Clochar na gCon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Clochar na gCon |
|
|---|---|
| Location | County Galway, Ireland |
| Area | 3,081 acres (12.47 km2) |
| Governing body | National Parks and Wildlife Service |
Clochar na gCon is a special place in County Galway, Ireland. It's a huge, untouched area of land called an Atlantic or oceanic blanket bog. This amazing nature reserve covers about 3,081 acres (12.47 km2)! It's a fantastic example of a healthy bog ecosystem.
Contents
What is Clochar na gCon?
Clochar na gCon is officially called the Clochar na gCon/Bealacooan Bog Nature Reserve. It became a protected national nature reserve in 1999. This means the Irish government made laws to keep it safe.
How it was Saved
Before it became a nature reserve, people were worried about the bog. A Dutch person named Matthijs Schouten, who loved protecting peatlands, bought parts of Clochar na gCon. He also bought parts of other bogs like Scragh Bog and Cummeragh River Bog. Later, he gave these lands to the Irish government.
The Irish Peatland Conservation Council also worked hard to save the bog. They led a campaign to stop people from cutting turf there. Turf cutting can damage these important natural areas.
Why is Clochar na gCon Special?
Clochar na gCon bog is a perfect example of an Atlantic or oceanic blanket bog. It's part of a bigger area called the Connemara Bog Complex. These bogs are very important because they are rare and special habitats.
Home to Rare Plants
This bog has many different kinds of plants. Some of them are very rare! The bog is a great place for these plants to grow.
Home to Special Animals
Clochar na gCon is also home to many important animals. Some of these animals are rare or even endangered in Europe. They depend on blanket bogs to live.
Amazing Insects
In 1998, scientists found two special insects at Clochar na gCon. One was called Psallus confusus. It was the first time this insect had ever been seen in Ireland! They also found Salda morio, which hadn't been seen in Ireland since 1898.
Rare Birds
One of Ireland's rarest birds, the merlin, was also found breeding at Clochar na gCon during the same survey. This shows how important the bog is for protecting wildlife.
What is an Active Bog?
An "actively growing bog" is a very important type of habitat. The European Union (EU) considers these bogs a top priority to protect. This is because they help the environment in many ways, like storing carbon.
