Latest news with #Hare'sCorner
RTÉ News
21-05-2025
- General
- RTÉ News
Plan to control invasive species of turtles awarded funding
Hundreds of turtles have been dumped into Ireland's waterways over the past 20 years, after people who buy them for cuteness often later abandon them due to their size and care requirements. This is according to Senior Science Officer at the Herpetological Society of Ireland Rob Gandola, and comes as a plan to control invasive North American freshwater turtles has been awarded funding via the Local Biodiversity Action Fund. Several local authorities will now develop turtle control protocols and best practice guidelines for a particular species of freshwater turtle known as the pond slider (Trachemys). Pond sliders are considered to be highly invasive and hence are included on the EU list of Invasive Alien Species of Union Concern. Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Mr Gandola said even though a ban on the import of this genus of turtles has been in effect since 1997, they are still widely traded as babies when it is hard to differentiate them from non-banned, closely related species. "So we end up with the current situation of people buying for 'cuteness' and then abandoning due to large size, and advanced care requirements," Mr Gandola said. Over the past 20 years, Mr Gandola says that "literally hundreds" of individual turtles have been dumped in Ireland and released into waterways. "There have been no studies to date on the ecology of these non-native turtles in Ireland. "So, we have no idea about the impacts they may or may not be having on native species, but the EU says that we as a country are required by law to control them," he added. Mr Gandola said that right now the law requires people who find a pond slider and wish to keep it to get a permit, but no permitting system exists. "As far as we know, and it is unlikely under current climate conditions, Trachemys cannot successfully breed and recruit in Ireland. "So, all these animals are former pets who have enjoyed consistent feeding until they are abandoned," he added. All sightings of pond sliders in Ireland should be reported to the National Biodiversity Data Centre. Around 262 community projects and local authorities were awarded funding via the Local Biodiversity Action Fund yesterday. In total, €2.9 million was awarded in funding for local biodiversity projects across the country. Some of the other projects funded include a 'Hare's Corner' project with the aim of creating new habitats to benefit biodiversity. Five local authorities will undertake 'Return to Nature' projects, in support of the Catholic Church's target to return 30% of church grounds to nature by the end of the decade. Six local authorities will undergo workshops to support policies to reduce light pollution.
Agriland
20-05-2025
- General
- Agriland
€2.9m in funding for local biodiversity projects
€2.9 million in funding is to be allocated to local authorities for biodiversity projects under the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF) in 2025. All 31 local authorities applied for and will receive funding this year, with a total of 262 projects across the country approved. The projects cover a range of biodiversity related activities, including invasive alien species control; bird and bat conservation; wetland surveys and community biodiversity awareness and training. Biodiversity The LBAF was established in 2018 to help local authorities in the implementation of actions in support of biodiversity. Almost €11 million has been granted to local authorities through since the scheme began. The scheme is operated by the NPWS and supports the implementation of the Ireland's fourth National Biodiversity Action Plan at community, county and regional level. Examples of projects funded under this year's scheme include: Seven local authorities will participate in the 'Hare's Corner' projects with the aim of creating new habitats such as ponds, woodlands and orchards to benefit biodiversity; Five local authorities will undertake 'Return to Nature' projects, in support of the Catholic Church's ambition to return 30% of church grounds to nature by 2030; Artificial lighting training for local authorities in Connacht: Six local authorities delivered workshops on artificial lighting, bringing together experts from Dark Sky Ireland, NPWS and Mayo County Council, to support the development and delivery of policies and actions to reduce light pollution; Establishing effective guidance and control protocols for invasive freshwater turtles of EU Concern in Ireland: Seven local authorities will participate in this project to provide a workable guidance and protocol document for anyone who deals with these species. Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government James Browne said that local authorities are playing an essential role in protecting biodiversity. 'Through these projects, each local authority will make a unique impact on their local biodiversity, but is also part of a bigger picture across the country. 'I welcome the focus on partnership, research and best practice. I wish all of those involved the very best with the work and look forward to hearing more as they progress,' he said. Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O'Sullivan TD added that he was impressed by the diversity of projects funded this year. 'The Local Biodiversity Action Fund will enable every local authority around the country to enhance their actions on biodiversity, including research and recording of our unique species, from the Irish Mayfly, woodland Bats to barn owls, and management of precious habitats such as meadows and wetlands. 'I'd like to commend local authorities for stepping up their efforts to tackle invasive species, including Japanese Knotweed and Himalayan Balsam, which pose a real threat to our landscapes and marine environment,' he said.
