Home / Environment / Ireland Deploys Dogs to Hunt Invasive Minks
Ireland Deploys Dogs to Hunt Invasive Minks
27 Dec
Summary
- Ireland launches a three-year pilot project to eradicate invasive American minks.
- Trained volunteers and detection dogs will identify and trap minks in select areas.
- Invasive species globally cost over $1 trillion over 50 years, impacting biodiversity.
Ireland's Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage has launched a novel pilot project aimed at eradicating the invasive American mink. This program, set to run for three-and-a-half years, will see trained volunteers deployed alongside a detection dog to pinpoint areas for trapping. The initiative seeks to protect native ground-nesting birds, which are particularly vulnerable to mink predation.
American minks are a growing ecological concern, not only in Ireland but also in parts of England and Scotland. Invasive species, when introduced to new environments, can outcompete native flora and fauna for essential resources, leading to a decline in biodiversity and degradation of ecosystem services. The global economic impact of such species is staggering, with estimates exceeding $1 trillion over a 50-year period.
Niall Ó Donnchú, director general of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, expressed optimism, stating that new approaches are vital for tackling invasive species. He highlighted the proven effectiveness and cost-efficiency of similar programs in England and Scotland, expressing keenness to adapt and learn from this Irish pilot.
