9 Flora, Fauna and Fisheries
9.1 Methodology
Information on
flora, fauna and fisheries sites has been collected by NATURA
(Natural Environment Consultants Ltd) and this information
is shown on Figures 12 to 14 (Drawings 00229/028 to 00229/30).
Designated conservation areas were identified from the Dúchas
database of sites. Additional sensitive ecological sites were
identified within the study area using satellite imagery (Landsat
Thematic Mapper false colour images of May 2000/April 1995).
Different habitats and vegetation types have characteristic
colour signatures on the false colour satellite images and
this allows sites of potential ecological value to be identified
and mapped. Images were interpreted at a scale of 1:50,000.
The resolution of the smallest unit area of the image is 30x30m.
While satellite imagery provides a good overview of landuse
and habitat types in the study area, it is not possible to
undertake detailed evaluations of ecological sites from satellite
imagery alone. Only limited information can be given on the
habitats present and their ecological value. Recent aerial
photographs (summer 2000) were used to check ecological sites
identified from satellite images and to identify some additional
sites. However, detailed interpretation of the aerial photographs
was not undertaken at the constraints stage. Areas of intensively
managed farmland contain few habitats, apart from hedgerows,
that are important for flora and fauna. Hedgerows are important
for wildlife at a local level and are widespread throughout
the study area so are not considered further in this report.
Some sites of ecological value may have been overlooked owing
to the size of the area under investigation, the scale of
the mapping and the resolution of the satellite imagery.
Dúchas was consulted
in relation to records of rare and protected plant species
in the study area. Important sites for wetland birds were
identified from the Irish Wetland Bird Survey (I-WeBS) reports.
The fisheries value of the main rivers was determined by consultation
with the Southern Regional Fisheries Board.
Information
on the occurrence of protected freshwater species (listed
in Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive) was derived from
the literature.
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