MSc Thesis: Turloughs, the vanishing lakes of Ireland, are seasonally flooding lakes that hold a unique density and diversity of species. This study evaluated 8 sites along the valley below Mullaghmore, Co. Clare for their vegetation composition and conservation value as turloughs. Four sites of conservation value were identified, including a proposed turlough and two tur-likes, or turlough-like features.

1. Turloughs and Tur-likes
Fieldwork
The Vanishing Lakes of Ireland

2. Got the lay
of the land-
rocky and
sparsely
vegetated

3. Identifying
some of
the key
species on-
site

4. Hundreds of
quadrats
and many
more
specimens
collected

5. Flash flood
events,
nearly
weekly,
brought with
them species
dormant
when dry

6. Frogs and
snails were
a common
sight, as
were the
more elusive
dragon- and
damselflies

7. One site was
adjacent to the
pasture of 30 head
of cattle, causing
algal paper
formation along
the boundary

8. One site was
identified as a small
turlough (right), and
was proposed to be
protected as a
priority habitat

9. A further two were described as ‘tur-likes’ or features with
turlough-like form and function, while not fully forming a
turlough. These sites were characterized by flash flooding
and turlough species, with no standing water.