209: Beavers vs Salmon - Balance The Scales with Rob Needham

Sika (cervus nippon) is a mid-sized deer that was introduced to Ireland in the 1860s to the Powerscourt Estate. Soon after that, it started spreading across Ireland. Today, the main concentrations of sika are in Kerry, Wicklow, Tyrone and Fermanagh. More recently, it has also been found in Waterford, Galway, Limerick, and Wexford. The National Biodiversity Data Centre in Ireland lists sika as an invasive species. Despite that, it’s afforded protection under the Wildlife Act. It is prized by hunters as a game species and a source of excellent quality venison on the one hand, and hated by foresters and environmentalists for the damage to forestry and biodiversity on the other.Sika is present on the entire European continent and, although not as widespread as in Ireland, it is also causing similar problems. This is reflected in the recent move by the European Commission to launch consultations to put sika on the Invasive Alien Species (IAS) list across the Union. This poses the obvious question: what does it mean for the Irish population of sika if the EC makes such a decision? Will or should it be allowed continuous protection with open and closed hunting seasons? Or should it be reduced to the status of vermin and be eradicated across the country? To discuss the potential future of sika deer in Ireland and present a whole spectrum of views about this species, and invasive species more generally, I spoke with four expert guests presenting different views on the subject. By listening to this episode you will hear from Professor Jaimie T.A. Dick who specialises in Invasion Ecology, Eoghan Daltun an award-winning author who has spent last 15 years regenerating an Irish Atlantic rainforest, Damien Hannigan a Government Appointee to the Irish Deer Management Forum and Public Relations Officer at the Irish Deer Commission, and Professor of Wildlife Restoration Ecology, Adam T. Ford.Sika Deer in Ireland: Invasive Status and Its Impact - A Three-Episode ExclusiveAccess here: https://conservationlens.com/products/sika-deer-ias---Subscribe to Tommy's Outdoors: Conservation and Science NewsletterSupport the Podcast and Buy Me a Coffee.Recommended Books: tommysoutdoors.com/booksMerch: tommysoutdoors.com/shopFollow Tommy's Outdoors on Bluesky, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and FacebookMentioned in this episode:This is the Conservation and Science podcast Replay series, a curated collection of best episodes from last year. If you are new to the show, this is an excellent opportunity to catch up with the most popular episodes from the back catalogue. And if you’re a regular listener, maybe you missed one of those or want to listen to one of them again. Don’t worry! The new episodes are being published on the regular fortnightly schedule, so keep tuning in for the new content every other Tuesday.

Why are elephants dying slow deaths from starvation in African parks? Can contraceptives really solve wildlife overpopulation in fenced reserves? What happens when international animal rights organisations influence conservation decisions from thousands of miles away? These are the uncomfortable questions at the heart of one of conservation's most contentious debates.Ryan Davy spent 30 years working in African conservation, starting as a 16-year-old volunteer in KwaZulu-Natal's remote game reserves. From those early days confronting poachers and negotiating with local communities, he witnessed firsthand how conservation policies play out on the ground. Now, as a wildlife filmmaker who has worked for National Geographic and Discovery, Ryan brings a unique perspective to the elephant culling debate through his upcoming documentary "The Culling Conundrum." His journey from animal rights supporter to someone advocating for population control reflects the complexity many conservationists face when confronted with ecological realities.Our conversation explores the practical impossibilities of alternative solutions to overpopulation. Ryan walks through a hypothetical game where listeners manage their own 75,000-hectare reserve, facing the stark choice between letting animals starve or making difficult management decisions. We examine the failed elephant translocation in Malawi, where 12 people died and 80 elephants went missing after an international organisation moved 262 elephants into unsuitable habitat. The discussion also covers the influence of well-funded animal rights campaigns on conservation policy, the disconnect between international activism and local realities, and the economic pressures facing private game reserves. Ryan argues for finding common ground between opposing camps, emphasising that sustainable conservation requires honest dialogue about uncomfortable topics rather than ideology-driven positions.Further reading:The Culling Conundrum | Official TeaserClockwork OrangeRyan's YouTube ChannelSubscribe to Tommy's Outdoors: Conservation and Science NewsletterSupport the Podcast and Buy Me a Coffee.Recommended Books: tommysoutdoors.com/booksMerch: tommysoutdoors.com/shopFollow Tommy's Outdoors on Bluesky, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook

