Welcome to Invasive Species Ireland...
Invasive non-native plant and animal species are the second greatest threat to biodiversity worldwide after habitat destruction. They can negatively impact on native species, can transform habitats and threaten whole ecosystems causing serious problems to the environment and the economy.
The Invasive Species Ireland project is a joint venture between the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and the National Parks and Wildlife Service to implement the recommendations of the 2004 Invasive Species Ireland Report.
This website acts as gateway to the Invasive Species Ireland project. From here, users will be able to find information on a range of species, policy related to individual species or groups of species, and strategies to deal with species that threaten the biodiversity and economies of Ireland.
You are encouraged to join the Stakeholder Forum and get involved in tackling invasive species in Ireland. Invasive species are one of the greatest threats to the environment but with your help we can make a difference.
Invasive Species in the News
Scottish Government: Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill Consultation
Non Native Species Secretariat publishes ID sheets
Watch BBC Newsline special on invasive non-native species
Watch the RTE Six One News report on Invasive Species Ireland
Listen to Morning Ireland discussion on Muntjac Deer
Muntjac discussion can be found 1 hour 43 minutes in (just after the sports news) on Friday the 17th April 2009.
Hemimysis anomala alert
The “bloody-red shrimp” Hemimysis anomala, is a new aquatic invader and is now reported in Ireland from Lough Derg and Lough Rea. It is a small shrimp-like crustacean (order Mysidacea) native to the low-salinity margins of the Black Sea, the Azov Sea and the eastern Caspian Sea and most likely was brought into Ireland via boats. Watch out for Hemimysis and report all sightings. Please report all incidence of river and lake water appearing deep red in colour. |
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Muntjac Deer (Muntiacus reevesi) alert
Muntjac deer are small deer, weighing up to 19kg and approximately 50 cm high at the shoulder and chestnut brown in colour. Muntjac are selective browers of shrubs and woodland ground flora preventing seed regeneration of important conservation species such as our native blue bell. Muntjac have recently been recorded in Ireland. Watch out for muntjac and report all sightings, suspected tracks, and collisions with vehicles. |
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Didemnum vexillum alert
A colonial sea squirt from the Didemnum (pronounced die-DEM-num) group has recently been found fouling boats and marina structures in Ireland. This particular species of Didemnum is fast-growing and has the potential to out compete and smother a large number of native species. The threats posed are of concern to conservationists, aquaculture managers, and fisheries. Watch out for this species and report all sightings. For more information on this species please see the Most Unwanted Established Marine species. |
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