Episode 4 – Invasive Species
8.30pm, RTÉ One, Monday 1st December 2025
Earlier this year, the discovery of Asian Hornets in Cork made headline news and sparked nationwide conversations about the significant threat invasive species pose to Ireland. They can alter ecosystems and habitats, disrupt natural processes, and some introduce diseases that can have catastrophic impacts on nature, wildlife and human health. We have exclusive access to the lab and researcher tasked with the job of freezing, dissecting and analysing the nests to determine the Queen’s DNA origins, we literally look into the hornets’ nest and discuss the potential implications for Ireland’s pollinators.
Invasive insects can damage and destroy crops and one of the worst offenders across Europe is the stink bug, which is particularly problematic for tree fruits like pears and apples. For producers, insect and pest monitoring is critical, but traditional methods are time-consuming and labour intensive. We meet the researchers working to automate and accelerate the pest identification process, protect food systems and keep the smell of the stink bug out of Ireland.
On Lough Neagh, millions of invasive zebra mussels are disrupting the food web and unintentionally promoting toxic algal blooms that threaten wildlife, pets and humans. We investigate the latest technology being developed to monitor these contaminants and improve early detection to make our lakes and watercourses safer for all.
Meanwhile in Curious Chronicles, Fergus charts the rise of the rabbits that inadvertently led to a full-scale war on a beloved national icon of Australia…
