While varied in their nature, a wildlife crime is any offence against existing legislation that protects wild animals, plants and habitats.

Wildlife crimes include but are not limited to:

• Cutting, burning or otherwise destroying vegetation including hedges between March 1 and August 31 (the nesting season). There are some exemptions which allow hedge-cutting during the closed period in case of road safety concerns
• Using poison to kill wild birds and mammals. While rodenticide is permitted for the control of mice and rats in certain circumstances, they are stringent laws and human and wildlife safety concerns that must be considered
• Hunting, killing or possession of a wild bird or mammal otherwise than under and in accordance with a licence or permission granted by the Minister under the Wildlife Acts
• Removing, damaging or destroying a nest that is in use or under construction
• Removing, damaging or destroying wild bird eggs
• Photographing or disturbing a nesting bird without a licence from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS)
• Deliberately introducing any non-native plant or animal species (i.e. an invasive species) into the wild
• Badger baiting
• Unregulated hare coursing

If you suspect that a wildlife crime has been committed, it is important to report it to the relevant authorities – the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and An Garda Siochana.