4 days ago
Rare natterjack toads released into the wild in Kerry
Kerryman
Today at 05:15
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O'Sullivan was in Castlegregory on Friday to release Natterjack Toadlets back into the wild.
The Natterjack Toad is an endangered species, unique to the coastal area of Castlemaine Harbour and Castlegregory. Since 2016, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) have been working with Fota Wildlife Park and Oceanworld Dingle on a conservation project which aims to enhance the survival prospects of the species and prevent its further decline.
Speaking at the release, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O'Sullivan said:
'It's wonderful to be here to watch this year's Natterjacks returned to their natural habitat in Castlegregory, and to join the local community at this annual homecoming. The Natterjack really needs our help, as it is a 'boom or bust' species with varying breeding success each year.
"This head starting programme provides a much needed boost to its small population. NPWS, Fota Wildlife Park and local conservation groups like the Maharees Conservation Association are working together to steer the species towards recovery in the coming years and decades and I would like to thank them for their collective efforts.'
The Natterjack population has declined over time due to land reclamation and as agricultural practices changed. When they are released back into the wild, Natterjacks typically breed in shallow sunny ponds to avoid predators.
This conservation project involves NPWS staff collecting spawn from ponds, which are brought to Fota Wildlife Park where they are cared for and reared in special holding tanks. This approach, known as headstarting has been shown to reduce their mortality rate to as low as 25 per cent. Following metamorphosis, the toadlets are returned to the wild in Kerry.
Danny O'Keefe, Regional Manager, NPWS said:
'The Natterjack is a species unique to this area and the annual release of toadlets always generates huge enthusiasm among communities here around the coast of Kerry. The quality of the habitat is an important factor in the survival of the species long term. I would like to pay tribute to the Maharees Conservation Association, Oceanworld Dingle and other local groups for their efforts in conservation of the beautiful dunes and local biodiversity here in Kerry.'
Kevin Flannery, Director of Oceanworld, Dingle, said:
'I am delighted to be involved with this important conservation project. My colleagues and I at Oceanworld Dingle have a long association with NPWS and this vital conservation initiative and we look forward to that collaboration continuing. Its importance for the species and the local habitat cannot be overstated.'
