A report into Ireland's natural habitats has found that less than 1 per cent of the Midland's raised bogland remains.
Minister for the Environment John Gormley today unveiled the Report on Status of Habitats and Species in Ireland,the first such comprehensive compilation of the status of habitats, animals and plants in Ireland that have protected status under national and EU law.
The report found that just 7 per cent of the habitats examined are in good status, with 46 per cent inadequate and 47 per cent bad. Of particular concern is the status of the Midland's raised bogs, as this living ecosystem is rapidly being lost.
Another habitat in serious danger is lowland hay meadow, important for birds such as corncrake and plants such as cornflower. The meadows have disappeared as agriculture has modernised.
Coastal habitats were found to have declined in quality, often as a result of recreation and development pressure over the past 20 years.
The report paints a more encouraging picture of Ireland's animals and plants, with around 50 per cent of the species examined considered to be in good status, while 10 per cent are considered bad.
Species such as bat, seals, dolphins and whales are rated as being in good condition.
However, there is a fear that the freshwater pearl mussel, which can live to an age of 130 years, is on the brink of extinction in Ireland. The Natterjack Toad is another species considered in bad status, although a programme is in place to expand on the pond habitat it needs.
The assessments were carried out by expert ecologists and then screened by scientists in the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
