600 Wildlife Experts Flock To Queen's

Ireland's native small mammals will die out in at least 80% of available habitat, unless both governments address the problem of invasive alien species.

This is just one of the themes being discussed in Belfast this week, as 600 leading wildlife experts arrive at Queen's University for the 11th International Mammalogical Congress (IMC11).

IMC is held every four years and brings together wildlife researchers and leading experts from all over the world.

Ian Montgomery, Professor of Animal Ecology in Queen's School of Biological Sciences, says 25% of all mammals worldwide are under threat of extinction.

Ireland's few indigenous mammal species are currently under threat from invasive species such as Sika deer, brown hare, mink, grey squirrel, bank vole and the greater white toothed shrew.

Professor Montgomery, who is also Chair of the Local Organising Committee, said: "We are delighted and honoured to welcome so many eminent scientists and leading experts to Queen's. Research tells us that without conservation measures many more mammals would be at risk of extinction as the situation would be 20 per cent worse.

"It is critical that we really understand the basic biology of mammals as well as the environmental processes at work. Often it is a combination of factors, over-exploitation, habitat loss, climate change or disease that undermines conservation efforts. IMC11 represents a great opportunity to exchange experiences and the latest in ground-breaking research across the world."

Other topics being discussed throughout the six day conference include reintroducing rare mammals like the wolf and beaver and threats to people from big cats, including tigers.

Sir David Attenborough was at the university last month to receive an honorary degree from Queen's.

He said: "For 500 years, universities have been the guardians of the truth, the discovery of the truth and the proclaiming of the truth and that's never been more so than today."

Sir David praised students from Queen's School of Biological Sciences, before telling them they would one day be "at the forefront of preserving and restoring the planet".

(IT/JP)