As part of a conservation scheme, twelve Eurasian curlew chicks that are “critically endangered” have been successfully hatched at Fota Wildlife Park in County Cork, with an anticipation of more chicks hatching in the imminent weeks. A total of 31 fertile eggs, sourced from various Irish locations, were included in this initiative under the European Innovation Partnership (EIP) programme for Breeding Waders.
Fota Wildlife Park is actively participating in several ‘headstarting’ preservation projects for vulnerable species, such as the local curlew. The headstarting preservation method involves rearing endangered species in a safe environment devoid of predators, before releasing them into the wild. At Fota, the chicks are cared for until they’re flight-competent and then returned to their natural environments. It’s noted that curlews can have a lifespan of as long as 32 years.
Animal Care Manager at Fota Wildlife Park, Declan O’Donovan, relayed that curlews previously populated Ireland’s wetlands and bogs but now face critical endangerment after a substantially high decline of 98% since the 1970s. He expressed that the rapid declining figures puts the breeding curlew on the precipice of extinction and expressed the park’s staunch dedication towards the conservation project given the importance of protecting native species.
In addition to curlews, Fota Wildlife Park is also working towards the preservation of the natterjack toad. So far, the park has successfully nurtured over 9,000 toadlets back to health, before reintroducing them back to their natural habitat in County Kerry. This Breeding Waders EIP programme is co-funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage’s National Parks and Wildlife Service, alongside the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine.