Conservation biology of Saxifraga hirculus L. in Ireland

Abstract

A perennial herbaceous plant with a wide circumpolar distribution, Saxifraga hirculus L. has a highly fragmented distribution outside the northern Polar Regions. In Europe its range has been reduced dramatically with records from the 19th century showing the loss of habitats mainly due to habitat degradation and fragmentation, afforestation and drainage. Given its restricted distribution, Ireland has an international responsibility to protect this species through its designation under Annex II and Annex IV of the EC Directive 92/43/EEC (Habitats Directive).