Information on our current Raptor Conservation Projects
Connemara Raptor Project - Gaelthacht region
The Connemara Raptor Project in the Gaelthacht region aims to increase knowledge of Kestrel, Merlin and Long-eared Owl populations in west Galway through survey and monitoring efforts, to increase awareness and appreciation of their populations and implement conservation measures. This project is carried out in association with NPWS (local conservation rangers Dermot Breen and Aonghus O'Donaill) and is facilitated by the Inagh Valley Trust.
Connemara Raptor Project - Non-Gaelthacht region
The Connemara Raptor Project in the non-Gaelthacht region aims to build on our knowledge of the ecological requirements and status of two falcon species; Kestrel and Merlin. This area of Connemara holds important populations of both birds of prey, and through detailed survey, research and conservation efforts the project intends to gain insights on the health and ecology of these species to benefit their future conservation on a local and national basis. The project also aims to increase awareness and appreciation of their populations within the local communities. This project is carried out in association with NPWS (local conservation rangers Dermot Breen and Aonghus O'Donaill) and is facilitated by the Inagh Valley Trust.
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Raptor Monitoring in Galway
Monitoring of Barn Owl, Kestrel and Long-eared Owl populations throughout County Galway is funded by Galway County Council.
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Duhallow Raptor Conservation Project
The Duhallow Raptor Conservation Project was initiated in 2011. The Duhallow area encompasses an area of north Cork and east Kerry and is one of the main strongholds for the Barn Owl population. Intensive research alongside integration of conservation measures have provided significant insights into the local Barn Owl population and since 2012 the project has expanded to incorporate monitoring of Kestrel and Long-eared Owl. The project is funded by IRD Duhallow through the Leader Programme 2007 - 2013.
For more information and to download previous reports on this project visit the Duhallow Raptor Blog (you can download the report on this page).
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Kerry Raptor Conservation Project
The Kerry Raptor Conservation Project was established in 2013 and is funded by NEKD through the Leader Programme 2007 - 2013. The project will focus on research, conservation and awareness of raptors in County Kerry.
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Barn Owl monitoring in Kerry
Kerry is now widely known as one of the best counties for Barn Owls and has been one of the main areas where intensive research has been undertaken through the Raptor Conservation Project alongside the West Kerry Branch of BirdWatch Ireland (Link) which has facilitated essential insights on the ecological requirements of Barn Owls in Ireland. Kerry County Council has provided funding to BirdWatch Ireland in previous years, without which this work would not have been possible, and in 2013 the county council in addition to the Heritage Council have once again given support to allow this study to continue.
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Barn Owl Monitoring Programme
The Raptor Conservation Project has registered just over 140 active Barn Owl sites throughout the country. Each year occupancy and breeding success is determined at approximately 80 - 90 sites during the breeding season with the objective of ringing 40 - 50 broods. This work provides valuable information on breeding trends and productivity as well as the factors which impact the population. The Research and Conservation Committee of Dublin Zoo, Belfast Zoo and Fota Wildlife Park have provided funds for this monitoring work between 2010 - 2013.
