On a wing and a prayer! Tenders sought to count at-risk red grouse
THE State is set to spend an estimated €120,000 on a national survey of the red grouse bird.
The last national survey for red grouse – the first ever – was conducted over two field seasons in 2006/07 and 2007/08. That study estimated a total population of just over 4,200 adults and a contraction in species range across Ireland of 50% since 1972.
Tender documents state that with the recent departure of the UK from the EU, most of the EU’s red grouse population now lies exclusively within Ireland.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) explained that the red grouse is listed on the EU Birds Directive and is also on the Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland’s Red List due to the 50% decline in the known historical breeding range.
The red grouse is a heavy-set bird with rounded body and wings, a short tail, small bill, small head and sturdy feathered legs. Its calls are a distinctive accelerating series of loud nasal clacks, while its diet consists mostly of heather, along with berries, insects and the shoots and leaves of other plant species.
It is associated with specific habitat types, including heaths, blanket bogs and raised bogs.
Tenderers have until November 1 to lodge their interest in the work.
The contract is expected to begin in mid-November and it is to conclude by the end of May next year.
The work will include an assessment of the conservation status of red grouse, with information on pressures and threats to the population.
The tender states that periodic censuses of breeding red grouse provide the necessary evidence base for obligatory reporting under the EU Birds Directive.
Series of loud, nasal clacks