Things may be looking up for Ireland’s curlew, a bird perched precariously on the edge of extinction, as Minister Humphreys announces a new Curlew taskforce.
These iconic wetland birds with their distinctive cry are in crisis. Their breeding numbers are at historic lows with only around 120 breeding pairs left in the country, a decline of 97% since the 1980’s. Since 2007 the curlew has been red-listed by the IUCN with widespread declines all across Europe but it’s the populations in Ireland that are worst hit.
This new taskforce announced by Heather Humphreys TD, Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, has been established to reverse this decline.
Minister Humphreys said “The decline of the Curlew is of serious concern. My Department and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine have already worked closely together in prioritising Curlew locations for entry to GLAS and in developing a measure that works for both the farmers and the birds.
“By convening this Taskforce, I am bringing together the relevant experts and decision makers to undertake further positive actions for the Curlew. I am hopeful that by working together and in particular by supporting positive initiatives for the bird, we can save the Curlew.”
