Nearly 150 reports of alleged wildlife crime since nesting season began 11 weeks ago

The reports were made under the Wildlife Act which protects natural Irish species including, hedgehogs, badgers and birds, particularly while they are breeding. File picture

The National Parks and Wildlife Service has received 149 reports of alleged wildlife crime since the nesting season began on March 1.

The reports were made under the Wildlife Act which protects natural Irish species including, hedgehogs, badgers and birds, particularly while they are breeding. The nesting season, which falls under Section 40 of the Act, runs from March 1 to September 1 during which time it is an offence to knowingly destroy the natural habitat of a bird or animal.