Priority species lists are required under the WANE Act (2011) - Wildlife and Natural Environment Act - and the lists should be used for "public bodies to take steps to further the conservation of such priority species and habitats, and to promote others to take such action."

At a time when Northern Ireland is developing its next Biodiversity Strategy, which includes the ambition to strengthen the duty of public bodies to protect and enhance biodiversity, we welcome this updated list.

Marine species

We welcome the addition in particular of these marine species that are known to be of significant conservation concern and need action within Northern Ireland.

Elasmobranchs (sharks, skates and rays) - as per our recommendation new elasmobranch species have been added to the list:

·        Cuckoo ray

·        Blonde ray

·        Thornback ray

·        Spotted ray

·        White skate

It’s also positive to see sugar kelp and a further maerl species added to the list from a potential blue carbon perspective.

Ocean quahogs, sandeels, grey seals and queen scallops have also been added.

Terrestrial species
 

Mammals

Welcome news that the pine marten remains on the list per our recommendation.

All bat species have been finally added rather than a select few along with pygmy shrew and Irish stoat.

Insects

Heath bumblebee has been added. The butterflies remain the same except it is now officially cryptic wood white instead of Real’s wood white.

Birds

Woodcock, eider, razorbill, kittiwake, kingfisher, meadow pipit, mistle thrush, black guillemot, merlin, kestrel, marsh harrier, puffin, oystercatcher, red kite, shag have all been added. Many of these are long overdue, especially seabirds, which suffer from fluctuations in numbers.  

Moths

As per recommendation from the NI Moth Recorder, Andy Crory (also Ulster Wildlife Nature Reserves Manager) 49 new moth species have been added, bringing the total to 66. A mixture of species apparently in decline such as Bordered Pug, Forester and Eyed Hawkmoth. Species with a restricted range in NI such as Dark Umber and Brown Scallop found only around Lough Erne. Coastal species found at only a few sites but also at risk from climate change/sea-level rise such as Bordered Sallow and Sand Dart and species genuinely rare like Yellow-ringed Carpet

Notable additions found on our nature reserves include Marsh Pug (Umbra and Slievenacloy) and narrow-bordered five-spot Burnet (Slievenacloy).

You can view the new list here