Wednesday, 18 June 2025

Red squirrels show survival tactics in the face of native predator

New research from University of Galway reveals how red squirrels adapt their behaviours in habitat shared with pine marten Ireland’s native red squirrels are able to detect and respond to a returning natural predator, the pine marten, according to a new study from University of Galway.  The research reveals that these behavioural changes enhance their chance of survival and help to explain their resilience of red squirrels, particularly in contrast to the sharp decline of the invasive grey squirrel, following the resurgence of the pine marten.  Co-authored by Dr Emily Reilly and Dr Colin Lawton of the School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway, the full study was published today in Royal Society Open Science.  The research into red squirrel behaviour was conducted over 16 months in two woodland sites - Derryclare Woods in Connemara, Co Galway, and Belleek Woods in Ballina, Co Mayo.  Using trail cameras at feeding stations, researchers monitored and analysed visits by red squirrels and pine martens. The team discovered that red squirrels showed an anti-predator response by feeding less and showing increased vigilance, indicating that they can detect recent pine marten presence and judge the level of threat based on how recently the presence occurred.  The researchers showed that this heightened caution faded over time, suggesting that red squirrels are capable of assessing the risk and adapting their responses accordingly.  Rising pine marten populations have led to a sharp decline in grey squirrel numbers in recent years. Around the same time the red squirrel population has not only persisted, but increased.  The study suggests that this divergence in population is due to the red squirrel’s long evolutionary history with the pine marten, which has equipped the arboeal creature with instinctive behaviours such as alertness and reduced feeding that allow them to coexist with their natural predator.  Unfortunately for the grey squirrel, it does not share either the evolutionary history or the instinctive behaviours.   Dr Emily Reilly said: “It is amazing to see the red squirrels respond to the presence of a pine marten that may have visited the feeding station hours or even days earlier. Their level of sensitivity is impressive and has clearly given them a significant survival advantage. The research from our woodlands in the west of Ireland is a fascinating example of how the protection of native species, in this case, the pine marten, can help restore balance in the ecosystem.”  The full study published in Royal Society Open Science is available at https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.250661     Ends  


News Archive

Thursday, 12 June 2025

University of Galway hosted its Summer Conferring ceremonies today, marking a significant academic milestone for hundreds of students and their families.  More than 400 students were awarded their degrees during the ceremonies, including 92 who were conferred with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).  The largest cohort to graduate during today’s ceremonies was the 187 doctors who received their Honours Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, and Bachelor of Obstetrics (MB, BCh, BAO) degree.   During the conferring ceremony, 12 graduates were awarded a total of 15 Final Medical Medals by the University’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.  One graduate, Dr Anmol Mahesh from Clonmel, Co Tipperary, received 5 medals in recognition of his outstanding academic performance.               Professor Peter McHugh, Interim President of University of Galway, said: “At University of Galway, we take great pride in being part of each student’s journey, supporting their growth and celebrating their success. Graduation is not just an end, but the beginning of what our students can and will go on to achieve, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make in their chosen fields."  Ends  

