Madam, - Your report on the interception at Dublin Airport of a consignment of 78 exotic species highlights the possible cruelty to the creatures involved (The Irish Times, December 15th). But there are several other issues of great concern here.
Once exotic species get a foothold in a new habitat they are capable of pushing out our native species because they are "unfamiliar" to native species and have an "unfair" competitive advantage over them.
In other words, they exploit and upset the existing rules that have stabilised the eco-system. Exotic species are capable of destroying established habitats and reducing the native biodiversity. The island of Madagascar has suffered greatly in this regard after the accidental introduction of rats in the 17th century; the rats have multiplied, feeding on the young and eggs of species native to the island.
The diversity of species in the consignment stopped at Dublin Airport is of great concern as it highlights the likelihood that one or more such species might find an Irish habitat, or the Irish climate, suitable enough to allow them to become permanent residents. The mildness of Irish winters seems to have been increasing steadily over the past 25 years and the changing climate may make Ireland a very nice place indeed for some freshwater tortoises.
I single this out as an example because Ireland has a great diversity of freshwater habitats due to the relatively even distribution of rainfall throughout the year and a subsequent lack of evaporation because of our "soft" climate.
Exotic species carry also diseases that may destroy species and habitats even if the animals themselves fail to establish themselves here. Public health may also be at risk.
People involved in the importation and trading of these exotic species in Ireland should be educated in some of the basic principles of ecology, not simply fined and given a slap on the wrist. It is a serious matter. - Yours, etc,
PAUL WHELAN, Director, Biology.ie, Cobh, Co Cork.