A large-scale culling programme targeting invasive American mink has been launched in the Midlands to protect vulnerable ground-nesting birds.
The Midlands Mink Eradication Programme, a three-and-a-half-year pilot, will focus on Lough Ree.
Backed by the NPWS, the scheme is a joint effort between the Breeding Waders EIP and the National Association of Regional Game Councils.
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American mink has been recently added to the EU's list of invasive alien species and is linked to declines in red grouse, curlew, hen harrier and other threatened birds.
Owen Murphy is the senior project manager with Breeding Waders EIP:
