KOS complete Freshwater Pearl Mussel training

The ecology team at Keville & O’Sullivan Associates have all recently completed a training course for the surveying of Freshwater Pearl Mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera).
This training enables us to survey waterways for the presence or absence of Freshwater Pearl Mussel. Training was undertaken in rivers in Connemara and North Mayo, under the tutorage of the renowned Pearl Mussel expert Dr Evelyn Moorkens. The entire team were successful in completing the training to the satisfaction of Dr Moorkens and are now qualified to carry out presence/absence (stage 1) Pearl Mussel surveys. Please do not hesitate to contact us for any Pearl Mussel enquiries.

Read More...

KOS extended bat detection system

Keville & O'Sullivan Associates have recently taken delivery of a new Anabat SD1 frequency division bat detection system which will be used in forthcoming projects.
This system makes recordings of bat ultrasound calls that can be analysed later using computer software. The Anabat is useful for gathering information over extended periods of time and in areas that are not easy to access in darkness, although there are situations where other approaches to bat surveying are more appropriate. This system comes complete with a weatherproof housing and is capable of making recordings of bat activity at a site for up to a month.

Read More...

KOS Associates participating in BATLAS 2010

Ecologists from Keville & O’Sullivan Associates are participating in the BATLAS 2010 project in conjunction with Bat Conservation Ireland (BCI) this summer.
The project involves ‘square-bashing’ 10 kilometre squares throughout the country to augment current data on distribution patterns of all species of bat found in Ireland. Volunteers are requested to survey according to a methodology developed by BCI, which involves surveying three to four survey points within each 10 kilometre square for a minimum of 15 minutes on one occasion only, aiming to record the following species: common and soprano pipistrelle, Leisler’s bat and Daubenton’s bat using a bat detector and torch where required.
Details such as grid references, location, weather conditions etc. should also be recorded. Survey spots are only required to be surveyed once but ideally on mild, dry and calm evenings only. Funding for administration and materials are provided mainly by The National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Heritage Council and further information for interested volunteers is available on the BCI website: http://www.batconservationireland.org/.

Read More...

Staff Upskill at K&OSA

Staff members from the Ecology Section of KOSA have been busy undertaking CPD and improving field skills since the start of the summer season.
Chris Peppiatt, Helen Carty and Jen Fisher have recently obtained their Certificates in Mammal ID from the Mammal Society following participation at a course held in Derrygonnelly Field Studies Centre, Co. Tyrone. Staff from the Ecology Section also attended an intensive Grass ID course at the same venue in May, led by Judith Allinson, author of the AIDGAP key. The annual Bat Conservation Ireland (BCI) workshop was also attended last weekend by members of the KOSA ecology team. Upcoming CPD includes Stage 1 Survey Methods for Freshwater Pearl Mussel Survey (Margaritifera margaritifera) to be provided by malacologist, Dr. Evelyn Moorkens and a course in Aquatic Macrophytes, which is to take place in late summer in Derrygonnelly.

Read More...