Threatened Mammals

Most Irish mammals are protected under the Wildlife Act. Eleven of these have been identified within the Irish Red Data Book as being Internationally Important; two others are Indeterminate. In 1992, the EU passed the Habitats Directive. Under this Directive, suitable areas of land are designated in order to protect the rare species that occur there. Such areas are called SACs (Special Areas of Conservation). Much of the Park is a SAC, and much of the area around it has also been so designated. Within the Park, eleven mammal species are listed under the Habitats Directive, including all the bat species, the Irish Hare, Badger, Pine Marten and Otter.

The animals listed in the Habitats Directive are classified under different annexes, each with its own level of protection. Annex II species demand the highest protection – they are species whose conservation requires the designation of SACs. The Otter is the only Annex II mammal within the Park. Annex IV species are defined as those in need of strict protection. All the bats and the Otter fall into this category. Annex V species may be hunted in certain circumstances - they are described as species whose taking in the wild and exploitation may be subject to management measures. The Irish Hare and the Pine Marten fall into this category.

It should be noted that a tenth bat species - the Brandt's Bat, has recently been discovered in the Park – a new Irish species. This species will also be protected under the Wildlife Act, despite not appearing on the list below.

Soprano Pipistrelle

Species	Habitats Directive	Red Data Book	Wildlife Act
Pygmy Shrew			Yes
Hedgehog		Internationally Important	Yes
Whiskered Bat	Annex IV	Indeterminate	Yes
Natterer’s Bat	Annex IV	Indeterminate	Yes
Common Pipistrelle	Annex IV	Internationally Important	Yes
Soprano Pipistrelle	Annex IV	Internationally Important	Yes
Nathusius' Pipistrelle	Annex IV	Internationally Important	Yes
Daubenton’s Bat	Annex IV	Internationally Important	Yes
Leisler’s Bat	Annex IV	Internationally Important	Yes
Brown Long-eared Bat	Annex IV	Internationally Important	Yes
Red Squirrel			Yes
Pine Marten	Annex V	Internationally Important	Yes
Badger		Internationally Important	Yes
Otter	Annex II & IV	Internationally Important	Yes
Stoat			Yes
Irish Hare	Annex V	Internationally Important	Yes
Red Deer			Yes
Sika Deer			Yes
Feral Goat			Yes