Should we worry about consuming venison from an animal harvested with lead ammunition? Will cutting out and discarding meat around the impact area solve the problem? And what are the best practices to keep us safe?Most of us have heard about the negative effects of lead on health. Not only on our health but also on the health of the ecosystems. In this episode, we are answering questions about the scale and severity of these effects from the perspective of lead used in hunting ammunition. To get a full picture I talk with Prof. Fredrik Widemo, a senior researcher at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in the Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies. Fredrik is also a hunter so he approaches this topic from a personal perspective.Subscribe to Tommy's Outdoors: Conservation and Science NewsletterSupport the Podcast and Buy Me a Coffee.Recommended Books: tommysoutdoors.com/booksMerch: tommysoutdoors.com/shopFollow Tommy's Outdoors on Bluesky, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and FacebookMentioned in this episode:This is the Conservation and Science podcast Replay series, a curated collection of best episodes from last year. If you are new to the show, this is an excellent opportunity to catch up with the most popular episodes from the back catalogue. And if you’re a regular listener, maybe you missed one of those or want to listen to one of them again. Don’t worry! The new episodes are being published on the regular fortnightly schedule, so keep tuning in for the new content every other Tuesday.

Can beavers save Britain's dying rivers? Are these ecosystem engineers the key to reversing the catastrophic decline of Atlantic salmon, or do their dams create impassable barriers for struggling fish populations? With salmon numbers plummeting by 70% in just 20 years and predictions they could vanish entirely within two decades, the stakes couldn't be higher. The reintroduction of beavers to British waterways has sparked heated debate about their impact on our most threatened migratory species.In this episode, our guest is Dr Rob Needham, and we talk about his research from Scotland. Rob's long-term study reveals how beaver-modified streams support larger, healthier trout populations, with tagged fish successfully navigating multiple beaver dam crossings. We also talk about research from Norway, and North America that's providing crucial insights for British conservation efforts. For example Rachel Malison’s work in Norway demonstrates that beavers and salmon coexist successfully for past decades on some of the world's most productive salmon rivers. The evidence suggests these species co-evolved together and co-existed for millennia, creating complex ecosystems that benefit both.From the western United States, Bridge Creek's remarkable restoration story demonstrates nature's incredible capacity for self-repair, with 200% increases in fish abundance following beaver reintroduction. Meanwhile, cutting-edge environmental DNA research is mapping salmon and beaver (and other species) distribution across Scottish catchments, showing how ecosystems can recover.  As climate change intensifies pressure on freshwater habitats, the ecosystem engineering by beavers offers hope for building resilient river systems. The message is clear: collaboration between conservationists, researchers, and local communities is essential if we're to harness beavers' restorative power while protecting our precious migratory fish.Further reading:The impact of reintroduced Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) dams on the upstream movement of brown trout (Salmo trutta) in upland areas of Great BritainBalance The Scales - Launch TrailerSubscribe to Tommy's Outdoors: Conservation and Science NewsletterSupport the Podcast and Buy Me a Coffee.Recommended Books: tommysoutdoors.com/booksMerch: tommysoutdoors.com/shopFollow Tommy's Outdoors on Bluesky, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook

Are corvids overabundant pests or are they simply survivors in landscapes we've shaped? Why do these birds seem to look at us as intently as we look at them? What can ravens teach us about intelligence that might humble our sophisticated intelligence tests? This episode explores the world of corvids, from the familiar rooks and jackdaws to the acrobatic choughs and elusive jays that call Ireland home.Dr Fionn Ó Marcaigh, author of "Encounters with Corvids," joins us to unpack the complex relationship between humans and these remarkable birds. We discuss their extraordinary intelligence, including studies showing ravens can remember and recognise individual humans, and how they've adapted to thrive alongside us while other species struggle. Fionn shares stories from his research and observations, revealing behaviours that demonstrate that these birds are always "up to something" when we encounter them in the wild.In our conversation, we tackle the thorny issue of predator control and conservation dilemmas. While corvids thrive in human-modified landscapes, ground-nesting birds face rapid declines. We also explore the mythology and folklore that has shaped our perceptions of these birds, from Celtic battle goddesses to Norse deities, and examine how cultural attitudes influence modern conservation challenges. This episode offers perspectives on living alongside intelligent wildlife in ever-changing landscapes, reminding us that sometimes the most familiar creatures hold great surprises.Subscribe to Tommy's Outdoors: Conservation and Science NewsletterSupport the Podcast and Buy Me a Coffee.Recommended Books: tommysoutdoors.com/booksMerch: tommysoutdoors.com/shopFollow Tommy's Outdoors on Bluesky, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook

