Proceedings of the Postglacial Colonization Conference, University College Cork, 15-16 October 1983

Abstract

Any casual perusal of the literature on Ireland's native mammals quickly reveals that Ireland has a very restricted native mammalian fauna; no more than fourteen native mammals. This and the fact that Ireland has been an island for at least 9,000 years, has given rise to speculation as to how Ireland acquired its postglacial fauna and flora. Even the 7th century Irish monk Augustine speculated on how animals could have reached Ireland. In order to discuss this problem, with particular reference to mammals, a one day public conference was held in University College Cork on 15th October 1983. This was followed by a half day discussion session.