Skellig Michael classified as a Special Protection Area in 1986, when they were recognised for containing both an usually large variety and population of birds. It is known as an eyrie for Peregrine Falcon. Other birds of interest include Fulmar, Manx shearwater ("Puffinus puffinus"), Storm petrel, Gannet, Kittiwake, Guillemot and Atlantic Puffin. A herd of goats lived on the island until recently, and it supports a population of rabbits and house mice, both relatively recent introductions, probably introduced in the 19th century by lighthouse attendants. Grey Seal haul out on the island's ledges. The word "Skellig" derives from the old Irish word
Storrs L. Olson world's foremost paleornithologists. He was also the 1994 recipient of the Loye and Alden Miller Research Award. He was formerly curator of birds at the United States National Museum of Natural History; , he holds an emeritus position in the institution. Several prehistoric bird species have been named after Olson, including "Nycticorax olsoni", "Himantopus olsoni", "Puffinus olsoni", "Primobucco olsoni", "Gallirallus storrsolsoni", and "Quercypodargus olsoni". Storrs L. Olson Storrs Lovejoy Olson (born April 3, 1944) is an American biologist and ornithologist who spent his career the Smithsonian Institution, retiring in 2008. One of the world's foremost avian paleontologists, he is best