Some of Ireland’s smallest – but most important plants – are the subject of a new publication launched today in Dublin.
The publication entitled "Rare and Threatened Bryophytes of Ireland", was launched by Government Ministers Jimmy Deenihan TD, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and Alex Attwood MLA, Minister for the Environment.
Bryophytes are non-flowering plants which grow in places where moisture is present. Comprising mosses and liverworts, these typically small species are important components of many of Ireland’s internationally recognised habitats such as blanket bogs. With over 800 species, Ireland is one of the most important areas of Europe for bryophytes which also make a significant contribution to the island’s green appearance.
The book focuses on rare and threatened species of bryophytes and gives information on threats and conservation priorities. It is the latest all-Ireland Red Data Book to be jointly published since the first in 1988.
Speaking at the launch in the appropriate surroundings of Glasnevin Botanical Gardens, Minister Deenihan said "I am particularly pleased that this publication contains the first Red List of bryophytes for all of Ireland. This is an important step, fulfilling one of the fundamental commitments under ‘Actions for Biodiversity’ - Ireland’s National Biodiversity Plan and contributing to international objectives in conservation."
Minister Attwood added, "This book is the culmination of over 15 years of extensive field research which resulted in many finds of rare species including 22 previously unknown in Ireland. Its publication by National Museums Northern Ireland illustrates the benefits of cross-border cooperation and places the spotlight on an important but neglected part of Irish biodiversity for which we have special responsibility."
Minister Deenihan concluded, "This book is undoubtedly a landmark in Irish bryology and the National Museums Northern Ireland are to be congratulated on another fine publication, to sit well with their previous works on "Dragonflies, Butterflies and Moths" and the recently published "Natural History of Ulster".
Notes to Editors
Bryophytes are divided or classified into mosses, liverworts and hornworts. There are approximately 830 species of bryophytes in Ireland, representing 48% of the European flora.
Ireland has a particular responsibility for the conservation of those bryophyte species and habitats that are rare on a global scale
Bryophytes capacity to retain water facilitates gradual release of water into watercourses, thus regulating flash floods, erosion and landslides downstream. They are important in stabilising soils through their ability to colonise exposed ground, and are a major constituent of peat bogs and therefore contribute to carbon sequestration.
Data on distribution, population sizes and evidence of increase or decline of bryophytes have been collated into a validated database and an assessment carried out to determine the conservation status of each species..
The culmination of this work is the production of a book; Rare and threatened bryophytes of Ireland. This book is a landmark achievement by the authors and reflects the collaborative working of National Parks and Wildlife Service in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland Environment Agency in Northern Ireland. These studies have involved fieldwork annually from 1999-2010, during which almost all previously known sites for rare bryophytes in Ireland have been revisited, in all the counties.
The Centre for Environmental Data and Recording (CEDaR), within National Museums Northern Ireland arranged the publishing of this book. Like other publications prepared by CEDaR e.g. Natural History of Ulster, it is high quality and will have a long shelf life.
Extensive moss-covered peat bogs cover much of Ireland and store huge amount of carbon and provide much of our drinking water. The humid oceanic climate allows a provision of mosses and liverworts to grow covering woods and hills especially in the west. These include many species rarely encountered outside Ireland.
For more info on Irish Red Data Books
http://www.npws.ie/publications/redlists/