A survey by the National Parks and Wildlife Service has found a significant increase in the population of critically endangered corncrake birds in Ireland over the past five years, although the overall numbers remain very small.
A total of 218 separate male corncrakes were recorded calling out to mark core breeding territories in counties Donegal, Mayo and Galway this year.
New data released today shows that efforts to increase the population of the corncrake in the west and north of Ireland appear to be paying off.
The latest survey from the National Parks and Wildlife Service shows an increase of 35% in the corncrake population in the past five years.
The numbers of corncrakes recorded in the core breeding areas of Donegal, Mayo and Galway have increased by 15% since 2022.
A corncrake has also been spotted on the Aran Islands for the first time in 25 years.
The positive trend in population numbers is said to be the result of collaborative conservation measures involving local farmers and communities.
In a statement, Dr. John Carey who manages the Corncrake LIFE project and oversees the NPWS Corncrake Programme said: there are now over 250 farmers and landowners managing close to 1500 hectare of lands for corncrakes.
He says that a huge debt of gratitude has to go out to all the farmers, advisors, contractors and members of the local communities across Donegal, Sligo, Mayo, Galway and Kerry.
It is hoped that even more birds return home to the west of Ireland in 2024.
