Ballycroy-Nationalpark
Dept. of Environment, Heritage & Local Government, Lagduff More Ballycroy, Westport, Co. Mayo.
The Ballycroy National Park ( Irish: Páirc Náisiúnta Bhaile Chruaich ) in County Mayo in northwest Ireland is 117.79 km ² with one of the largest rain Moore Europe. The National Park was established on 1 November 1998 due to the Fauna-Flora -Habitat Directive and is therefore the part of Natura 2000, which is to preserve biodiversity in Europe.
Creation of the National Park
The European Habitats Directive, which was transposed into Irish law in 1997, lists certain habitats and species which are to be obtained from Ireland by shelters. These areas include, but are extensive wetlands such as that of Ballycroy. Ballycroy is one of the largest remaining wetlands in Western Europe.
Features
The park is characterized by extensive swamps, slopes and river habitats. The wetlands have one of the largest expanses of peatlands, which are still preserved in Europe. Thus, the fuse is in the opinion of the European Union of " international importance" because the area different, rare creatures, especially plants, offers a so-called ecological niche. Also, the flow Owenduff is obtained because he is the only river in Western Europe, which offers a relatively intact and extensive marsh system a drain. Many salmon and brook trout live in it.
A visitor center, funded by the Irish Government is in Ballycroy. The 700 square meter building is to encourage public recognition of the park and its landscape.
Wildlife
The national park offers many bird species habitat, for example, the whooper swan, the Alpine beach runners, the sandpiper, the woodcock and the dippers. The birds of prey are represented by peregrine falcons, sparrow hawks and hawk, in winter you can also watch hen harriers. Also, the red grouse and golden plover breed here. The park is also for white-fronted geese from Greenland and golden plover, which occur as winter visitors in larger numbers, of importance ..
Notable mammals are otter, mountain hare and several species of bats, including the mosquito bat. More often occur red fox, badger and pine marten.