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)
Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncates)
Of the 24 species of whales and dolphins found in Irish waters perhaps the best known is the familiar bottlenose dolphin made famous in the ‘60s television show, Flipper. Almost all of the dolphin stars of film and television over the years, and the captive performing dolphins in theme parks around the world, are bottlenose dolphins – a somewhat ironic testament to the species’ … [Read more...] about Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncates)
Pine Marten (Martes martes)
The secretive and elusive pine marten was once found throughout Ireland, but a combination of habitat destruction, hunting for their skins and persecution by gamekeepers during the early part of the 20th century meant that by the 1950’s few martens survived. These days pine martens are protected and their fortunes are improving. Numbers are increasing slowly, and in areas where … [Read more...] about Pine Marten (Martes martes)
Otter (Lutra lutra)
Ireland is considered to have the healthiest otter population in Europe. Surveys show that otters are present in more than ninety percent of our inland waterways and coastal waters. The species, already extinct over much of its former range, is listed as “vulnerable to extinction” by the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) and the thriving Irish otter … [Read more...] about Otter (Lutra lutra)
Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)
Humpback whales are regular visitors to Ireland’s south and east coasts. These magnificent whales begin to appear around early September each year, and spend several months in the area before moving on to their winter breeding grounds. They are also occasionally sighted elsewhere around the Irish coast. Adult humpbacks are large, thick-set whales that typically measure from 12 … [Read more...] about Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)
Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis)
The common dolphin is regularly encountered around the Irish coast. As its name suggests this is one of the most abundant and widely distributed dolphin species in the world, and occurs in all tropical, sub-tropical and temperate waters with average surface temperatures above 10°C. They are often seen in large schools that can consist of hundreds, even thousands of individuals. … [Read more...] about Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis)
Brown Long-Eared Bat (Plecotus auritus)
The brown long-eared bat is one of the most common of our nine recorded bat species and is found all over Ireland. As night falls, these remarkable little mammals emerge from their daytime roosts to feed on a wide variety of nocturnal insects. As the name implies, long-eared bats have strikingly long ears… almost ¾ of the length of their bodies. When resting the ears are … [Read more...] about Brown Long-Eared Bat (Plecotus auritus)
Pygmy Shrew (Sorex minutus)
As its name suggests the pygmy shrew is small. In fact at just 2.5 to 6g (0.09 to 0.2 oz) in weight it is by far Ireland's smallest mammal and ranks as one of the smallest in the world. The pygmy shrew is our only shrew species, and along with the hedgehog, is one of only two insectivores (animals whose diet consists predominantly of insects and other invertebrates) found in … [Read more...] about Pygmy Shrew (Sorex minutus)
Leisler’s Bat (Nyctalus leisleri)
Leisler's bats are considered rare throughout their European range, except here in Ireland, where the species is common and widespread. The Irish Leisler's bat population is the biggest in Europe, and Ireland is a significant European stronghold for this, our largest bat species. Although it is our biggest bat, Leisler's Bat is still quite small, with an average body length of … [Read more...] about Leisler’s Bat (Nyctalus leisleri)
Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
The red fox is common throughout Ireland in both rural and urban habitats. Elusive, and largely nocturnal, the fox usually stays well hidden and many people, particularly in our cities, go about their lives completely oblivious to the proximity of this striking mammal. Adult foxes grow to around a metre (3.28 foot) in length and weigh between five and seven kilos (11-15.5 lb), … [Read more...] about Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)
Reports suggest that the earliest record of hedgehogs in Ireland stem from County Waterford at around the time that the Normans arrived in the 13th century. However and whenever these endearing little mammals arrived they have certainly become a firmly established native and something of a favourite with people. Hedgehogs are 15-30 cm (6-12 inches) long and weigh between 1.5 … [Read more...] about Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)
Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus)
Fin whales are regular visitors to Ireland’s coastal waters and can sometimes be spotted from coastal promontories especially in the south west of the country. These spectacular animals are the second largest creatures on earth. With a maximum length of 24 metres (80 feet) and an estimated maximum weight approaching 80 tonnes, only the rarely encountered blue whale is … [Read more...] about Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus)
Stoat (Mustela erminea)
Pound for pound the stoat is one of Ireland's most formidable predators. At only 16cm to 31cm (6 to 12 inches) long and weighing in at between 90g and 445g (3 and 15½oz) this fearsome little carnivore will readily take on prey two or more times its own size.Considered to be the most widespread member of the mustelid or weasel family, stoats are common throughout Ireland, … [Read more...] about Stoat (Mustela erminea)
Badger (Meles meles)
The Badger is the largest Irish member of the mustelid or weasel family and is one of our most distinctive mammals. Its stocky body, short, powerful limbs and striking black-and-white head markings make the badger unmistakeable. Adult badgers are typically 65-80 cm (25-32 inches) long and weigh between 8 and 12 kilos (17 and 27 pound). Badgers are found throughout Ireland, … [Read more...] about Badger (Meles meles)
