THE North American Raccoon is one member of an alien army invading Ireland.
'; document.write(s); return; } window.google_adnum = window.google_adnum || null; google_ad_client = "ca-pub-9024837700129787"; google_ad_output = "js"; google_ad_type = "text"; google_ad_channel = '9868211012,8251877010'; google_max_num_ads = '2'; google_skip = window.google_adnum; /* insert this snippet for each ad call */The furry invader with a pointed nose and striped tail is regarded as one of the 100 Worst Invasive Species in Europe – and he's now on the loose here.
Raccoons have already been seen in the wild in Co Cork in April 2011, and may have come to Ireland through the pet or trade in animals for zoos.
The animals prey on birds nests and amphibians, carry roundworm which can be dangerous to other species of mammals and birds – and may also transmit infectious diseases to humans.
The unlikely resident is just one of hundreds of alien invasive species who are making themselves at home in Ireland, according to a new Nature's Way booklet on Invasive Species, launched by An Taisce The National Trust for Ireland.
Invasive
"Some of these alien species dominate our landscapes and impact on native species," the new guide says. "Their rate of spread continues to rise."
While not all alien species are able to survive in the wild, those that can "impact on our biodiversity and become invasive."
Already, more than 1,000 alien plant species have been recorded, compared to Ireland's estimated 1,180 native plants.
One in five known animal extinctions were caused by invasive species, it said.
The better known alien invaders are:
• American Mink: They eat fish, birds, rodents and eggs and impact on ground laying birds as they eat the eggs and chicks.
• Grey Squirrel: The American Grey is considered the main threat to endangered and protected Red Squirrel.
• Asian Rapa Whelk: Native to the Western Pacific, they have led to the near extinction of the Gudaut oyster.
• Citrus Longhorn Beetle: Native to China and Japan, it can kill many species of broadleaved trees, including maples, alders and willows.
• North American Signal Crayfish: These carry so-called "crayfish plague," and have a negative effect on populations of the native white clawed crayfish.
• Rhododendron: This European and Asian plant outcompetes native plants by forming dense thickets. It also secretes toxins into the surrounding area.
• Giant Hogweed: Native to Asia, but now invasive in North America and much of Europe. It affects river bed habitats which impacts on fish spawning grounds.
The booklet urges the public to report sightings of invasive species to Invasive Species Ireland, www.invasivespeciesireland.com or the National Biodiversity Data Centre, www.biodiversityireland.ie.
mlavery@herald.ie
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