Values
Biodiversity
Biodiversity is the variety of living things that are found
on earth. There is great variation in the biodiversity of
different peatland types, for example between fens and bogs.
Fens are generally very productive and are home to a wide
range of both plants and animals. Bogs on the other hand,
have a limited natural diversity due to environmental factors.
However, some of the species that thrive there are highly
adapted to the harsh conditions.
The biodiversity of peatlands is recognised as being a priority
because of three key factors
- rare and threatened species
- special adaptations of species
- fragility and decline of the habitat
Rare and threatened species
Peatlands play an important role in conserving global biodiversity
because they are home to some of the rarest species of wetland-dependant
plants and animals.
The UK Biodiversity Strategy identified
Priority Species that require conservation action because
of their rarity, decline, and/or the international importance
of their populations. All UK Priority Species
are automatically considered as Northern Ireland Priority
Species.
In addition, species requiring conservation within Northern
Ireland are also given priority status. Table
1 contains a list of peatland Priority Species in Northern
Ireland.
Table 1: Peatland
Priority Species in Northern Ireland
Click
on a tick or an entry in the list to view more information.
Special adaptations
Some species are able to survive on peatlands because they
have special adaptations. Insectivorous plants such as the
Sundew, Butterwort
and Bladderworts
overcome the lack of available nutrients in peat by trapping
and digesting insects. All native insectivorous plants that
occur in Northern Ireland are found on peatlands.
Fragility and decline
Peatlands have formed over thousands of years and evidence
has shown that they do not recover easily after major disturbances.
Unsustainable use and exploitation during the last century
has resulted in an unprecedented decline of peatland habitats.
Peatlands have become a rare habitat in Europe. In the United
Kingdom and Ireland over 90% of raised bogs have been damaged
and there has been a similar decline in the area of blanket
bog. In Northern Ireland, only 12% of the peatland resource
remains intact. The continued exploitation of fens and bogs
will ultimately lead to a further decrease in their unique
biodiversity and the possible loss of certain species that
depend on them.
