Conifer plantations / Kerry Slug Geomalacus maculosus

Tender description

The Department is calling for tenders to undertake a targeted survey of Geomalacus maculosus to determine the following:1. the range of the species in unsurveyed areas of Clare, Galway, Limerick and Kerry through presence/absence surveys2. detailed information on the spatial distribution of the species in Irish conifer plantations3. information on the habitat requirements of the species in conifer plantations4. information on the impact of forestry operations on the distribution and abundance of the speciesThe results of this research should help to provide some of the necessary range, population and habitat data to inform the next Article 17 report (due in 2013); and set a baseline for future assessments. The results should also inform NPWS on the impact of forest operations on the species and lead to the provision of scientifically-based advice to Forest Service and Coillte.