Giant rat-like creatures called coypu are spreading in the wilds here, having been first introduced to Ireland as pets. Native to South America, the coypu is one of the biggest rodents in the world, weighing 5kg-7kg and measuring a metre long. Also known as the river rat, it is often mistaken for an otter - but can be identified by its long, round tail and orange or yellow teeth. Read more on..
Water users are being urged to take precautions after confirmation of an outbreak of Crayfish Plague on a stretch of the River Suir downstream of Clonmel to Carrick-on-Suir. It comes after large numbers of dead freshwater crayfish were reported on the river earlier this month. DNA analysis has now confirmed that the cause of death was crayfish plague. Read more on..
Good biosecurity practice refers to a way of working that minimises the risk of contamination and the spread of animals and plant pests and diseases, parasites and non-native species. Good biosecurity is essential to protect the River Maigue from the inadvertent introduction of invasive plants, animals and harmful pathogens. The introduction of harmful pests represents a major threat to the ecology of the river. Water users may unknowingly be helping to spread invasive species form one water body to another in equipment, shoes and clothing. You can help to stop the spread of invasive pests by following three simple steps: Check your equipment and clothing for live plants and animals – particularly in areas that are damp or hard to inspect. Clean and wash all equipment, footwear and clothing thoroughly. Dry all equipment and clothing – some species can live for many days in moist conditions. Make sure you don’t..
A plant of wet meadows and riversides that is unmistakable when in..
A common plant of wet meadows, lakesides riversides and open woodland. In summer it bears clusters of pink flowers with a strong sweet..
Very common by rivers and streams. Sometimes known as water hemlock because of its..
This flower is found in damp grasslands, its petals have been modified into damp strips so that they cope with harsh weather..
This plant has either purple, pink or white coloured flowers, and blooms in April. Its preferred habitat is damps fields. The Orange Tip butterfly often lays a single egg on each plant and the caterpillar feeds on the..
This is a non-native plant that is extremely invasive along..
A non-native and invasive plant that spreads along..
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