Terrestrial Mammals

Abstract

A new Red List of Irish terrestrial mammals is presented. This updates and supersedes the Red List published in 2009. All 27 terrestrial species native to Ireland or naturalised in Ireland before 1500 are assessed. The seals are included for the first time. Of these, one was found to be regionally extinct (grey wolf Canis lupus), one achieved a threat status of Vulnerable (black rat Rattus rattus), and the remaining 25 were assessed as least concern. Improvements in the status of the red squirrel, Leisler’s bat and the otter were noted. Brandt’s bat, previously considered data deficientand now considered a vagrant, has been removed from the list. While the Irish mammalian fauna in general is in good status a number of widespread threats are highlighted. In addition, the absence of reliable population data for many species is a concern. There are also concerns about the underlying status of many of the natural habitats on which Irish mammal species rely. Current and future research priorities are examined.

Ireland Red List Series Editors: B. Nelson & F. Marnell