, 7 bat species and 6 rodent species. Rabbits, hares, red foxes, charcoal, otters and badgers are widespread. European Hare, marten and deer are certain places. gray squirrel, mink, chicory and deer are introduced. The wolf was exterminated in the 18th century. Remains of reindeer, mountain reefs and limbs from the Ice Age are found in caves.

Nearly 450 species of birds have been observed, but only 140 nest. Cormorants, seagulls, terns and alfalfa nest along the coast. Large seabird colonies with sea ​​whales, sea ​​clay and sea ​​bream are found on the islands in the southwest. Cape Clear is famous as an observation point for large numbers of seabirds. Numerous geese, ducks and waders winter in Ireland.

Snakes are missing (tradition will have this being St. Patrick’s merit), the only reptiles are steelworms and lizards. Of amphibians are frogs, beach toads and small salamanders. Freshwater fish include: salmon, trout, char, drill, pike and carp fish.

The limb has a characteristic coat color