Debunking myths about the Pine Marten

Dr Kate McAney of the Vincent Wildlife Trust was featured on Shannonside Radio debate around whether or not to cull the pine marten.
Longford Councillor and local gun club member Paraic Brady started the debate claiming that pine martens are wreaking havoc in Longford.
He claimed that pine martens are not native, they face no natural predator, and it was just a matter of time before they attack a child.
Dr McAney quickly countered pointing out that pine martens are a native species, they have a natural predator the fox, and that they are a slow breeding species.
It was later revealed that Cllr Brady’s main concern was relating to the killing of pheasants, released into the wild by gun clubs, by the pine marten.
Dr McAney proposed some advice on how poultry farmers and gun clubs can deal with the pine marten and proposed some further research in the Longford area to address the concerns and come up with a sustainable solution.
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