Curlew Eggs Saved During Significant Wildfire
The eggs of an elusive bird species were rescued by firefighters during a "significant wildfire" after their nest was found to be directly in the path of the blaze.
The incident occurred in Brookeborough, County Fermanagh, where a curlew nest was discovered threatened by the advancing fire.
Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) reported:
"Despite challenging conditions, firefighters protected the nest whilst continuing firefighting operations."
At the peak of the emergency, 85 firefighters were engaged in battling the fire for eight hours. The blaze was brought under control by approximately 20:40 GMT on Thursday.
Collaboration with Conservation Groups
NIFRS stated that they coordinated efforts with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) to ensure the safety of the eggs. The eggs were safely removed for incubation, providing them with a chance of survival.
Conservation Status and Public Appeal
With only about 150 breeding pairs of curlews remaining in Northern Ireland, NIFRS has urged the public to act responsibly when in the countryside and to report any fires immediately, emphasizing that wildfires can devastate local wildlife populations.
The curlew, once commonly seen throughout Northern Ireland, has experienced a population decline of over 80% since the 1980s.
However, recent conservation efforts have led to the species "thriving" in certain areas of Northern Ireland.
