Peatlands are of considerable conservation significance, as they contain many rare habitats and species, protected under Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive. The habitats include raised and blanket bogs as well as wet and dry heath. Raised and blanket bogs are becoming increasingly scarce and under threat in Ireland. Ireland has a high proportion of the total E.U. resource of bogs, (50% of raised bogs) and so has a special responsibility for its conservation at an international level. According to the Irish Peatland Conservation Council, approximately 17% of the total land area of Ireland was originally covered by peatlands, but their use has been so intensive that less than one fifth of the original peatland area is today in a natural state. Bog complexes are extremely sensitive to changes in land use practices. The drivers of peatland biodiversity loss are habitat change, invasive alien species, over-exploitation, nutrient pollution and climate change. For more information see the Irish Peatland Conservation Council website.