Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) for Bryophytes : Selection Criteria

Abstract

This report aims to identify biological Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) that could potentially be designated for bryophytes (mosses and liverworts) under the NHA selection Theme: Plants/Fungi, using selection criteria based on threat status and legal protection. An NHA is an area worthy of conservation that is legally protected under national legislation, i.e. the Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000.

Candidate NHAs that contain bryophyte taxa recorded in the Republic of Ireland (1970–2013) that are protected on Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive, and/or are listed on the Flora (Protection) Order, 2015 and/or that have a threat status of Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, Near Threatened or Data Deficient were considered and selection criteria applied.