A Rapid Assessment Framework for Irish Habitats: A Case Study of Machair Habitat Quality

Authors

  • Thomas Gorman National University of Ireland, Galway
  • Gesche Kindermann National University of Ireland, Galway
  • Terry Morley National University of Ireland, Galway

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55650/igj.2018.1372

Abstract

Existing habitat condition assessments in Ireland lack a standardised, quantitative methodology and are often beyond the time constraints of monitoring staff. Therefore, there is a need to develop a framework that can rapidly assess habitats and provide a benchmark against which change can be measured. We reviewed existing national and international habitat assessments to develop a new rapid habitat assessment framework specific to Ireland. This framework uses 22 variables encompassing: (i) a pre-survey that considers the site within the context of the landscape; (ii) a structured field survey to measure physical and biological variables; and (iii) a site overview that considers site management variables to generate a quantitative site score. We tested our framework using Irish machair as a case study due to it being particularly vulnerable to rapid changes from both anthropogenic and climatic sources. Our framework scores matched 70% of the current three-tiered ‘traffic light’ designations established in the Habitats Directive and were within expected ranges. Our approach establishes a quantitative score that creates a benchmark against which we can measure future change and the identification of specific drivers of habitat change. The framework is a practical response to the lack of a unified approach to assessing and reporting habitat condition and will help Ireland meet monitoring requirements and determine the effect(s) of management/conservation efforts.

Author Biographies

Thomas Gorman, National University of Ireland, Galway

School of Archaeology and Geography and Ryan Institute

Gesche Kindermann, National University of Ireland, Galway

Applied Ecology Unit, School of Natural Sciences

Terry Morley, National University of Ireland, Galway

School of Archaeology and Geography and Ryan Institute

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Published

2019-01-28

How to Cite

Gorman, T., Kindermann, G., & Morley, T. (2019). A Rapid Assessment Framework for Irish Habitats: A Case Study of Machair Habitat Quality. Irish Geography, 51(2), 205–228. https://doi.org/10.55650/igj.2018.1372

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