Look who’s going wild in lockdown
RTÉ documentary highlights how at-risk animals have bounced back now that we’re not around as much
AN RTÉ wildlife special, which is being broadcast tonight, packs a powerful message of how extinction can be halted and even reversed.
Back From The Brink is a much-anticipated visual treat, featuring stunning closeup footage of Europe’s endangered wildlife. The pan-European natural history project, produced by RTÉ Cork in collaboration with the European Broadcasting Union, documents the efforts of conservationists, who strive to save endangered species, during the pandemic.
Presented by Derek Mooney, the special, which builds on the success of the original Back From The Brink programme, broadcast in 2019, features conservation stories spanning the continent. The past year has shown us that when human activity stops for a while, threatened species can bounce back.
In Ireland, the programme focuses on the beautiful roseate tern, one of Europe’s rarest seabirds which, thanks to special nesting boxes on tiny Rockabill Island, off Dublin’s coast, are increasing in numbers.
In Northern Ireland, natural foes have become unwitting allies as the recovery of the pine marten is helping the native red squirrel survive by pushing out the invasive non-native grey squirrel. By doing so, the pine marten helps restore woodland damaged by the greys.
In Norway, a project to restore the Arctic fox to its former haunts is helping to ensure this small creature has a future.
Presenter Derek Mooney said: ‘Nature is being destroyed before our very eyes’. But, ‘the battle can be, and is being, won, every day by dedicated conservationists. Even the most endangered animals can be brought back from the brink... if the will is there’.
‘Natural foes become unwitting allies’