Lough Yganavan and Lough Nambrackdarrig facts for kids
Lough Yganavan and Lough Nambrackdarrig are two special lakes in County Kerry, Ireland. Their names in Irish are Loch Gaineamháin and Loch na mBreac Dearg. These lakes are very important for nature and the animals that live there.
Since 1988, parts of these lakes have been protected as National Nature Reserves. This means they are special areas where nature is kept safe. Lough Nambrackdarrig and the southern part of Lough Yganavan became nature reserves. These areas cover about 29 hectares, which is like 29 football fields.
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What is a Special Area of Conservation?
Since 1998, these lakes have been part of an even bigger protected area. This area is called a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). An SAC is a place chosen by countries in Europe to protect important plants and animals. The SAC around these lakes covers about 271 hectares. This area includes both the nature reserves and other land nearby. It helps protect the unique natural spaces, even if they are privately owned.
Unique Habitats Around the Lakes
The land around Lough Yganavan and Lough Nambrackdarrig is very special. It has unique types of land called fixed dunes and machair. Fixed dunes are sand dunes that have stopped moving and are covered in plants. Machair is a rare type of grassy plain found only on the coasts of Ireland and Scotland. These habitats are important homes for many creatures.
Animals of the Lakes
The SAC around Lough Yganavan and Lough Nambrackdarrig is home to some very rare animals. These animals are not found in many other places. Protecting these lakes helps these special creatures survive.
The Kerry Slug
One of the rare animals found here is the Kerry Slug. This slug is quite unique because it is one of the largest slugs in Ireland. It has a dark, shiny body and can grow up to 10 centimeters long. The Kerry Slug likes damp, mossy places, which are common around these lakes. It is very important to protect its home so it can continue to thrive.
The Natterjack Toad
Another special animal living near the lakes is the Natterjack Toad. This toad is Ireland's only native toad species. It is smaller than a common frog and has a yellow stripe down its back. Natterjack Toads are very rare in Ireland. They prefer sandy areas and shallow pools to lay their eggs. The protected areas around Lough Yganavan and Lough Nambrackdarrig provide the perfect conditions for these toads to live and reproduce.
Natterjack Toad Life Cycle
The Natterjack Toad has a fascinating life cycle. Adult toads usually breed in spring, from April to June. They lay long strings of eggs in shallow, warm water. These eggs hatch into tiny tadpoles. The tadpoles grow quickly and then change into small toadlets. These young toads then leave the water and live on land. They spend their lives in sandy areas, often hiding during the day and coming out at night to hunt for insects.
