Access Science: Do hedgehogs not like northwest Mayo?

Where are Ireland's hedgehogs? You can help the National Biodiversity Centre in its efforts to learn where these popular little mammals live. The centre is building up a wealth of data about 66 mammal species common to Ireland. Details about distribution around the country will be published towards the end of 2016 in Atlas of Mammals in Ireland.

People out on walks have been hugely helpful in recording sightings of animals, says Dr Liam Lysaght, director of the National Biodiversity Centre, which is compiling the atlas.

“We are trying to map the distribution of all mammals in the country using empirical data, actual sightings,” he says.

There is a renewed focus on the hedgehog, which will emerge from hibernation in the coming weeks, says Dr Lysaght. They are relatively common in suburban areas, but there are unexpected gaps in the wild.

“We have found they are virtually absent from higher ground, above about 200m. And they seem to be absent from northwest Mayo,” he says.

More data is needed to say whether they are absent or whether they are present but have yet to be sighted.

[ http://mammals.biodiversity ireland.ie ]

For cat and country: take part in our national survey 

Ireland's cat population is being mapped in a national survey involving Trinity College Dublin and The Irish Times.

Taking part could not be easier. We are asking cat owners and those who see cats moving through their neighbourhood to tell us the cats’ fur colour. Our feline friends are unusual in that only a small number of genes determine their coat colour and patterning.

This means that it is possible to learn the genetic make-up of Ireland’s cats without having to collect any kind of samples or DNA. Their fur displays their genetic connections.

The survey has so far collected details on almost 10,000 cats, which is a wonderful response from the public. The large sample size means this study can deliver valuable scientific data about the genetic distribution of cats around the country. It will also be possible for schools to use the resulting data set in class projects, which will help students learn about genetic inheritance and how genes deliver traits such as coat colour.

[ irishtimes.com/news/science ]