Action plan to prevent wild boar threatening agriculture, environment and economy published
Release date: [18 November 2011]
Download the Wild Boar Policy Position Statement
Download the Wild Boar Invasive Species Action Plan
[Update: Additional information on this topic was added to the website and can be found at the following link: https://invasivespeciesireland.com/news/wild-boar-statement/]
A wild boar is not something you would expect to see in the Irish countryside. The archaeological record indicates that wild boar died out in Ireland over 5000 years ago. However, in recent years this large animal has been found in Counties Kilkenny, Roscommon, Tipperary, Wexford and Wicklow.
The release of wild boar into the wild in both Ireland and Northern Ireland is illegal. This species is not a welcome addition to the wild animals of Ireland. The wild boar has been identified as one of Ireland’s Most Unwanted Invasive Species by the North/South Government led Invasive Species Ireland project. The Invasive Species Ireland Steering Group warns that if wild boar were to become established it could threaten agricultural productivity. There would be a high risk of wild boar transmitting disease to livestock; damaging crops, fencing and farmlands; damaging protected sites and habitats; and injuring people either by charging at an unsuspecting member of the public or colliding with vehicles.
These threats have prompted state bodies in Ireland and Northern Ireland to work together and develop an Invasive Species Action Plan. This plan, launched today (18 November 2011) is supported by a Policy Position Statement on the subject. The documents will help coordinate both Governments’ response to the threat posed by the release of wild boar.
John Kelly from Invasive Species Ireland said ‘the focus of the Action Plan is primarily on prevention and responding to any threats that arise’. He also added ‘if we can prevent wild boar from becoming established in Ireland we can prevent the economic and environmental harm that a wild population could cause’.
Both Ireland and Northern Ireland have animal health strategies in place that help protect farm animals from diseases. In the event of an outbreak of one or more notifiable diseases with the presence of wild boar in the wild, the task of eradicating the disease would be significantly more challenging, cost more and be more difficult to achieve. John Melville, animal health expert from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine said ‘we want to work with anyone keeping wild boar to ensure that they are compliant with the regulations in place. These regulations protect agricultural productivity and the environment, today and in the future’.
If any wild boar escape, the keeper should report it as soon as possible and work to recover all animals. Similarly, if you know of anybody keeping wild boar with the intention of releasing them, or if you spot a boar in the wild, we would ask that you report this to Invasive Species Ireland: www.invasivespeciesireland.com
Ends
Notes for Editors
Contacts
Name: John Kelly Tel: +44 (0) 28 90 44 7166
E-mail: john@invasivespeciesireland.com Website: www.invasivespeciesireland.com
The Invasive Species Ireland project is a joint venture between the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
The Invasive Species Ireland project aims to substantially reduce the impact of invasive species on biodiversity, to contribute to halting the biodiversity loss by 2010 and beyond; and to minimise economic and social costs caused by invasive species. This will be achieved by preventing the introduction of new invasive species and to reduce the impact of established invasive species.
For more information on the Invasive Species Ireland project see www.invasivespeciesireland.com
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has confirmed a recent sighting and subsequent capture of an Asian Hornet (Vespa velutina) in the Cork area. This is the second confirmed record of Asian hornet in Ireland, with the first specimen recorded in May 2021. NPWS will continue its extensive monitoring over the coming weeks to determine if this is one individual or if there is evidence of a larger population.
See the NPWS press release for further details.
The Asian hornet is a highly effective predator of honeybees, wasps and other important pollinators, such as hoverflies. The huge size of its colonies (consisting of up to 10,000 individuals per season) means that they can rapidly decimate bee numbers.
Due to its aggressive nature and feeding habits, it could have a serious impact on native insect biodiversity and on pollination services in general.
Given that queen hornets are highly mobile and very adaptable, there is a strong risk that the species, if established, will be able to spread rapidly across the landscape, causing significant economic and ecological damage.
At this time of year, the population within a nest increases and the queen and workers relocate to a new location, forming a secondary nest. Predation by the Asian hornet on other insects would be noticeable.
