Welcome to the Invasive Species Ireland Website
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 in Ireland report.
This website acts as a gateway to the Invasive Species Ireland project. From here, users will be able to find information on a range of species, relevant policy areas, and information on strategies to manage invasive species that threaten biodiversity and the economies of Ireland.
Invasive Species News
Draft Habitat regulations open for public consultation
Further expansion of some invasive non-native species in Ireland
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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