This project for the National Parks and Wildlife Service had the aim of providing up-to-date information on the distribution, population size, threat status and conservation needs of Killarney Fern (Vandenboschia speciosa), an EU Habitats Directive Annex II and Annex IV species.

BEC teamed up with national Killarney Fern expert Dr Emer Ní Dhúill and internationally renowned bryologist, Dr Rory Hodd, to facilitate the carrying out of baseline and monitoring surveys of 50 of the known populations of the species, to inform a national conservation status assessment for inclusion in the 2019-2024 Article 17 reports, to advise on site conservation objectives and measures, and to provide updates to the Natura 2000 Standard Data Forms and Site Synopses for Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) designated for the species.

Nineteen of the populations surveyed had been included in previous monitoring surveys, while 31 had not previously had either baseline or monitoring surveys. Information on these 31 populations was scant, with often little more than the location and presence of a sporophyte or gametophyte colony recorded.

Citation

Ní Dhúill, E., O’Neill, F.H. & Hodd, R.L. (2022) Monitoring and assessment of Killarney Fern (Vandenboschia speciosa (Willd.) Kunkel) in Ireland, 2015–2018. Irish Wildlife Manuals, No. 133. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Ireland.