Introduction - Maynooth University



Maynooth Green CampusSpecies reportContents TOC \o "1-3" \h \z \u Maynooth Green Campus PAGEREF _Toc403483856 \h 1Species report PAGEREF _Toc403483857 \h 1Introduction PAGEREF _Toc403483858 \h 2Methodology PAGEREF _Toc403483859 \h 2Plant survey PAGEREF _Toc403483860 \h 3Bee survey PAGEREF _Toc403483861 \h 3Beetle survey PAGEREF _Toc403483862 \h 3Bird Survey PAGEREF _Toc403483863 \h 3Bat survey PAGEREF _Toc403483864 \h 4Moth survey PAGEREF _Toc403483865 \h 4Results PAGEREF _Toc403483866 \h 7Table 1. List of plant species identified along the South Wall. PAGEREF _Toc403483867 \h 7Table 2. List of plant species identified at Calvary Hill PAGEREF _Toc403483868 \h 8Table 3. List of bird species identified during bird survey PAGEREF _Toc403483869 \h 8Table 4. List of bat species identified during survey PAGEREF _Toc403483870 \h 9Conclusions PAGEREF _Toc403483871 \h 9APPENDIX A: National University of Ireland, Maynooth Moth Survey 8th July 2014 PAGEREF _Toc403483872 \h 10IntroductionThis species report has been conducted as part of the Maynooth Green Campus action plan. The data has been collected and recorded by Maynooth Green Campus Biodiversity Working Group. The results aim to act as a starting point to build up a baseline to which new information can be added. This report outlines the methodology used to conduct surveys on the plant, bee, beetle, bird, bat and moth species found in Maynooth University campus. The species identified and recorded are also listed. MethodologyThe plant survey was the first to be conducted on June 3rd 2014. The bee, beetle, bird and bat surveys were conducted over a full day and evening on July 8th 2014. The moth survey was conducted on July 9th 2014. Weather conditions were mostly fine for all data collection. There were some very light rain showers during the plant survey and during the bee survey. Each survey was conducted with the assistance of specialists and experts in each field. Demonstrations were provided for the Biodiversity Working Group (BWG) on how to use identification keys and all the equipment needed to conduct each survey. Some of the species were identified on site while others were collected or retained and brought to the biology laboratory for identification. Details of methods used for each survey are discussed below. All of the species identified were recorded by the BWG. The records were compiled by Sarah Keane of Maynooth University. A mammal survey has not been conducted to date however, some mammal species such as the grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) were identified and noted while the BWG were in the field.Plant surveyThe BWG met on June 3rd 2014 at Maynooth University, south campus. Ecologist Dr. Maria Long of the Botanical Society of the British Isles (BSBI) demonstrated how to use a plant identification key and hand lens. The survey was then carried out in the south campus along the South Wall and Calvary Hill (See Plate 1). Three specialists assisted the group, Dr. Bettina Stefanini of Maynooth University geography department, Teresa Redmond of Maynooth University biology department and Dr. Maria Long of BSBI. The group was divided into teams each assisted by a specialist. The teams were provided with a hand lens and a plant identification key. Some species were collected and brought back to the laboratory. A hand lens and microscope were used to assist identification. All of the identified species were recorded and some of the collected specimens were pressed (See Table 1&2). Bee surveyThe BWG met on July 8th at Maynooth University, north campus. The group was assisted by specialist Dr. James Carolan of the biology department of Maynooth University. Dr. James Carolan selected sites beside and in front of the Student’s Union building to collect data on the bee species present in Maynooth University (See Plate 2, 3 & 4). A demonstration on how to use the nets and retain bees for identification was provided by Dr. James Carolan. Bee species were netted and retained and were placed in a cool bag. The collected species were brought to the biology laboratory for identification using bee identification keys and the guidance of Dr. James Carolan. The species were identified and then released.Beetle survey The BWG met on July 8th at Maynooth University to conduct the survey. Pitfall traps were set prior to the survey by specialist Dr. Chris Williams of Maynooth University biology