Inbreeding threat to future of Killarney red deer

The future of the Killarney red deer is under threat from inbreeding and mating with other species and there is a need for a new management plan, a researcher has claimed.

The results of a four-year study by Ruth Carden found there are just 500 Killarney Reds in the 10,000 hectare national park.

Dr Carden told a gathering of deer enthusiasts in Killarney that the herd is of cultural as well as scientific importance.