Eilean na Muice Duibhe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eilean na Muice Duibhe |
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|---|---|
| Duich Moss | |
| Location | Islay, Scotland |
| Nearest city | Bowmore |
| Area | 5.76 km2 (2.22 sq mi) |
| Established | 1988 |
| Governing body | Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) |
Eilean na Muice Duibhe, also known as Duich Moss, is a very special wet area on the island of Islay. This island is located off the west coast of Scotland. It is a type of wetland called a "mire" or "bog".
This important natural area is found south of the town of Bowmore. It covers a large space of 576 hectares. Since 1988, Eilean na Muice Duibhe has been protected as a Ramsar Site. This means it is recognized as a wetland that is important around the world.
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What is Eilean na Muice Duibhe?
Eilean na Muice Duibhe is a unique type of wetland. It has areas of "blanket bog" which slowly change into "raised mire" habitats. A bog is a very wet, spongy area of land. It is made up of dead plants that have built up over thousands of years. This creates a special kind of soil called peat.
A Special Wetland Habitat
The way the blanket bog changes into a raised mire here is quite unusual. Blanket bogs usually cover large, flat areas. Raised mires are dome-shaped bogs that grow upwards. This mix of habitats makes Eilean na Muice Duibhe very important for nature. It provides different living spaces for various plants and animals.
Home to Amazing Birds
This wetland is a vital home for many birds. It is especially important for white-fronted geese. A large number of these geese, about 2% of the entire Greenland population, spend their winters here. They fly all the way from Greenland to find food and shelter at Duich Moss.
Other birds also live and breed in this area. These include the common redshank, which is a wading bird. You might also spot the red-throated loon, a type of diving bird. The hen harrier, a bird of prey, also nests here.
Why is it Protected?
Eilean na Muice Duibhe is protected for several reasons. It is listed as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. This is an international agreement that helps protect important wetlands worldwide.
Besides being a Ramsar Site, it is also a Special Protection Area. This means it is protected under European laws. These laws aim to conserve wild birds and their habitats. Protecting Duich Moss helps make sure these special birds and their homes are safe for the future.