department. The traps where located in an area of scrub near to the library car park and the Lyreen River (See Plate 5). There were no beetles retained by the traps for identification. Dr. Chris Williams demonstrated how to gather data on insect biodiversity using netting and an aspirator in the surrounding area of unmanaged grassland (See Plate 5).The BWG also gathered samples from the Lyreen River. The pitfall traps and samples from the river were taken to the biology laboratory for inspection and identification of any species found. The BWG were also given beetle specimens previously collected and preserved in order to gain experience in beetle species identification. Bird SurveyTom Mc Cormack and colleagues of Birdwatch Kildare accompanied the BWG for the survey on July 8th at Maynooth University, south campus. Various sites were visited which included some on-site buildings which provide good nesting sites. Buildings include St. Marys, St. Patricks and the surrounding grounds. Nest box sites beside Columba centre and in the Junior Garden were also visited (See Plate 1). Binoculars and a spotting scope were used for identification. The experts from Birdwatch Kildare also used bird song as a means for identifying species. The species identified were recorded (See Table 3). Bat surveyAnna Collins and colleagues from the Kildare Bat Group accompanied the BWG for the survey. The group met in the south campus of the university at dusk. Species were recorded close to Humanity House and along the verges of the sports fields (See Plate 1). However, the majority of the activity was recorded along the Lyreen River beside the library (See Plate 1 & 5). The group divided into two separate teams. Bat detectors were used which convert bat echolocation ultrasound into audible frequencies. The specialists from Kildare Bat Group could identify the species through the frequency obtained. The species identified were recorded (See Table 4). Moth surveyTo conduct the moth survey three light traps where placed at three separate sites in the south campus on the evening before the survey. The species were identified and recorded using identification keys and the expertise of Philip Strickland of Butterfly Conservation Ireland (See Plates 6, 7, 8 & 9). See also Appendix A for a full moth report and results compiled by Philip Strickland. Plate 1. Maynooth South Campus. Source: Google Earth (2014). Plate 2. Maynooth North Campus.Source: Google Earth (2014). Plate 3. Identifying bee species in the field. Plate 4. Identification of bee species in the lab.Source: Dr. Bettina Stefanini (2014). Source: Dr. Bettina Stefanini (2014). Plate 5. Maynooth South Campus. Source: Google Earth (2014).Plate 6. Mompha ochraceella. Plate 7. Lomaspilis marginata.Source: Philip Strickland (2014). Source: Philip Strickland (2014).Plate 8. Opisthograptis luteolata. Plate 9. Melanchra persicrae.Source: Philip Strickland (2014). Source: Philip Strickland (2014).Results The results of each survey have been compiled and are presented in the tables below. Due to limited time and resources the surveys carried out are not extensive. The results act as a starting point to build up a baseline to which new information can be added. There were other limiting factors for example; the bird survey was conducted during a time of reduced bird activity. Some bird species moult at this time of year and are less visible. Other limitations included some very light rain showers during the bee survey. Table 1. List of plant species identified along the South mon nameGenusspeciesCow parsleyAnthriscussylvestrisCreeping buttercupRanunculusrepensWood avensGeumurbanumIvyHederahelixHorse chestnutAesculushippocastanumCommon violetViolarivinianaMarsh woundwortStachyssylvaticaDandelionTaraxacumofficinaleNettleUrtica dioicaAshFraxinusexcelsiorBrambleRubusfruticosusGoose grassGaliumaparineElderSambucus nigraLords and ladiesArummaculatumMeadow buttercupRanunculusacrisYewTaxusbaccataDaisyBellisperennisTable 2. List of plant species identified at Calvary Hill Common nameGenusSpeciesBush vetchViciasepiumCommon hawthornCrataegusmonogynaColumbineAquilegiavulgarisCock's footDactylisglomerataHollyIlex aquifoliumBroad leaf dockRumexobtusifoliusTable 3. List of bird species identified during bird surveyCommon NameScientific Name FamilyBlack Bird Turdas Merula TurdidaeChaffinchFringilla coelebs FringillidaeChiffchaffPhylloscopus collybitasylviidaeGreat tit Parus majorParidaaeGrey