Lough Kinale and Lough Derragh (650)
Ireland, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2009
National site name: Lough Kinale and Lough Derragh
Central coordinates: Latitude: 53.7667, Longitude: -7.4000
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 64 to 64
Area of KBA (km2): 2.80877
Protected area coverage (%): 99.69
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Located east of Longford town mainly within County Longford, this site comprises the larger Lough Kinale and, to its south-east, Lough Derragh. Lough Kinale has two main basins which are almost separated by swamp formations. The main input of water comes from Lough Sheelin via the River Inny. Both lakes are linked by a short channel and are used for fishing.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that was identified using previously established criteria and thresholds for the identification of Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) and for which available data indicate that it does not meet global KBA criteria and thresholds set out in the Global Standard.
Additional biodiversity: Loughs Kinale and Derragh are important for waterfowl. Species occurring in nationally important numbers are Aythya ferina (1,639 birds, 1996), Aythya fuligula (873 birds, 1996) and Fulica atra (552 birds, 1996).
Habitats
Land use: hunting (100%) | tourism/recreation (100%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 100 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: There is some disturbance to birds due to wildfowling and boating. The site is state-owned, allowing shooting pressure to be regulated by NPW. Pollution of the lake due to adjacent conifer plantations, causing siltation and fertilizer run-off, is likely.