BioBlitz is a scientific race against time that takes place around the world each year. In 2012, Lough Boora Discovery Park and the NPWS Grey Partridge Project took part and placed second in Ireland’s event, with more species recorded than in Glengarriff National Nature Reserve, Co Cork and Phoenix Park, Co Dublin. The Lough Boora area recorded the most number of plant species and was rewarded the ‘Fascination of Plants Day’ trophy for 2012. This is just one indication of the rich biodiversity to be found in the Lough Boora Discovery Park.
For 24 hours from 18-19 May 2012, a large team of experts identified as many species as they could, as fast as they could. Three additional Irish sites joined in the pursuit, competing with the Lough Boora team as they rushed to classify the park’s plants, mosses, fungi, fish, insects, amphibians, birds and mammals as they were sighted.
A total of 940 species were recorded in Lough Boora, with 334 plants, 90 birds and 23 most mammals sighted on the day. The winners, Crawfordsburn Country Park, Co Down, recorded 984 species in 24 short hours.
Events
While we were busy spotting species, we gave the public a chance to come along to the park and see our ecologists in action on the day!
Bat Walk – 18 May at 9pm
Walk led by Niamh Roche of Bat Conservation Ireland.
Creatures of the Night – 18 May at 10.30pm
Scientist info session: catching moths, beetles and other creatures of the night.
Dawn Chorus – 19 May at 4am
Alex Copeland of Bird Watch Ireland identified bird song during the dawn chorus.
Small and furry – 19 May at 8am
Opening of the small animal traps led by Caitriona Carlin.
Lough Boora’s Moths – 19 May at 10am
Opening of the moth traps by Michael Bell.
Something Fishy – 19 May at 11.30am
Introduction to life beneath the surface led by Inland Fisheries Ireland scientists at Loch an Dochais.
Schools Wildlife Art Competition – Saturday 19 May at 2pm
Winners of local schools art competition announced.
Guided nature walk of Lough Boora – Saturday 19 May at 2.30pm
Info session: butterflies, plants and other wildlife of Lough Boora, led by Irish Wildlife Trust and Richard Jack of Coillte.
View the full list of experts involved in Lough Boora’s BioBlitz 2012 events
Please remember to respect the nature and conservation value of Lough Boora Discovery Park.
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