HeronArdea CinereaArdeidaeHooded CrowCorvus CoroneCorvidaeHouse MartinDelichon UrbicaHirundinidaeJackdawCorvus MonedulaCorvidaeLesser Black Backed GullLarus fuscusLaridaeMagpiePica picaCorvidaeMallardAnas PlatyrhynchosAnatidaeMoorhenGallinula ChloropusRallidaePied WagtailMotacilla albaMotacillidaeRedpollCarduelis FlammeaFringillidaeRobinErithacus RubeculaTurdidaeRookCorvus FrugilegusCorvidaeSongthrush Turdas Philomelos TurdidaeSpotted Flycatcher Muscicapa StriataMuscicapidaeStarlingSturnus vulgarisSturnidaeSwallowHirundo RusticaHirundinidaeSwiftApus apus ApodidaeWoodpigeonColumba PalumbusColumbidaeWrenTroglodytes troglodytesTroglodytidaeTable 4. List of bat species identified during surveyCommon nameScientific Name Family Common pipistrellesPipistrellus Pipistrellus VespertilionidaeSoprano Pipistrellespipistrellus pygmaeus VespertilionidaeLeisler's Bat (Lesser Noctule)Nyctalus LeisleriVespertilionidaeConclusionsThe surveys have provided an insight into the range of species availing of the variety of habitats found in Maynooth University campus. The surveys were not extensive. However, the results can be used to build up a baseline to which new information can be added. The results can be considered along with the habitat report. Both provide a basis for planning and managing projects to protect and enhance campus biodiversity. Members of the BWG are now also equipped with the skills needed to continue to collect and record data.APPENDIX A: National University of Ireland, Maynooth Moth Survey 8th July 2014Summary In recent times there has been a concerted effort to increase the level of knowledge of the bio-diversity present on campus at NUI Maynooth. There are approximately 1,350 species of moths recorded in Ireland and the main objective of this exercise was to survey this group of insects. To the best of my knowledge no assessment of lepidoptera had previously been done on site therefore an initial assessment and list of the species recorded would give some indication of the overall site richness.The surveying was done on the 8th July, a period of high activity when many species are usually on the wing. The habitat consisted mostly of parkland and improved grassland with some limited higher quality areas of scrub and riverbank vegetation. Some efforts have been made to improve the bio-diversity with limited planting of native woodland trees. These areas are very important as they contain some of the key food-plant species required by our lepidoptera. IntroductionThe Importance of Lepidoptera:Moths and butterflies are a major part in our biodiversity and play vital roles in the ecosystem. They are a food source, especially in their larval stage, for many different species including birds, bats, hedgehogs, spiders and frogs. They are especially important for young birds. It is estimated that one young Blue Tit can consume up to 150 caterpillars per day. Moths also act as pollinators of plants and trees as well as food crops thereby making an important positive contribution to our environment. Butterflies and moths are a very useful indicator of just how healthy our environment is. They can be found just about everywhere but can be very sensitive to even small changes in habitat or conditions. They are an ideal group of insects to be regularly monitored offering inexpensive, qualitative data. Recording MethodsTwo main methods were employed: (1) Light Trapping: Three traps were employed each consisting of 15 Watt Actinic Portable Heath Traps (battery powered). The actual trap positions were chosen on the basis of habitat and shelter. One trap was placed in the native woodland plantation in the hope of finding specialist species particularly suited to this environment. A second trap was placed in an area of unimproved scrub while the third trap was situated along the riverbank.