Turloughs
Description (English)
Temporary lakes principally filled by subterranean waters and particular to karstic limestone areas in Ireland. Most flood in the autumn and then dry up between April and July. However, some may flood at any time of the year after heavy rainfall and dry out again in a few days; others, close to the sea, may be affected by the tide in summer. These lakes fill and empty at particular places. The soils are quite variable, including limestone bedrock, marls, peat, clay and humus, while aquatic conditions range from ultra oligotrophic to eutrophic. The vegetation mainly belongs to the alliance Lolio Potentillion anserinae Tx. 1947, but also Caricion davallianae Klika 1934.
Source: Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitats, version EUR 28 (2013)
Quick facts
| EU Habitats Directive | Annex I habitat type (code 3180) |
|---|---|
| Habitat type | Priority |
| Natura 2000 sites | 75 are designated for this habitat type |
Distribution
Conservation status
EU conservation status
Conservation status assesses every six years and for each biogeographical region the condition of habitats and species compared to the favourable status as described in the Habitats Directive. The map shows the 2013-2018 assessments as reported by EU Member State. Assessments are further detailed in the summary document available behind the link below.
Species mentioned in habitat description
Invertebrates
Agonum lugens
Invertebrates
Badister meridionalis
Invertebrates
Blethisa multipunctata
Invertebrates
Pelophila borealis
Invertebrates
Tanymastix stagnalis
Mosses & Liverworts
Cinclidotus fontinaloides
Mosses & Liverworts
Fontinalis antipyretica
| Species scientific name | English common name | Species group |
|---|---|---|
| Agonum lugens | Invertebrates | |
| Badister meridionalis | Invertebrates | |
| Blethisa multipunctata | Invertebrates | |
| Pelophila borealis | Invertebrates | |
| Tanymastix stagnalis | Invertebrates | |
| Cinclidotus fontinaloides | Mosses & Liverworts | |
| Fontinalis antipyretica | Mosses & Liverworts |
Natura 2000 sites
Protected in the following Natura 2000 sites
Protected sites
Please note the site map takes a while to display.Legal status
Mentioned in the following international legal instruments and agreements
Relation to habitat classifications
| Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200711 | C1.6 | Temporary lakes, ponds and pools | narrower |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200711 | C1.67 | Turlough and lake-bottom meadows | narrower |
