Wildlife news, views, comment and opinion - January 2010

In last month's 'Wildlife news, views, comment and opinion' my last comment on the weather in relation to what to expect in January was in fact …….. "No comment". That was probably the most sensible part of even contemplating drawing any potential conclusions. What will be thrown at us next – we are certainly determined to try and break records anyway. Snow and frosts – most beautiful for a few days, but after that it does become a bit of trial – how do these northern countries survive? I know, it is trying to deal with the unusual that is the tricky part.

 

Our wildlife certainly suffered and with the huge arrivals of birds from Britain and the Continent, which were trying to flee harsh conditions over there, they definitely bit off more than they could chew. One very noticeable aspect was how 'tame' our wildlife became as they struggled to find food to survive. Here on the North Slob it was the huge increase of Skylarks and Winter Thrushes that was noticeable - all trying to survive.  How many species and populations were affected and devastated by that cold snap? Certainly the Stonechats on the North Slob have disappeared from their usual haunts. –And then in the last part of the month we had those amazing displays of Whales at Hook Head – there is always some new and exciting wildlife moment to help us to forget and look forward to – Roll on a Great Year…….

 

THE JANUARY HOOK HEAD WHALE WATCHING EXTRAVAGANZA: During the past decade, January and February at Hook Head and adjacent headlands have been one of the main large whale watching sites in Ireland. Animals that have been spending the autumn months off the Co. Cork coast have been following herring north and then feeding just off these Co. Wexford peninsulas. This past month has been no different with up to 5 Fin Whales, 1 Humpback, 40 Common Dolphins and 5 Harbour Porpoises being regularly seen (see January Mammal wildlife records). However on Saturday 23rd those persons enjoying this amazing spectacle were treated to the Humpback present – the 11th individual to be identified in Irish waters – breaching on 11 separate occasions. This highly unusual event was recorded by a film crew, who were on location whilst filming a whale documentary for RTE, and by members of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) who were accompanying the documentary makers. This resulted in spectacular media coverage on both RTE News bulletins and in National Newspapers. Naturally this caused immense general excitement – and why not – watching these huge, beautiful and graceful creatures so close off our coast is totally magical – to see one breach (come right out of the water) is one of those life-long wishes of many natural history observers, let alone anyone delighting in natural history of any kind. However this additional publicity did increase the number of small boats heading out to enjoy this stunning spectacle. Because of this, and also trying not to be a damp squib, it is probably timely to remind boat operators of the published 'CORRECT PROCEDURES WHEN ENCOUNTERING WHALES AND DOLPHINS IN IRISH COASTAL WATERS' as published on: http://www.transport.ie/viewitem.asp?id=7936&lang=ENG&loc=2013. Basically these procedures remind all those using boats near whales and dolphins of their responsibilities to both the passengers that are on board the craft and to these wonderful creatures that everyone wants to see. Legislation is in place to prohibit the deliberate disturbance of these species and there are various regulations that govern 'correct practice'. These procedures go on to say "There are definite risks associated in engaging these mammals, particularly the larger whales." Guidelines that are also particularly important include 'best practice in cases of any interaction between small craft and large mammals within Irish waters' These state:  "When whales or dolphins are first encountered, craft should maintain a steady course". "Boat speed should be maintained below 7 knots". "Do not attempt to pursue whales or dolphins encountered". "In the case of dolphins, they will very often approach craft and may engage in bow riding. Always allow dolphins approach a boat rather than attempt to go after them". "Maintain a distance of at least 100m from whales". "Maintain a distance of 200m between any other boats in the vicinity". "Attempt to steer a course parallel to the direction whales or dolphins are taking". "Do not corral whales or dolphins between boats". "Special care must be taken when young calves are seen - do not come between a mother and her calf". "Successive boats must follow the same course". "Boats should not spend more than 30 minutes with whales or dolphins". "DO NOT attempt to swim with them".

