Be biosecurity aware

Coypu.

Living in an essentially rural community in Kilcullen, we need to remind ourselves to be aware of the dangers represented by invasive plant and animal species, writes Brian Byrne.

With winter right on our doorstep and the foliage in the hedgerows and on the river becoming less dense, it is a good time to watch for evidence of things that shouldn't be growing, swimming, or roaming in the area.

According to Collette O'Flynn of the National Biodiversity Data Centre, what is termed 'biosecurity' needs to be second nature to us all.

No, that doesn't mean going around in biohazard suits and masks, just taking simple but regular precautions, and keeping our eyes open.

Our local anglers are good at this. Probably our canoeists too. But all of us can play a part, by familiarising ourselves with some of the dangerous species and keeping an eye out while walking.

And not just walking locally … many of us like to explore walkways and trails in different parts of the country (and abroad), and if there's a bad plant or a potential pathogen knocking about, it's all too easy to bring it home inadvertently.

White-clawed crayfish at risk from plague.

That's why the canoeists of the country have been scrubbing and disinfecting their boats and gear after the outbreak of crayfish plague in the River Suir and the River Deal. It kills the white-clawed crayfish (above). If we go walking along those rivers, it makes sense that we disinfect our shoes and boots before trekking around at home, and this is most effectively done at the point of possible contact, before leaving the area.

Similarly, parts of invasive plants can 'hitch-hike' on our footwear, bicycles, and cars if we happen to be in an area where these are established. For instance, we already have Himalayan balsam in Kilcullen, and by taking simple precautions here, we might avoid bringing it to somewhere it isn't already. Japanese knotweed and Giant hogweed are other nasty plants with some potentially horrific effects.

Himalayan balsam.

Giant hogweed.

In terms of animals, we're fortunate that as an island nation we can work more easily to keep out non-native species. But the ease of ferry travel, along with the direct importation of exotic animals for the pet trade, are problematic.

So, for instance, the coypu or nutria (top picture) is a large rodent from South America, introduced into Europe in the 19th century for fur farming. It has colonised coastal marshes, swamps and other wetland areas in no less than 19 EU countries, and has been found in Ireland since 2010, notably a multiple animals colony in Cork City.

In Kilcullen we're also familiar with the ravages of mink, likely the culprits for the killing of cygnets and ducklings in recent years. If you happen to see any of these animals, let our local National Parks & Wildlife Service District Conservation Officer know, phone 076 1002590.

Knowing what to look for is everything. There's a good website for all this, invasivespeciesireland. It's a little scary, but fascinating.

"Our wildlife and nature are under enough pressure as it is without introducing more problems," says the National Biodiversity Data Centre's Collette O'Flynn. "My hope for the coming years is that we will be better protected from invaders. The crux to achieving this is everyone playing a role in biosecurity."

Everyone. That's me. That's you. That's all of us.