Anja Murray: Irish species at risk of extinction

Ireland has already lost many species, especially as a result of rapid deforestation in the 1600 and 1700s, and persecution of top predators such as wolves and eagles

Will species such as wild Atlantic salmon, curlew, and the great yellow bumblebee soon go the way of animals and birds such as the dodo, moa, Tasmanian wolf, quagga, aurochs, and blue antelope? 

Extinction is a strong word. It is a term that many publicists and event organisers actively avoid — considering it distasteful or off-putting for most target audiences.

Those who talk about extinction too much run the risk of being shunned in the public realm. While I agree that its necessary to take care in how we frame issues and not push people into the cynicism that so often arises from feeling overwhelmed by bad news, it's equally important not to turn a blind eye to the fact that we are in the midst of a totally unprecedented mass extinction event — here in Ireland and across the world.