Wildlife

Lough Corrib was named a Ramsar site in 1996 due to the abundance of wildlife it supports. Minks, Stoats and Bats are amongst the population of mammals that inhabit the Lough Corrib area. Irish Hares and Otters have also been regularly observed, both of which are protected under the Wildlife Act 1976 and are listed in the Red Data Book.

Lough Corrib supports an internationally important population of waterfowl. The average population of Pochard is 8,600. Other species of national importance include Coot, Mute Swan, Tufted Duck, Cormorant and Greenland White-fronted Goose. The Whooper Swan, Hen Harrier and Kingfisher have also been recently recorded at close to Lough Corrib, all of which are listed on the EU Birds Directive.

Otter swimming

Otter swimming

Courtesy of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government

Otter swimming - Courtesy of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government

Coots (Cearc Cheannann)

Picture shows Coots

Original work carried out under contract for South Dublin County Council

Coots (Cearc Cheannann) - Original work carried out under contract for South Dublin County Council

Mute swan

A swan paddling across a lake

Courtesy of the EPA

Mute swan - Courtesy of the EPA

Kingfisher

Kingfisher

Courtesy of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government

Kingfisher - Courtesy of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government

Many of the species listed on the EU Habitats Directive are found at Lough Corrib. Some of these include Sea Lamprey, Atlantic Salmon, White-clawed Crayfish, Freshwater Pearl Mussel, Slender Naiad and Otter.