Fauna

Red Deer
Copyright Mike Brown

Populations of most of Ireland’s native fauna inhabit Killarney National Park. Foxes, hares, rabbits, badgers are just some examples of mammals in the park. Deer and sheep also graze throughout the park, which has resulted in some erosion and damage to a number of habitats. A number of species that occur in the park are protected under the EU Habitats Directive: Atlantic Salmon, Arctic Char, Brook Lamprey, Kerry Slug, Lesser Horseshoe Bat, Otter and Marsh Fritillary.

The extensive woodland area provides shelter to several bird species that are of national importance due to their rare occurrence. The bright orange-tailed Redstart, the plump Red Grouse with its hooked beak and auburn feathers, and the Ring Ouzel with its distinctive black plumage and elegant white breast band all enjoy the shelter of Killarney.

Killarney National Park is of particular ornithological importance. Peregrin, Merlin and Greenland White-fronted Geese are among the protected species that occur in the park. The three lakes (Leane, Middle and Upper) provide shelter and feeding ground for small populations of wintering waterfowl. Cormorant, Teal, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Coot, Mute Swan and Little Grebe are among the species that can be seen in the area during the winter period.