A NEW AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND WHALE RESEARCH PROJECT STARTS THIS MONTH: Australia and New Zealand are joining forces to carry out research on whales using non-lethal methods, in an attempt to challenge Japan's hunting programme. Eighteen scientists are sailing to Antarctica this month to study Minke, Humpback and Blue Whale populations. The scientists hope their research will help to disprove Japan's claims that whales have to be killed if they are to be properly studied. The study will also be assessing the impact of climate change on the whales. The six-week voyage starts from Wellington in New Zealand shortly. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/8440625.stm

HOW LONG DOES SPRING TAKE TO TRAVEL FROM IRELAND'S SOUTHERNMOST TO NORTHERNMOST POINTS: Spring travels from Brow Head, County Cork (Ireland's southern most mainland point) to a point just northeast of Malin Head on the Inishowen Peninsula, County Donegal (Ireland's northern most mainland point) in 3 weeks – to be precise 20.43 days to cover the 435 km from south to north. Basically this is calculated due to the fact that it is travelling northwards at 0.9km an hour (1/3 of a mile an hour). One can also add 2 days to every 30.8 metres (100 feet) of elevation.

JAMESTOWN ENVIRONMENTAL RESERVE: Jamestown Environmental Reserve is situated beside the River Slaney and immediately south of Kings Island. Access is gained by turning off the N11 just by the 50kph sign at the north end of Oilgate village, travelling to the bottom of the lane into the townland Ballysillagh, turning left at the T junction and immediately right down the narrow access lane to Will Warham's farm. Access to this private environmental reserve is gained by contacting Will on 087 -2052266. The reserve has an interesting range of habitats and is particularly attractive to those who want to enjoy broadleaf, wetland and reed-bed ecology. There is a Tower Hide that overlooks one of the quiet creeks adjacent to the Slaney River. Various wildlife studies and eco-friendly management projects are ongoing. Why not take this opportunity to contact Will and arrange a visit to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this delightful wildlife haven.

TWO MILLION SEABIRDS KILLED BY EUROPEAN FISHERIES: BirdLife International and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) are asking people to sign a petition to be sent to Maria Damanaki - Europe's Fisheries Commissioner-designate – in order to bring in long overdue measures to protect seabirds that are threatened at the hands of the European fishing industry in the waters around Europe and the Atlantic. Over the past decade it is estimated that two million seabirds have died from longline hooks and getting caught in trawls or drowning in gill nets. Globally, by-catch in fisheries is threatening more seabirds than ever before and is one of the major factors causing seabirds to decline faster than any other group of birds. BirdLife has identified hotspots in Europe where vulnerable seabird populations are under siege from fisheries, notably the Mediterranean for longline fisheries and the Baltic for gill-net fisheries. A single longline fishery on the Gran Sol grounds off the west coast of Ireland takes an alarming toll of 50,000 seabirds every year. Dr Euan Dunn is the RSPB's head of marine policy. He said: "The European Commission has promised for a decade to bring this slaughter to an end, but two million seabirds later we are still waiting for this commitment to be honoured. Despite proven, low-cost solutions being available, the EU's Common Fisheries Policy has so far failed to address the tragedy of seabird by-catch. Several countries outside the EU have started to tackle this issue in a serious way and have shown European leaders how much can be achieved."  Dr Dunn went on to say "There are many simple, inexpensive measures that fishing boats can take to prevent seabirds becoming hooked or entangled in nets. These measures also mean that longline boats waste less bait, and take a bigger, more valuable, catch of fish". To sign the petition please log onto: https://www.rspb.org.uk/applications/inforequest/%28cd2zfnmoq3cl1jix2lw4xu45%29/index.aspx?dt=APLITH0095

WILDLIFE RECORDS: Again our thanks to those that provided the wildlife records for this month's wildlife summaries for County Wexford. Records can also be submitted to W.N.F.C., c/o Wexford Wildfowl Reserve, North Slob, Wexford or by email to info@wildside.ie. These records are all collated and saved to enhance the knowledge of our County's biodiversity.

