Land development, one of the many human activities that contribute to habitat loss, frequently leads to the disappearance of many native species. The loss of habitat due to urbanisation not only persist for long periods of time, but continue to expand and threaten other local ecosystems. Deforested areas, for instance, can be reforested shortly after but urbanised areas (such as land cleared for housing developments or shopping districts) tend to be occupied by people for decades--leaving little room for native plants and animals.

The development of one-off housing in Ireland over the last decade has significantly altered the Irish countryside. The recent housing boom has been unprecedent in the history of the country: 95% of the Irish population lived in an individual house in 1998, compared to an EU-15 average of only 53% according to the Central Statistics Office. In fact, over one third of all homes in the country are less than 10 years old. Housing developments require infrastructure such as roads, car parks, recreation and shopping areas, etc. These requirements lead to more land clearance and emphasises the far-reaching effects of the development of the natural landscape.

Because of the increase rate of land development, habitat loss is a major threat to native Irish plants and animals. Currently there are:

• over 180 Irish plants listed as vulnerable, endangered, or extinct
• 6 Irish bumblebees dependent on grasslands listed as endangered
• over 60 bird species threatened by disappearing habitat including peatbogs

Below are examples of native species that are classified as extinct in Ireland:

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