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Study warns on invasive species
Photo - Carl Morrow/Alamy
Irish Hare at risk of extinction

A study by Queen's University in Belfast has warned that many species native to Ireland will face extinction if the expansion of invasive species from overseas such as the American grey squirrel, the bank vole and the greater white toothed shrew is not checked. Species at risk include the Irish Hare (pictured), the red squirrel, and the red deer.

Published in the journal Biological Invasions, the study claims that Ireland's native small mammals will be wiped out in approximately 80% of their natural habitat if the rate of invasion continues at the present rate.

Commenting on the findings, Professor Ian Montgomery, of the School of Biological Sciences at Queens University said "It is no longer tenable to treat each invasive species as an isolated case. We should establish a realistic plan identifying the mammal species that are key to maintaining our unique biodiversity and ecology and those that we should eliminate or control."

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.