Tuesday, 10 June 2025

Ag an tráthnóna eolais bliantúil d’fhoghlaimeoirí fásta, tabharfaidh Ollscoil na Gaillimhe eolas faoi shraith nua cúrsaí, Sraith nua Dioplómaí le hArd-déantúsaíocht san áireamh, a thacóidh le daoine atá ag iarraidh cur lena gcuid scileanna le freastal ar riachtanais an tionscail atá ag athrú i rith an ama.  Beidh an tráthnóna eolais ar siúl ó 5.30-7.30pm, Dé Céadaoin, an 18 Meitheamh san Áras Bitheolaíochta Daonna ar an gcampas.  Ionad Foghlama agus Forbartha Gairmiúla d’Aosaigh na hOllscoile atá ag reáchtáil na hócáide. Cuirfear béim ag an tráthnóna eolais ar raon leathan cúrsaí gearra solúbtha agus roghanna staidéir fhadtéarmaigh, atá á gcur ar fáil chun freastal ar riachtanais foghlama daoine gairmiúla, lucht cuardaithe poist, agus daoine atá ag filleadh ar an obair.  I measc na gcúrsaí páirtaimseartha a bheidh ar fáil i mbliain acadúil 2025/26 beidh cúrsaí Springboard+ atá maoinithe go hiomlán dóibh siúd atá dífhostaithe nó ag filleadh ar an obair, agus cúrsaí a bhfuil maoiniú 90% ar fáil dóibh do dhaoine atá fostaithe ach ar mian leo cur lena gcuid scileanna, mar aon le cúrsaí a gcuirtear maoiniú ar fáil dóibh trínár gcomhpháirtithe Skillnet.  Is cúrsaí idirdhisciplíneacha an tSraith Dioplómaí nua le hArd-déantúsaíocht atá curtha in oiriúint do lucht gairmiúil a bhfuil cúlra eolaíochta agus innealtóireachta acu, go háirithe iad siúd atá ag plé le teicneolaíocht leighis agus le dearadh déantúsaíochta. Tá béim sna cúrsaí ar dhigitiú, ar inbhuanaitheacht agus ar dhéantúsaíocht chliste, agus tá siad ag teacht leis na riachtanais reatha agus leis na riachtanais nua atá ag teacht chun cinn sa tionscal.  Deis atá san imeacht seo do dhaoine ar spéis leo a bheith ina mic léinn bualadh le hionadaithe ó chúrsaí páirtaimseartha na hOllscoile i réimsí éagsúla amhail Gnó agus Bainistíocht, an Eolaíocht agus an Teicneolaíocht, Teangacha, na Dána agus na Daonnachtaí, Oideachas Pobail, agus ó chúrsaí réamhollscoile chomh maith.  Bhí an méid seo le rá ag Nuala McGuinn, Stiúrthóir an Ionaid Foghlama agus Forbartha Gairmiúla d’Aosaigh in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe: “Tuigimid go mbíonn cúraimí oibre agus teaghlaigh ar ár bhfoghlaimeoirí fásta agus tá conairí foghlama solúbtha cruthaithe againn ó chúrsaí micridhintiúr go cúrsaí máistreachta dóibh siúd atá ag iarraidh modúl gearr creidiúnaithe a dhéanamh nó dul ar aghaidh chuig cúrsa níos fadtéarmaí. Is iomaí cor i gcosán na foghlama. Teastaíonn deiseanna ó dhaoine fásta le páirt a ghlacadh agus páirt a ghlacadh an athuair san fhoghlaim ag gach céim dá saol gairmiúil ionas go mbeidh a gcuid scileanna ag teacht le riachtanais reatha an ionaid oibre. Sa domhan seo atá ag síorathrú, tá sé tábhachtach go mbeadh ár gcóras oideachais in ann freagairt do na hathruithe sin.”  Tabharfar deis dóibh sin a bheidh i láthair freastal ar chainteanna faoi chúrsaí páirtaimseartha agus faoi chúrsaí micridhintiúr, léargas a fháil ar Leibhéil NFQ, agus eolas a fháil faoin bpróiseas Aitheantais Réamhfhoghlama agus faoin mbealach ar féidir é sin a úsáid chun cáiliú le haghaidh staidéir. Chomh maith leis sin, déanfaidh an fhoireann acadúil cur i láthair faoi na cúrsaí nua Ard-déantúsaíochta agus tabharfaidh siad léargas ar an BA ceithre bliana i gCúram Sóisialta.  Le tuilleadh eolais a fháil faoin tráthnóna eolais nó le clárú, tabhair cuairt ar universityofgalway.ie/adultlearning/info_eve   Críoch  

Tuesday, 10 June 2025

As part of its annual information evening for adult learners, University of Galway is outlining a new suite of courses to support people looking to upskill in response to evolving industry needs, including a new Diploma Series in Advanced Manufacturing. The information evening will take place on Wednesday June 18th from 5.30-7.30pm in the Human Biology Building on campus. Hosted by the University’s Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development, the information evening will highlight a wide range of flexible short courses and long-term study options, designed to meet the learning needs of professionals, jobseekers, and those returning to work. The part-time courses for 2025/26 include fully-funded Springboard+ courses for the unemployed and returners, and 90% funding for those in work but seeking to upskill, along with courses funded through our Skillnet partners. The newly developed Diploma Series in Advanced Manufacturing offers interdisciplinary courses tailored for professionals with backgrounds in science and engineering, particularly those in MedTech and manufacturing design. With a focus on digitalisation, sustainability, and smart manufacturing, the courses align closely with current and emerging industry needs. Prospective students will have the opportunity to meet representatives from the University’s part-time courses, including Business and Management, Science and Technology, Languages, Arts and Humanities, Community Education, and pre-university courses.             Nuala McGuinn, Director of the Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development at University of Galway, said: “We understand the juggle of work and family for our adult learners and have created flexible learning pathways from micro-credential to masters for those progressing from a short, accredited module to a longer-term course. Learning just doesn’t happen in a straight line. Adults require opportunities to engage and re-engage in learning at all stages of their professional lives so that their skills are current with the workplace. In this ever-changing world, it’s important that our education system can respond to those changes.” During the event, attendees can join talks on part-time courses and micro-credentials, gain insights into NFQ Levels, and learn about the process of Recognition of Prior Learning and how it can support eligibility for study. Academic staff will also introduce the new Advanced Manufacturing courses and provide an overview of the four-year BA in Social Care. For further information on the information evening or to register visit universityofgalway.ie/adultlearning/info_eve  Ends


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