A rare species of snail, believed to have its origins in the glacial age, has been discovered in a midlands bog where previously it was thought to have been extinct.
The snail, Vertigo Geyeri, a survivor from the Ice Age, was discovered by a researcher, Dr Evelyn Moorkens, on Killaun Bog, near Birr, Co Offaly.
Vertigo Geyeri, one of the three land snails listed for protection in Ireland under the European Habitats Directive, is found in only eight other known locations in Ireland.
When Dr Moorkens began her search for the microscopic snail, she approached the Irish Peatland Conservation Council in Dublin for assistance.
She wanted help from experts on Irish bogs to try and locate possible bog habitats for the snail because eight of the previously known sites for the species are destroyed.
The IPCC, a voluntary organisation which protects, repairs and promotes a positive attitude towards Irish bogs, began an immediate search of its data base using the information supplied by Dr Moorkens.
The classic habitat in Ireland, favoured by the species, is the lagg zone, the outer part of raised bogs.
Unfortunately for the snail, such areas have become all but extinct because of drainage and turf-cutting on raised bog margins.
Extensive drainage of bog and marshland, particularly in the midlands, has dramatically limited the number of suitable sites for the creature.
The IPCC short-listed five bogs from the data base where the snail's habitat conditions were met and where there appeared to be some chance of finding it.
One of the sites, Killaun Bog, a short distance from Birr, was found by Dr Moorkens to have the species, which is under such pressure in Ireland.
Interestingly, the bog at Killaun is managed by the local St Brendan's Community School and is used by teachers as an education resource.
Killaun Bog is a regenerated cutaway bog and is very popular with local walkers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Now both the IPCC and Dr Moorkens have appealed to Duchas, the heritage organisation, to have the site designated as a special area of conservation (SAC) so the habitat can be protected.
Because Vertigo Geyeri is an Annex 11 species, and only one of only three land snails in Ireland to be listed for protection under the European Habitats Directive, the SAC designation should now be a matter of course.