Climate Change and Wildlife in Ireland
Climate change is transforming wildlife in Ireland. One striking example is the rise of hooper swans. These beautiful birds, migrating from Iceland and Greenland, are arriving in droves, much to the delight of wildlife expert Aileen O’Donoghue. She recently shared this insight on The Anton Savage Show, noting, “With climate change, there’s more plant growth and it’s warmer up there, so they’re able to feed more. The numbers of hooper swans are actually increasing.”
Unlike the native mute swans, which are easily identified by their orange bills and curved necks, hooper swans have straight necks and bright yellow bills with black tips. If you hear them, you’ll recognize their melodic calls, unlike the quieter mute swans.
But it’s not just swans adapting to these changes. Deer populations in Ireland are also affected. The lack of natural predators means their numbers are soaring. O’Donoghue emphasizes, “You have to manage the herd. The numbers are too high. If you don’t, they’ll be leaping out on the road and causing accidents.” Sustainable hunting can be part of the solution; she encourages people to eat deer as it’s lean and has no antibiotics.
The impact of climate change ties closely with historical decisions. In the 19th century, colonial settlers introduced non-native species like yellowhammers and foxes to places such as New Zealand and Australia. These introductions often disrupted local ecosystems. According to O’Donoghue, the intention wasn’t malicious; it came from a desire to recreate familiar landscapes.
O’Donoghue also highlights a unique historical tidbit about Dublin’s swans: “Every native swan in Dublin is a legacy of Oliver St. John Gogarty, who donated a couple of swans to the Liffey in the early 1900s.” Today, it’s the migratory hooper swans that are on the rise, showcasing how climate change is reshaping not just landscapes but also the very creatures that inhabit them.
This changing climate is affecting not only wildlife but also urban and rural communities as they adjust to new realities. Understanding these shifts is crucial for everyone who shares this environment.