WILDLIFE SPECIES OF THE MONTH: Common Frog – Rana temporaria
Irish: Frog = Frog (occasionally as Loscán); Frog-spawn = síol froganna; Tadpole = Torbán. Ireland has three species of Amphibian, the Common Frog, the Natterjack Toad and the Common (or Smooth) Newt. Here we discuss the Common Frog, or as we normally refer to it – the 'Frog', of which Ireland has a particular international responsibility. This is because our Frog is widespread and common in Ireland but vulnerable in the rest of Europe.  The European Habitats Directive recommends that its exploitation should be subject to a management plan. Yes, our Frog is a protected species in the Republic, though not in Northern Ireland (hence the need to obtain a permit from National Parks and Wildlife Service if considering obtaining frog-spawn – and of course any other stages – when considering enjoying the metamorphosis from egg to Froglet). The Irish Peatland Conservation Council (IPCC) has lots of fascinating facts and stories about frogs on their web page: http://www.ipcc.ie/ , some of which I have included here. Until recently our Frogs were thought to be a wholly introduced species. However, recent genetic analysis conducted by Teacher et al. (2009) has suggested that our Frogs are indeed indigenous to Ireland. This particularly relates to populations in the south west and in the analysis it has been suggested that Frogs in Ireland are composed of a mixed population that includes native Frogs that survived the last ice age and recent introductions from Western Europe. At this time of year Frogs are coming out of hibernation and making for their breeding ponds. Whilst hibernating Frog's bones form a growth ring – these rings can be counted and thus Frogs can be aged. Up to 4,000 eggs can be laid at one time and the swelling of the surrounding jelly lifts the frog-spawn up to the water surface where it is warmed by the sun. This jelly also tends to keep the temperature higher than the surrounding pond water. After approximately ten days the tadpole emerges from the egg. It takes a further eight weeks for the back legs to form and by eleven weeks the front legs have also appeared. In twelve to fourteen weeks the tail has disappeared and the Froglet is ready to leave the water. Maturity is reached in three years and frogs regularly live up to fifteen years. One interesting aspect of their morphology is that most Frogs do in fact have teeth of a sort. They have a ridge of very small cone teeth around the upper edge of the jaw. However they do not have anything that could be called teeth on their lower jaw, so usually swallow their food whole. The so-called "teeth" are mainly used to hold the prey and keep it in place till they can get a good grip on it. To swallow their meal Frogs use their eyeballs to help squash down and swallow their meal. Interestingly Toads do not have any teeth. Where did the word Frog come from? Well apparently the name Frog is derived from the Old English word frogga which is  associated with Sanskrit (an historical Indo-Aryan language) plava (frog), and probably derived from a Proto-Indo-European word praw, which is "to jump".

DID YOU KNOW: A pinhead-sized piece of a neutron star weighs one million tonnes.

2010 IS INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF BIODIVERSITY: In last month's 'Country Diary' I mentioned, almost in passing, that 2010 was 'International Year of Biodiversity'. This was in the context of the massive declines and threats of extinctions of a wide variety of wildlife bird species mentioned by BirdLife International in their Red Data List released in 2009. But where did this particular proclamation come from? In fact 2010 was proclaimed as the 'International Year of Biodiversity' by none other than the United Nations. So, what does the word Biodiversity really mean and where did this word spring up from? The term 'Biodiversity' essentially gained popularity in the late 1980s and is basically used to describe 'All aspects of biological diversity'. Michael Allaby, in his The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Ecology (1994), and one of the many definitions available in various dictionaries and on the world-wide-web, also notes that biodiversity, as well as including all aspects of biological diversity also especially includes "species richness, ecosystem complexity and genetic variation". So remember we, humans – Homo sapiens, are very much part of  the biodiversity of this planet  – we are an integral part of nature; our fate is tightly linked with biodiversity and the huge variety of other animals and plants, with the places they live in and their surrounding environments, all over the world. This diversity of life provides us with almost everything that we need in our daily lives - food, fuel, medicine and other essentials that we would not be able to live without. We know that this rich diversity is being lost at a greatly accelerated rate because of our human activities. Proclaiming 2010 as The International Year of Biodiversity is a unique opportunity to increase understanding of the vital role that biodiversity plays in sustaining life on Earth. http://www.cbd.int/2010/about/