Wildlife

There are 26 species of terrestrial mammal in Northern Ireland, compared with 52 in Great Britain. One theory which may explain this discrepancy is that after the last Ice Age only a few species managed to reach Ireland before rising sea levels cut off the land bridge between Scotland and Ireland. Some of our native species are under threat, and some species which exist in Northern Ireland are recent introductions. In addition we have a wealth of insect life which contributes significantly to our ecological system. These fact sheets introduce some of these species, and the threats which exist to them.

1. Mammals (1) (.PDF 887Kb)
2. Mammals (2) (.PDF 891Kb)
3. Badgers (.PDF 832Kb)
4. Rabbits (.PDF 1.16Mb)
5. Irish Hare (.PDF 1.05Mb)
6. Otters (.PDF 874Kb)
7. Lamprey (.PDF 1.20Mb)
8. Marsh Fritillary Butterfly (.PDF 1.07Mb)

PDFs are available for download and hard copies are also available from our Country Parks, Countryside Centres and certain Monuments. Further information can be obtained from:

NIEA Education Manager
Klondyke Building
Gasworks Business Park
Lower Ormeau Road
Belfast BT7 2JA

Tel: (02890) 569 270
Fax: (02890) 569 264