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
Bird extinction which results to the downfall of extinction. The most common disease affecting birds is Salmonellosis, which originates from the Latin name of salmonella. Infected birds pass bacteria in their fecal droppings. Other birds then become ill when they eat food contaminated by the droppings. Bird extinction Out of the approximately 10,400 known bird species, about 1,300 (13%) are classified as threatened with extinction, 9% as near threatened and of the remaining 78% many populations are declining. There is a general consensus among scientists who study these trends that if human impact on the environment continues as it has one-third of