From Asian hornets to mink, coypu and shrews that need taming: Ireland's battle against invasive species laid bare

"Native red squirrels outnumbered by grey cousins, while Japanese knotweed and Asian clams are playing havoc with our ecosystems as biodiversity challenges persist The discovery of two nests of Asian ­hornets dominated headlines across Ireland last month. However, Ireland's ­battle against invasive species goes back centuries - and now ­extends from rivers to forests and from the sky to the hillsides."

"Native red squirrels outnumbered by grey cousins, while Japanese knotweed and Asian clams are playing havoc with our ecosystems as biodiversity challenges persist The discovery of two nests of Asian ­hornets dominated headlines across Ireland last month. However, Ireland's ­battle against invasive species goes back centuries - and now ­extends from rivers to forests and from the sky to the hillsides. Join the Irish Independent WhatsApp channel Stay up to date with all the latest news"

Non-native species are reshaping Irish ecosystems, with grey squirrels now outnumbering native red squirrels and altering woodland dynamics. Japanese knotweed and invasive Asian clams are causing significant ecological and infrastructural damage across habitats. The discovery of two nests of Asian ­hornets generated major concern as a high-profile example of spread. Ireland's ­battle against invasive species spans centuries and currently affects rivers, forests, hillsides and airspace. Biodiversity challenges persist as invasive organisms threaten native species, ecosystem services and landscape resilience. Coordinated monitoring, control measures and public awareness remain necessary to limit further ecological harm.

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