We are proud to announce BioBlitz Ireland in which five of Ireland’s magnificent state-owned properties are pitted against one another to see which property can find most species. From soaring eagles to the smallest bugs in the undergrowth, teams of scientists and volunteers will comb the Parks recording what they find.
This is a unique event where scientists, students and the general public can come together and learn how scientists and recorders use their skills to study the wildlife of an area. It will also introduce the non-specialist to the fabulous wealth of biodiversity that occurs all around us.
When is it?
This event will commence at 17.00hrs on 21 May finish at 17.00hrs on the International Day of Biological Diversity, 22 May 2010.
This event will be one of a number of BioBlitz events happening around the world to celebrate International Year of Biodiversity 2010.
So get down to the site nearest you on Biodiversity Day, 22 May 2010 and help with Ireland’s first BioBlitz.
Where will it be held?
The five properties are spread around the country:
Glenveagh National Park, Co. Donegal
Connemara National Park, Co. Galway
Coole Park, Co. Galway
Wicklow Mountains National Park, Co. Wicklow
Newbridge Demesne, Fingal County Council
A team of specialists will be on hand during the BioBlitz to search for all sorts of organisms, including those that are most easily found in darkness. Most will be identified in the field, but species that cannot be identified will be brought back to ‘base camp’ for other experts to examine using microscopes and other specialist equipment. At ‘base camp’ all records will be entered on a computerised database, and a running tally will be kept of the species list. Regular updates from the five Parks will ensure participants know how their competitors are doing in the race to identify the most species.
Booking in advance is essential. Please contact the site you wish to visit:
Glenveagh National Park. Tel. 074 91 37698
Connemara National Park. Tel. 095 41054
Wicklow Mountains National Park. Tel. 0404 45656
Coole Park. Tel. 091 631804
Newbridge Demesne. Tel. 018 905605
BioBlitz is a collaborative initiative of the National Biodiversity Data Centre, National Parks and Wildlife Service and Fingal County Council.
For further details of the BioBlitz initiative contact:
Dr. Liam Lysaght, National Biodiversity Data Centre.
Telephone: (051) 306240 or email: info@biodiversityireland.ie
To register as a Media Volunteer, Naturalist, Guide, Steward or Liaison please go to http://www.survey.bris.ac.uk/bnhc/bioblitzuk
Ireland BioBlitz 