TEAMS OF VOLUNTEERS and 200 scientists will take to the undergrowth this weekend in an attempt to record as many different kinds of wildlife as they can inside 24 hours.

The event, called BioBlitz, kicks off at 5pm this Friday May 20 and ends at the same time on Saturday. Five State-owned parks across the country will compete to spot the biggest number of species. Last year’s marathon bug hunt – the first to be held – was won by Connemara National Park, where searchers clocked up 542 varieties of bird, mammal and insect inside the specified time.

Run by the National Biodiversity Data Centre, the event aims to highlight the benefits of biodiversity for the nation. Organisers claim goods and services which depend on Ireland’s natural diversity are worth €2.6billion a year to the economy.

Dr Liam Lysaght, director of the Centre, said: “Initiatives such as this BioBlitz are intended to highlight the amazingly rich natural resources that are in our locality, and to celebrate all that is unique and special about Ireland’s countryside. It also serves to send a stronger message that this resource must be protected through effective nature conservation policies.

“As well as learning about Ireland’s wildlife and seeing the different techniques used to study wildlife, people will also be able to see first hand how scientists and recorders use their skills to study the wildlife of their area.”

The event will take place in Ballycroy National Park, Co Mayo;  Dromore Woods, Co Clare; Killarney National Park, Co Kerry; Liffey Valley Park,  Waterstown,  Dublin 20; and Raven Wood Nature Reserve, Co Wexford.