I am pleased to say that the provisional census result for corncrakes in 2013 shows a substantial increase. As the birds are very difficult to see, the surveyors record calling males. The 2013 results are set out in the Table below:
Regions
|
Number of birds
|
West Donegal
|
54
|
North Donegal
|
68
|
West Connacht
|
60
|
Shannon Callows
|
3
|
Total
|
185
|
This is the highest figure for over 20 years and I thank all those, including the farmers and other landowners, who have helped conserve the species. While I am cautiously optimistic about this increase, I am aware that previous population increases were not sustained and so my Department will continue to work with our partners on the necessary conservation measures.