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'Bio' means life. Biodiversity is the diversity or variety of life on Earth. In general, Ireland has a rich biodiversity for such a small island. For example, we have about 815 native seed plants (ones that produce seeds); about 1108 other seed plants (aliens) that have made Ireland their home; 584 different mosses, 78 types of fern; 3500 different fungi (mushrooms), 1250 lichens, over 12,000 species of insect (1400 of these moths, 33 types of dragonflies/damselflies and 34 types of butterfly), 28 species of land mammals, over 400 resident birds, one toad, one frog and one lizard. These figures are of species that live here all the year round. There are many animals that pass through Ireland (such as migrant birds), stopping to take a rest, or feed or reproduce.

It is important that we preserve this richness by 'minding' the landscape and not just the individual organisms. We must hold on to this biodiversity, but that we try to enrich it. The section below describes the main types of habitats in Ireland.

The richer the variety of life (biodiversity) on Earth, then the greater the chance that life will continue to inhabit the planet into the future. A rich biodiversity will also ensure a greater variety of food and medicine for us. Imagine if we only had one type of cereal, one type of bread, one type of meat, etc. Life would become boring indeed. There is the possibility that malnutrition could become a serious source of disease. Also, biodiversity is important because all living things depend on each other in some way. This dependence is not always obvious. For example, humans have a very fundamental dependence on plants: they produce the oxygen we inhale and in turn plants need the carbon dioxide we exhale.

Lastly, plants and animals have a right to exist. Why should humans, the Earth's dominant species, decide what should live and what should die? In other words, there are ethical/moral reasons that biodiversity should be allowed to increase. Many religions promote the idea of biophilia (love of life), while a few believe that biodiversity is there for Man to exploit.

What is a Habitat?
It is a location that animals inhabit. A freshwater lake is a freshwater habitat. The main types of habitat in Ireland are described in the right column.

The greatest single threat is the removal of the habitats that plants and animals live in. These habitats include woodland, grassland, hedges, rivers and lakes.

At the moment, the greatest threat to habitats comes from our approach to building new properties and roads. Roads often cut through habitats, such as woodlands, fragmenting them and ultimately destroying plants and animals. Land rich in biodiversity is often used for development. Fens and marshes are drained to use as farmland. Farmland is over fertilized and the excess nitrogen is washed into rivers upsetting the natural conditions of the river habitat. Industry often pollutes local water sources. All this results in the destruction of freshwater habitats and the death of fish, fowl, insects and freshwater mammals.

Ireland has not been particularly good at protecting habitats in the past. The government should be helped and encouraged to implement the European Union regulations on habitat preservation. Your local TD will tell you about these regulations. See the National Park & Wildlife Service's web site www.npws.ie.

Plants and animals living on islands depend greatly on each other (just like a human colony on an isolated island). This dependence (mainly for food and mates) has taken many thousands of years (and often millions) to reach a balance. Ireland is an island and so this balance in our biodiversity is delicate. We have to treat it with understanding. This understanding will only develop thought education and general awareness. Ireland has been recognised by scientists worldwide as a wonderful place to study the dependencies and interdependencies between plants and animals.

Ireland has a moist temperate climate. We get plenty of soft rain that is spread throughout the year. Because of this abundance and consistent supply of freshwater, Ireland has some of the richest freshwater habitats in the world. Freshwater habitats include streams and rivers, lakes, bogs, fens and marshes. These habitats hold a rich biodiversity, but they are also the habitats most under threat.

The rich diversity of plants and animals found in Ireland is relatively easy to explore, particularly if you leave your car behind! Ireland is fortunate to have a distinct Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. Use the seasons to watch the succession of life that appears in the countryside; have a look at this web sites Nature's Calendar. Your garden or local park is a habitat that has its own selection of plants and animals; have a look at the habitats in this site's Biodiversity section. Use the online maps to find your own area and mark where you see plants and animals. Don't feel you have to become an expert, just increase your awareness a little and you will enjoy the habitats/seasons you find yourself in.

Wear sensible clothing, suitable to both the habitat and the season.
Get permission to enter habitats on private land. Farms are private.
Don't explore a habitat on your own.
Let someone know where you have gone.
Bring your mobile phone - well charged.
Use your common sense and keep to pathways and established routes. When walking in uplands and in remote areas make sure someone knows where you are going and when you are due back.

Leave nothing but your footprints and don't disturb or take anything away.
Respect habitats as any damage you cause will have a knock-on effect on other creatures and plants. Even lifting stones upsets many creatures; replace the stones after you have had a look. Do not collect plants. Orchids take six to seven years to bloom and are a protected species - so look at them but don't pick them or stand on them. Leave them for others to enjoy.

Digital cameras can be used to capture specimens. Most digital cameras have a macro mode to photograph very small things.

Take care while walking in wetlands, on hilly areas, along rivers and lakes and in coastal areas.