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
Bannerman's shearwater Bannerman's shearwater Bannerman's shearwater ("Puffinus bannermani") is a seabird in the Procellariidae family formerly considered conspecific with Audubon's shearwater ("Puffinus lherminieri"). Little is known of this species other than that it breeds in the Volcano Islands in the Ogasawara Group to the southwest of Japan and doesn't seem to range far from this area. The species population size has not been estimated but is assessed to be decreasing. Not much is known about this species and more research is required to obtain an understanding of its ecology. Based on the ecology of closely related species, "P. bannermani" is thought likely