MORE THAN 25 species of Irish birds have suffered "alarming declines in number", a report released yesterday has shown.
Populations of Irish birds, including the barn owl, quail and nightjar, have dropped by more than 70 per cent in the last 10 years, the report reveals.
Scientists also note that, for the first time on record, climate change has played a part in the depletion of bird populations migrating here. Figures from a report published by BirdWatch Ireland and RSPB Northern Ireland show that out of the 199 bird species that were assessed, 25 have been allocated to the "Red List", which names birds that require urgent action to secure their future.
"This report confirms we must redouble our efforts to secure the future for many of our most threatened birds," Dr James Robinson from the RSPB said.
"Most of the birds that appear on the 'Red List' have suffered from long-term changes to or loss of the habitats they need to survive.
"However, for some migratory birds, we believe milder winters on the Continent are reducing the numbers that visit the island of Ireland in the colder months of the year," he said.
"This is the first time that changes in climate have been identified as a factor leading to appearance on the 'Red List'," Dr Robinson added.