In preparation for the possible arrival of Asian hornet to Northern Ireland, and to allow for a rapid and proactive response to any confirmed sightings, the Department published the Northern Ireland Rapid Response Contingency Plan for Asian Hornet in 2020. This plan is currently under review with the aim of updating it, along with the Invasive Alien Species Strategy for Northern Ireland.
If you suspect you have seen an Asian hornet in Northern Ireland, please submit your suspected sightings (with a photograph, if possible) via:
Or
If you are a beekeeper living in Northern Ireland, you can register your apiary here – it will assist us in circulating information quickly to beekeepers if you are already registered at the time of an invasion.
Beekeepers should remain vigilant, spending a small amount of time at each apiary visit observing the entrance of their hives and the surrounding flora to check for possible Asian hornet activity. While live trapping can assist with detection and can act as a useful management tool, we would only encourage this to be used by beekeepers in the vicinity of a sighting. Trapping can result in the unwarranted killing of non-target native species. For this reason, if trapping is required, we would only encourage the use of traps that prevent by-catch. The National Bee Unit in Great Britain provides guidance on suitable monitoring traps (see page 2 of their document).
Following a review of the available evidence and risk assessments carried out, an updated Species of Union Concern list was released on 17th July 2025 to include a further 26 species, 8 plants and 18 animals.. This brings the total number of regulated species to 114. The official update to the list can be viewed here. You can view the updated consolidated list here on our website. From the 7th August 2025 the same restrictions will apply to these newly added species as the previous 88.
It is important to note that Regulation of 2 of the 26 additional species, Castor canadensis and Neogale vision, will not enter into force until 7th August 2027.
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Some interesting updates from GB and a “Save the Date!” for Invasive Species Week 2025, which will take place from 12th-18th May this year. |
Click here to download a PDF of the January 2025 issue of the GBNNSS Non-Native Species Newsletter
A HTML version of the Newsletter is available on the GBNNSS website
On 11/12 November 2024, officials from across the BIC’s Member Administrations responsible for dealing with Invasive Species attended the Shared Island Biosecurity and Invasive Species Forum 2024 where Ireland’s National Biodiversity Data Centre and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency launched a consultation on their Invasive Species Theme Plan. Read more in December Newsletter
The National Biodiversity Data Centre hosted the inaugural Shared Island Biosecurity and Invasive Species Forum in Dublin on 12th November 2024. The Forum was attended by invited representatives from a wide range of sectors, including industry, public bodies, and non-governmental organisations.
This one-day event featured presentations, workshops, and feedback sessions, and facilitated debate and the exchange of information and ideas. Stakeholder engagement and collaboration are crucial for developing effective and appropriate invasive species policies, objectives, and actions.
You can view the whole programme here:
Forum programme (12th November 2024)
Invasive species are one of the five leading drivers of biodiversity loss globally. By advancing our understanding of biosecurity and invasive species across the island of Ireland, this Forum aims to help preserve our Shared Island’s unique ecosystems and safeguard our economy from the growing threat of invasive species.
The day’s proceedings kicked off with a series of presentations from guest speakers.
They can all be downloaded below:
The Forum programme also included a session of short five-minute presentations to introduce attendees to various topics and stimulate thought and conversation. Thank you to the chairs of the presentation sessions who kept the speakers on time; Claire Cooper, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and Dr Sara McGuckin, Northern Ireland Environment Agency.
Workshops and Afternoon Sessions
In the afternoon, participants engaged in focused workshops that addressed data collection, early detection, rapid response strategies, and catchment management. These sessions provided a valuable platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, network, and collaborate on future work.
Click the links below to read summaries of the Forum’s afternoon workshops:
Information Session
A knowledge sharing session was also held, where Alan Moore (National Parks and Wildlife Service) and Rose Muir (Northern Ireland Environment Agency) hosted an open discussion on invasive species legislation in their respective jurisdictions.
