Welcome to BirdWatch Ireland, the largest independent conservation organisation in Ireland. Established in 1968, we currently have over 15,000 members and supporters and a local network of over 30 branches nationwide.
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In the 40 years up to 2007–11, the breeding range of Curlew across Ireland has undergone a catastrophic decline of 78%. We estimate that there may have been around 5,000 pairs of Curlew in Ireland in the late 1980s. The population has subsequently undergone a decline of 97% in 40 years. The number of breeding pairs remaining in the Republic of Ireland is so low that the species is now facing national extinction .
Reference:
Donaghy, A., (2016) Breeding Curlew Survey 2016: Results from Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan and Monaghan & East Galway, Roscommon, Offaly and Longford (Excluding the Shannon Callows). Unpublished report to National Parks and Wildlife Service. BirdWatch Ireland 2016