Why are no trespassing signs appearing on Irish mountains that hikers have accessed for decades? Can walkers really sue farmers when they injure themselves on private land? What happens when busloads of tourists arrive at remote trailheads with no permission from landowners? Our guest John Smyth, a hiker with 20 years' experience in Connemara and volunteer with Mountain Meitheal Ireland, reveals how Ireland's hiking landscape has transformed from quiet trails to crowded mountains - and the growing tensions this creates.John witnessed this dramatic shift firsthand, from days when you could have entire mountain ranges to yourself to the current reality of overflowing car parks and commercial guides leading groups across private farmland without permission. The Wild Atlantic Way's success, social media promotion, and COVID-19's outdoor boom brought thousands of new hikers to mountains that remain privately owned. Unlike Britain's established rights of way, Irish hikers rely entirely on farmers' goodwill. That goodwill is wearing thin as fences get damaged and livestock are stressed by unleashed dogs.In our conversation, we explore practical solutions that are emerging to address this situation, including three-way partnerships between hiking clubs, Mountaineering Ireland, and Rural Recreation Officers aimed at building stiles and maintaining trails. We discuss liability concerns that keep farmers worried, the importance of proper hiking etiquette, and successful models like Kerry's collaborative approach to managing access. This episode offers essential insights into respecting the land and the people who own it for anyone who loves Ireland's mountains or is interested in land access.Subscribe to Tommy's Outdoors: Conservation and Science NewsletterSupport the Podcast and Buy Me a Coffee.Recommended Books: tommysoutdoors.com/booksMerch: tommysoutdoors.com/shopFollow Tommy's Outdoors on Bluesky, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook

Why is the farming community so opposed to the American Prairie Foundation's rewilding vision? Can ranchers and conservationists find common ground when grizzly bears are eating cattle and wolves are reducing elk herds? What happens when well-meaning conservation efforts clash with rural communities who've worked the land for generations?To explore these contentious questions, I sit down with filmmaker Tom Opre and associate producer Tony Bynum to discuss their latest documentary, ‘The Real Yellowstone’. Tom returns to the podcast after previous episodes about his films ‘Killing the Shepherd’ and ‘The Last Keeper’, bringing his unique perspective on conservation conflicts around the world. Tony, with his background in resource management and Native American heritage, adds crucial insights into the complex dynamics between land use, science, and policy. Together, they've spent years documenting the realities facing rural communities caught between traditional ways of life and modern conservation initiatives.Our conversation reveals parallels between the Montana ranching conflicts and the land and wildlife management debates we've seen in Scotland and Africa. We delve into the American Prairie Foundation’s ambitious plan to create a 3 million-acre wildlife preserve, complete with 30,000 bison managed by wolves and grizzly bears. But the reality on the ground tells a more complex story. Local ranchers, some with families who've worked the same land for over a century, feel threatened by outside organisations with deep pockets and different visions for the landscape. We discuss the practical challenges of living with recovering predator populations, from grizzly bears wandering into backyards to wolves reducing elk numbers that support thriving hunting economies. The film, as well as our conversation, doesn't shy away from the uncomfortable truths about modern conservation, including the role of wealthy outsiders driving up land prices and fundamentally changing rural communities.Further reading:The Real Yellowstone - The Real Yellowstone delves into the lives of ranching families who find themselves at the heart of a complex struggle. As stewards of both livestock and wildlife, these ranchers, whose families have worked the land for generations, face a web of rising real estate prices, predator attacks, and a powerful conservation movement that seeks to reshape the landscape they call home.Subscribe to Tommy's Outdoors: Conservation and Science NewsletterSupport the Podcast and Buy Me a Coffee.Recommended Books: tommysoutdoors.com/booksMerch: tommysoutdoors.com/shopFollow Tommy's Outdoors on Bluesky, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook

