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The article focuses on a study which estimated the total population of Eurasian badgers, Meles meles L., in the Republic of Ireland. Specific study areas include Cork, Donegal, Kilnenny and Monaghan, al representing a range of agricultural habitat types. Intensive protective badger removal was conducted in the areas with the goal of obtaining a low badger density. Data showed that a total of 1,099 badgers were removed from the areas between 1997 and 1999, with 73.2% of badgers were caught at main setts and 26.8% at outlier setts. The study confirmed that badgers are widespread in agricultural habitats across the country.

The article presents a study on the effect of barriers, such as external buffers and rivers, on the immigration of badger Meles meles during the Four Area project in Ireland. It is noted that the there was proactive culling of badgers at the location of the barriers. The researchers assume that all the badgers caught in the space of the removal areas came across the barriers and that all the badgers caught were immigrants. Using chi-square tests, the researchers claim that sea and external buffers are the most effective. They also emphasize the importance of understanding the effectiveness of barriers to the efficiency of badger management options.