THE launch of a major conservation project for the disappearing Corncrake will take place in Donegal on Friday. The Corncrake Life Project involves working with communities, landowners and farmers to save the elusive bird.
The launch will take place in Óstán Loch Altan, Gortahork and will be attended by Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage, Malcolm Noonan.
Dr. John Carey, Corncrake LIFE project manager will also be in attendance as well as the local project team and groups and individuals who are beginning to undertake work to improve habitats for the corncrake.
The corncrake is one of Ireland’s most iconic bird species, but they have declined by more than 90 per cent in the last forty years. Its distinctive call was once heard all over the Irish countryside, but a rapid shift towards intensive agriculture has wiped the birds out and they are now only found in the west and northwest of the country and are now largely confined to the Gaeltacht regions. The bird survives through a delicate balance of traditional land use and farming which, like the Irish language, is under an increasing threat.
The Corncrake LIFE project will work to address the many complex issues in the birds’ remaining strongholds to ensure that communities, farmers and wildlife can co-exist without conflict.
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