Why are people so opposed to the term "rewilding" when it can inspire action for nature restoration? How can we communicate conservation issues without alienating the very people we need to reach? And what happens when a creative professional decides to transform four fields in Wicklow into a biodiversity haven while documenting every step for others to follow?In this outdoor episode, we sit down with Jack Morley in his rewilding project in Wicklow to explore these questions and more. Jack brings a fresh perspective to nature communication, drawing on his background in advertising and film to reach audiences beyond the usual conservation choir. He's passionate about positive messaging, believing that doom and gloom narratives only preach to the converted whilst switching off those who could become tomorrow's nature champions. His approach focuses on inspiration rather than education, using enthusiasm and accessible language to engage people who might not even realise they care about Irish wildlife.Jack's land showcases remarkable habitat diversity across just five acres - from native woodland plantations using both traditional and Miyawaki methods, to wildflower meadows that proved more challenging than expected. He's creating wetlands, managing microhabitats with log piles and standing deadwood, and dealing with the realities of river water quality changes. The conversation reveals the practical challenges of habitat creation, from Yorkshire fog domination in meadows to the ongoing debate about active management versus natural regeneration. Jack's documentation of "Ireland's Nature Heroes" on social media highlights the groundswell of conservation work happening across the country, work that often goes unnoticed but deserves celebration.Further reading:Rewilding an old Irish farm | FULL TOURSubscribe to Tommy's Outdoors: Conservation and Science NewsletterSupport the Podcast and Buy Me a Coffee.Recommended Books: tommysoutdoors.com/booksMerch: tommysoutdoors.com/shopFollow Tommy's Outdoors on Bluesky, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook

How does a wealthy animal welfare organisation, funded by well-meaning donors from Europe and North America, end up relocating hundreds of elephants to an area where some of the world's poorest people live? What happens when two people are killed within 24 hours of the first four elephants arriving, yet the organisation presses on with moving another 259 elephants in just 30 days? Why are over 12,500 people now living in terror whilst those responsible show nothing but arrogance when approached for help?This episode examines a conservation crisis unfolding in Malawi and Zambia, where the International Fund for Animal Welfare's elephant translocation project has gone catastrophically wrong. Journalist Jens Ulrik Høgh returns from his recent trip to the region, where he documented the devastating impact on local communities who had never seen elephants before 2022. Twelve people have been killed, thousands have lost their crops and livelihoods, and children can no longer safely walk to school. Meanwhile, the elephants themselves are being killed in retaliation, making this a disaster for both wildlife and people.The conversation explores uncomfortable questions about conservation imperialism, the business models of large NGOs, and the stark inequality between wealthy Western donors and the African communities bearing the consequences. Jens reveals how a project that cost less than $2 million has destroyed lives whilst the organisation continues to raise over $100 million annually. This isn't just about elephants - it's about power, money, and the ongoing legacy of colonial attitudes in modern conservation. The episode serves as a crucial reminder that conservation projects are doomed to fail without local acceptance, often with tragic consequences for all involved.Further reading:In Rural Malawi, a Western NGO Imported Elephants. Chaos Ensued.Subscribe to Tommy's Outdoors: Conservation and Science NewsletterSupport the Podcast and Buy Me a Coffee.Recommended Books: tommysoutdoors.com/booksMerch: tommysoutdoors.com/shopFollow Tommy's Outdoors on Bluesky, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook

Is TB in deer a growing concern for Irish hunters? What happens when you shoot a deer infected with TB, and what are the realities from a hunter's perspective? In this episode of the Conservation and Science podcast, we dive into the contentious topic of bovine tuberculosis in deer - an issue I've attempted to cover for over a year. While scientists seemed reluctant to discuss it publicly, this episode brings boots-on-the-ground truth from expert hunter Ashley Glover, who shares his firsthand experiences with TB-infected deer in Wicklow.Ashley explains how hunters can identify signs of tuberculosis when field dressing deer, noting that whilst most hunters may never encounter an infected animal, he found four TB-positive deer among his first twelve harvests in North Wicklow this season. We discuss the practical challenges hunters face when discovering a TB-infected carcass - from the unclear notification protocols to the costly disposal options. Despite bovine TB being classified as a "notifiable disease" with supposedly free testing and licensed disposal, Ashley's experience reveals a different reality, including a €100 fee for fallen animal services to remove a single carcass.The conversation tackles the disconnect between what hunters are taught during training versus the realities in the field, particularly when shooting deer late on a Friday with limited options for proper disposal. We explore the localised nature of TB in deer populations, which appears concentrated in certain areas of Wicklow rather than nationwide. This episode provides essential knowledge for hunters on identifying TB in deer and navigating the practical challenges of responsible carcass management, while highlighting the need for improved protocols within Ireland's wildlife and TB eradication programmes.Subscribe to Tommy's Outdoors: Conservation and Science NewsletterSupport the Podcast and Buy Me a Coffee.Recommended Books: tommysoutdoors.com/booksMerch: tommysoutdoors.com/shopFollow Tommy's Outdoors on Bluesky, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and FacebookMentioned in this episode:DOWNLOAD:How to Get Started in Deer Hunting in IrelandDisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organisation. The participants are expressing their personal opinions and perspectives.