(2) Dusking: This involves searching for species on the wing in the evening up until darkness. The species are netted and retained for examination. This is especially effective in searching for micro-moth species that are often only on the wing during this key time of day. Limitations Weather: The weather is one of the main limiting factor when light trapping for moths at night. Low temperatures and clear moonlit nights reduce moth catches significantly with a lot more species and activity recorded on mild or muggy nights. Unfortunately the weather conditions at NUI Maynooth during the night in question with not very favourable with the temperature dropping quite low upon the onset of darkness. This undoubtedly severely limited both the quantity of moths trapped and also the number of species recorded. Moth Traps Employed: The prohibition of the use of more powerful, mains powered moth (Robinson Mercury Vapour) traps significantly reduced the potential to fully assess the site. The attraction and retention of moths using the 125 Watt Robinsons trap is far superior when compared to the 15 Watt Heath trap which were employed. Main Findings:A total of 29 species were recorded. This total includes an aggregate for Common/Lesser Common Rustic (Mesapamea spp.) which can only be identified with certainty by genitalia examination. The table enclosed shows all species with the status ‘Common’ however it should be noted that the status of many of our small (micro) moths may not be very accurate due to the under recording of such species in Ireland. The micro-moths are coded from 216 to 1428 and often have not been given vernacular names. Additional details for the notable species have been given below. Paraswammerdamia nebulellaThis small moth mainly feeds on rowan and hawthorn. There are low numbers of records for this species in Ireland however it is probably just under recorded.Mompha ochraceellaThe first Irish records for this species were from Maynooth in 2009. It has been occasionally recorded from Maynooth in subsequent years and the only other place in Ireland where it has been found is in a garden in South Dublin in 2013. The larvae feed on willowherb (Epilobium) and the adults are on the wing between May and August.ConclusionsUnfortunately it is difficult to reach any definitive conclusions due to a lack of data. This survey allowed for a very brief snapshot of activity, based on the lepidoptera recorded during one single night using low powered traps in less than ideal weather conditions.Undoubtedly the planting of some native trees has had a very positive impact on the site’s bio-diversity and this is evident from the lepidoptera recorded despite the very limited timescale. Future lepidoptera surveying especially moth trapping should be encouraged. This should be done at various times throughout the late spring, summer and autumn in order to gain a comprehensive knowledge of the species present. This information is now recognised as a vital component in continually assessing the overall health of habitats and impacts on how the sites are actively managed. Philip Stricklandphilip@moths.iemoths.ie2nd October 2014Table 1. Species List for Maynooth UniversitySource: Philip Strickland (2014)B & F CodeTaxonVernacularAuthorityIndividualsStatus (UK)216Nemapogon cloacellaCork Moth(Haworth, 1828)1Common263Lyonetia clerkellaApple Leaf Miner(Linnaeus, 1758)1Common385Anthophila fabriciana(Linnaeus, 1767)5Common418Argyresthia conjugellaApple Fruit MothZeller, 18391Common441Paraswammerdamia nebulella(Goeze, 1783)2Common886Mompha ochraceella(Curtis, 1839)2Common970Pandemis cerasanaBarred Fruit-tree Tortrix(Hübner, 1786)1Common977Archips podanaLarge Fruit-tree Tortrix(Scopoli, 1763)2Common994Clepsis consimilana(Hübner, 1817)3Common1011Pseudargyrotoza conwagana(Fabricius, 1775)2Common1035Acleris bergmanniana(Linnaeus, 1758)2Common1076Celypha lacunana([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)1Common1175Epiblema uddmannianaBramble Shoot Moth(Linnaeus, 1758)1Common1428Aphomia sociellaBee Moth(Linnaeus, 1758)3Common1702Idaea biselataSmall Fan-footed Wave(Hufnagel, 1767)1Common1713Idaea aversataRiband Wave(Linnaeus, 1758)1Common1777Hydriomena furcataJuly Highflyer(Thunberg, 1784)3Common1887Lomaspilis marginataClouded Border(Linnaeus, 1758)3Common1906Opisthograptis luteolataBrimstone Moth(Linnaeus, 1758)1Common1937Peribatodes rhomboidariaWillow Beauty([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)1Common1981Laothoe populiPoplar Hawk-moth(Linnaeus, 1758)1Common2050Eilema lurideolaCommon Footman(Zincken, 1817)4Common2107Noctua pronubaLarge Yellow UnderwingLinnaeus, 17581Common2114Graphiphora augurDouble Dart(Fabricius, 1775)1Common2155Melanchra persicariaeDot Moth(Linnaeus, 1761)1Common2199Mythimna pallensCommon Wainscot(Linnaeus, 1758)1Common2321Apamea monoglyphaDark Arches(Hufnagel, 1766)1Common 2343xMesapamea secalis mon Rustic agg.12381Hoplodrina alsinesUncertain(Brahm, 1791)1Common2474Rivula sericealisStraw Dot(Scopoli, 1763)1Common ................
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