Click the link below to learn the three key themes that came from this session:
Plenary information session with Alan Moore and Rose Muir: Invasive species legislation in both jurisdictions.
The Shared Island Biosecurity and Invasive Species Team produced some wonderful themed posters. They can be seen at the links below:
Forum Close
The day concluded with a lively Q&A session, where attendees explored future approaches and audience questions were addressed.
Thank you to Prof Frances Lucy, Atlantic Technological University, Sligo for chairing this plenary session.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all speakers and participants for their valuable contributions. Together, we can protect our shared island’s unique biodiversity for generations to come.
If you have any queries please email us on invasivespecies@daera-ni.gov.uk
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Some interesting articles about marine biosecurity and a trial for zebra mussel eradication |
Autumn 2024 issue of GBNNSS non-native species newsletter
A series of community drop-in sessions on the multi-agency work being undertaken to address blue green algae and wider water quality issues are being held around the Lough Neagh shoreline in the coming weeks.
The three sessions will provide an opportunity for the community living around the lough to learn more about blue green algae and the actions needed to improve water quality.
Representatives from the Department as well as partner organisations working on Lough Neagh will also be available to discuss their role in tackling the issue as well as offering advice to members of the public about what they can do to help reduce pollution of our waterways.
Groups represented at the event will include NIEA, DAERA Marine and Fisheries Group, AFBI, Public Health Agency, NI Water, the Food Standards Agency, and Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, as well as local non-governmental environmental organisations such as the Rivers Trust and Lough Neagh Partnership.
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said.“Blue green algae is a complex issue that has been decades in the making and it will take decades to fix, but that can only be done by everyone coming together to learn more about it, understand what we are doing to tackle it and contribute to finding solutions.
“I am fully committed to protecting this natural resource and our water quality for generations to come, but we must all work together – government, industry and community – to achieve that. One example of that is this week’s announcement of almost half a million pounds of government funding to five suppliers to develop physical, chemical or biological solutions to treat the blooms by tapping into new innovative ideas and technologies.
“These drop-in sessions are another example of the importance of working together towards a solution. I would urge anyone with an interest in the lough and who is seeking to increase their understanding of the role they can play in protecting it to pop into their local session and chat to the many organisations taking part. The organisations will share the latest information about its work and be available to discuss any questions and concerns the public may have.”
The sessions are running from 12 noon to 7pm on the following dates:
For more information on the community drop-in sessions and DAERA’s response to blue-green algae in Lough Neagh, please visit Blue-Green Algae | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (daera-ni.gov.uk)
Recent scientific evidence has given DAERA/NIEA reason to believe that plants in trade considered to be Gunnera manicata are a hybrid of the invasive alien species Gunnera tinctoria. This hybrid has been named ‘Gunnera x cryptica’. To ensure that you are not trading in an illegal species, DAERA/NIEA recommends that you seek to confirm the species identity of any Gunnera you may have in stock, through genetic testing. See the below FAQ for more details.
Defra informed DAERA/NIEA of recent studies (see Q.10) that, taken together, provide reason to believe that plants in trade currently labelled as ‘Gunnera manicata’ are in fact a banned hybrid of Gunnera manicata and the banned species Gunnera tinctoria. This hybrid has been named Gunnera x cryptica.
G. tinctoria is an invasive alien species listed in the Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order (Northern Ireland) 2019. This legislation also provides that an invasive alien species includes ‘any hybrid, variety or breed of a species that might survive and subsequently reproduce’. This means that legal restrictions apply to both G. tinctoria and its hybrid, G. x cryptica.
Invasive alien species are invasive non-native species that have been demonstrated to have the potential to negatively affect biodiversity, human health, or the economy. It is a criminal offence to (among other things) intentionally keep, breed, grow, cultivate, permit to reproduce, transport, sell, or release into the environment an invasive alien species. It is also an offence to plant or otherwise cause a listed species, such as G. tinctoria, to grow in the wild.
