This World Wildlife Day (March 3rd), the Office of Public Works (OPW) is highlighting a conservation intervention at one of its high profile heritage sites on behalf of a native endangered species.
The Natterjack Toad is Ireland’s only native toad species and found in just a handful of mostly coastal locations in Kerry.
At Derrynane House and Historic Park, the Natterjack relies on shallow, artificial ponds for breeding, but due to coastal erosion exacerbated by climate change, one of those ponds has become at risk of being overwhelmed by the Atlantic Ocean.
In partnership with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) the OPW created a new pond over the winter, in a location less prone to erosion, for the toads to migrate to and breed in the early spring.
This represents a significant step in the conservation of an endangered species, part of OPW’s commitment to sustainably manage important heritage sites and integrate biodiversity across all of its operations.
Chris O’Neill, Parks Superintendent at OPW, expressed the significance of this project, stating, “the Natterjack Toads are very special because they’re only found naturally in a handful of places in South West Ireland and is very restricted in its northern range in Europe.”
“By creating this artificial pond we’re hoping to achieve an improved outlook for the Natterjack Toads at Derrynane, which can potentially be used as a stepping stone to spread to other areas in the locality.”
As part of its Biodiversity Action Strategy 2022-2026, the OPW appointed JBA Consulting Engineers and Scientists Ltd to undertake a Biodiversity Audit and Action Plan on ten Historic sites which included Derrynane.
The Derrynane Biodiversity Audit & Action Plan outlines its biodiversity significance which is located within the boundary of two European (Natura 2000) protected habitat designations, the Special Area of Conservation, Kenmare River and the Special Protection Area, Iveragh Peninsula.
A baseline survey was undertaken along with recommendations to further improve the sites important biodiversity. The report concludes that the good management at Derrynane National Historic Park is resulting in the overall good health of the habitats and protected species at the site.
For more information on OPW’s conservation efforts and work in managing heritage sites, please visit www.opw.ie.
