Flora and fauna of Ireland

Ireland was covered with ice till the Ice Age, the diversity in the flora and fauna of the range is not as visible as in other parts of Europe and particularly England. The native flora and fauna of Ireland is a result of natural migration of species. Early sea inundation of the land bridge that connected Ireland and Britain almost stopped further migration after 6000 BC. Large part of Ireland was once encompassed with primeval forest.

Originally, the oak trees covered most of the Ireland but were cleared over most of the country. Lately, due to afforestation programme, Sitka Spruce, Scots, Contorta, Pines, Larches, Norway Spruce, Douglas Fir, Sessile Oak, Ash Tree, Wych, Elm, Birch, Yew, Rowan, Beech and Lime have imparted the much wanted greenery in Ireland. There are quite a number of nature reserves and national parks throughout the country with public access generally limited to pedestrians.

Burren has region rich in bare carboniferous limestone. This supports arctic-alpine plants that have survived from the last glaciation. Ireland's bogs host a large variety of bog-moss species together with heather and sedges. In the south west, i.e., County Cork and County Kerry, there are areas rich in plants that thrive in the mildness and humidity of this region's climate.

Ireland is important colony for seabird and migratory waterfowl. Of some 380 species of wild birds recorded in Ireland, 135 breed in the country. A considerable migration of birds to Ireland during spring and autumn is noticeable, while several species arrive from Greenland and Iceland in winter.

75% of the world's population of the Greenland white fronted Goose spends their winter in Ireland. An internationally important wild bird reserve in County Wexford on the south east coast is established because of this phenomenon. Inland waters support colonies of Swans, Geese, Waders, Duck, Tern and Gulls. Among the more unusual species of bird are Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Corncrake and Chough. Rivers and lakes contain a wide variety of fish life. Salmon, Brown Trout, Char, Pollan and Eel occur naturally. Other varieties such as Pike, Roach and Rainbow Trout have been introduced from outside.

There are 31 species of mammals found in Ireland. The Irish Stoat and the Irish Hare are the most interesting examples of native development. Other animals include the Red Deer, Fox, Horse, Dog, Cattle, Badger, Rabbit, Brown Rat, Otter, Grey Seal, Common Seal, Red Squirrel, Hedgehog and many Cetacean species. The Connemara Pony, Irish Wolfhound, Kerry Blue Terrier and several types of cattle and sheep are recognized as distinct breeds. The only amphibians are a single species each of Frog, Toad and Newt. There are no snakes in Ireland and the only reptile is the common lizard.

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