Yes, the current scientific evidence available provides DAERA/NIEA with good reason to believe that G. manicata is no longer present in trade and has instead been replaced by the hybrid, G. x cryptica.
Gunnera × cryptica is a hybrid between Gunnera manicata and Gunnera tinctoria. Both morphological and molecular analyses have shown that plants widely cultivated in Britain and Ireland under the name Gunnera manicata were all the hybrid, and that the true species G. manicata is no longer found here. The hybrid is more resistant to frost and adverse conditions than G. manicata, which is likely to be why it has replaced it in cultivation
No, this is not a new ban. Hybrids of G. tinctoria have been banned since 2017. DAERA/NIEA has not brought in a new ban.
There is reason to believe that all plants sold as G. manicata are likely to be G. x cryptica. It is important that those looking to sell or buy G. manicata are not trading in an illegal species or hybrid.
DAERA/NIEA recommend that producers and traders with stocks of presumed G. manicata take steps to determine the identity of their stock to ensure that they are not trading in an illegal invasive alien species.
DAERA/NIEA recommend that the identity of samples is determined via genetic testing. It may also be possible to use the published literature to distinguish G. manicata from G. x cryptica based on morphology. However, the analysis would need to be carried out by a suitably qualified, independent botanist, and take account of the distinguishing physical features of G. manicata, G. x cryptica, and G. tinctoria (see report (ii) under point 10 below).
DAERA/NIEA is not currently able to recommend any particular provider. However, there are private companies that provide genetic testing services.
Yes, if you have been made aware that G. x cryptica is a hybrid of a Species of Union Concern and also a designated Widely Spread Species in Northern Ireland. The G. x cryptica plant may also be liable to seizure. This is set out in the Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order (Northern Ireland) 2019, which provides that it is an offence to intentionally place listed invasive species on the market. A producer or trader who is aware of the recent research and continues to market their stock without having successfully confirmed its identity in an appropriate way may be considered to have intentionally placed an invasive alien species on the market.
Given the above offences, we advise that sufficient evidence is held in records to demonstrate the species identification of your plant stock. This evidence may be requested by enforcement officials, such as the NIEA Invasive Non – Native Species Team. or DAERA portal inspectors checking horticulture consignments arriving from G.B.
Any producer or trader who continues to trade in what they presume to be G. manicata without having recourse to such evidence would put themselves at risk of committing an offence under the legislation and may have their product seized by the Invasive Non-Native Species Team. DAERA/NIEA recommend that those holding stocks of plants presumed to be G. manicata confirm the identity of those plants and accordingly also ask for proof of species to be provided by their suppliers.
Yes. True G. manicata is not a banned invasive species and its trade remains legal. Hybrids of G. manicata that have not been made with G. tinctoria may also be legally traded.
No, the research demonstrates that this issue is widespread and likely also concerns GB and European stocks of plants currently labelled as ‘G. manicata’.
Defra recommends that those looking to import G. manicata ask their supplier to demonstrate that their stocks are not of the illegal hybrid.
A horizon scanning study involving analysis of pathways of spread of invasive non-native species into Scotland. It considers species having the highest likelihood of arrival and establishment and the magnitude of their potential negative impact on biodiversity and ecosystems over the next 10 years.
Invasive non-native species (INNS) are one of the major threats to biodiversity and ecosystem services (Díaz, Settele et al. 2019) and interact with other drivers of biodiversity change including notably climate change and land- or sea-use change (Bonebrake, Guo et al. 2019). The number of non-native species being introduced to new regions around the world is increasing year on year (Seebens, Blackburn et al. 2017). Preventing the arrival and spread of a subset of these non-native species that present the greatest threat, so called INNS, is seen as a priority in the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy[1] and indeed worldwide.
Here we present the outcomes of a short project comprising two main tasks:
i) horizon scanning for INNS that are likely to establish and impact on biodiversity within the next 10 years but are not yet established in Scotland; and
ii) comprehensive analysis of pathways of introduction and spread of new INNS into Scotland.
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