Red Grouse Numbers Increase In Mayo

Numbers of red grouse in County Mayo have increased significantly, according to a new report from the Department of Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht.

The increase in numbers has been observed at the Owenduff/Nephin Complex. The results are thought to be linked to an improvement in habitat quality following destocking and appropriate grazing management.

A depletion in grouse numbers in the county is thought to have been caused by subsidised stocking of sheep in the west of Ireland in the 1980s and 1990s, which increased grazing pressures on the uplands used by the grouse.

In 2000, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) took a case against Ireland in relation to Ireland’s failure to protect the habitat of the red grouse.

Following the designation of the Owenduff/Nephin Complex as a Natura 2000 site, destocking of sheep began in winter 2002/2003.

The new report indicates a population of 790 – 832 individual birds within the Owenduff/Nephin Complex.

This amounts to a doubling in numbers since 2002 when the population of red grouse was estimated at 362 - 426 individuals.

Welcoming the report, Heritage Minister Jimmy Deenihan said: "The results of the survey indicate that a large increase in grouse numbers over the last 10 years. This shows us that grouse numbers can improve quickly when we take steps that allow their habitats to recover."

(IT/CD)