Early spring weather is threatening the future of some Irish birds and other wildlife, according to a Clare-based ornithologist.
Clare biodiversity officer John Murphy, who also serves as chairman of the Clare branch of Birdwatch Ireland, said yesterday that the decreasing population numbers in some species of migratory birds can be directly linked to changing climates around the world.
"Most of the bird species coming back from Africa arrive at the same time," he said. "They are missing out when they get here, because the local species have already been nesting, earlier than they normally would."
Warmer temperatures earlier in the year have also created problems for species that depend on spring-hatching insects or later-blooming plants for food.
The orange-tipped butterfly, for example, typically emerges in early May to nest on a particular type of plant.
The warm temperatures this month, however, prompted the butterfly to appear three weeks early - and well ahead of the lifecycle of the plant it depends on.
"Due to these changes, certain species will not flourish as before and will subsequently infer a reduction in population numbers," Mr Murphy said.
Biodiversity surveys have also indicated that the phenomenon of changing seasonal patterns and interrupted migration is not a one-time event.
Mr Murphy said while some species have been able to adapt to climate change, others might disappear."This is a part of the global warming effect we're seeing on a national level," he said.