Reaching a maximum length of around 1.9 metres, the diminutive harbour porpoise (also known as the common porpoise) is Ireland’s smallest cetacean species and our only species of porpoise. Found right around the Irish coastline, it is one of the most widely distributed cetaceans (whales and dolphins) in the northern hemisphere. Average sizes are smaller, with adults rarely … [Read more...] about Harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena)
Mammals
Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris)
The red squirrel is Ireland’s only native squirrel, and perhaps the cutest member of the rodent family. This endearing little tree-dweller, with its characteristic bushy tail and ear-tufts, thrived in the large forests of Scots pine that were common in Ireland after the last ice age. In time these Scots pine forests dwindled and were replaced by deciduous species less suited to … [Read more...] about Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris)
Red Deer (Cervus elaphus)
In late September and early October the signature roar of red deer stags (males) echoes around the woods and mountains of Killarney National Park in Co. Kerry, signalling the start of the autumn rut. Our only native deer, the red deer was once common throughout the country, but a combination of excessive hunting and habitat destruction caused populations to dwindle over the … [Read more...] about Red Deer (Cervus elaphus)
Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus)
When it was made the world’s first officially protected species in 1914 the future looked bleak for the grey seal. The turnaround since then represents perhaps the most successful conservation story in history, and offers hope that efforts to save many of our endangered species may not be in vain.Since their protection grey seal numbers have been rising steadily and the … [Read more...] about Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus)
European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Originally from south-west Europe and north-west Africa, Rabbits were introduced into Ireland by the Normans way back in the 12th century AD. They were kept in enclosed warrens and were used as a source of sport for Norman noblemen as well as exploited as a source of both meat and fur. Naturally enough some of these rabbits escaped the confines of their warrens and with their … [Read more...] about European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
