Aims, Objectives, Methods and Benefits

Aims and Objectives

The overall objective of the Hebridean Mink Project is to prevent further significant disturbance and losses to the internationally important populations of ground nesting birds and migratory species prioritised under the EC Wild Birds Directive, particularly those regularly found within Special Protection Areas. The project will therefore aim to:

1. Eradicate American Mink from the entire Western Isles Archipelago.

2. Continue to monitor North and South Uist.

3. Collect data on effective control methods.

4. Assess the effects of mink control methods.

5. Promote an awareness of bird conservation issues and the international importance of the Western Isles, including the risks posed by mink to island populations and to disseminate the findings amongst other European countries facing similar problems.

Methods

Each trapper is allocated a different trap line every week, consisting typically of between twenty and thirty traps. Trapping is carried out in a concerted and methodical manner, beginning in South Harris before gradually moving north and west through Lewis towards Ness. This takes approximately seven months to complete, then, the whole process begins all over again. Traps used are small cages that are hidden under turf and baited with fish or lure, occasionally both, depending on the time of year. Captured animals are contained but are unharmed. Every trap opened is checked daily and all mink caught are humanely destroyed using one shot to the head with an airgun. All non-target species, i.e. Hedgehogs are released unharmed. There are approximately 7500 traps permanently in place. In addition all islands and skerries within 2km of the coastline are routinely trapped. Modern GPS units and GIS technologies are used extensively throughout the project to structure the trapping and locate traps.

Benefits

The conservation of the indigenous and migrant species found throughout the Western isles will undoubtedly ensure a brighter future for the tourist industry here. Anglers and fish farms will also benefit, as the considerable damage to farmed fish and young wild fish stocks by mink will cease. American mink predation on domestic poultry has been so severe previously that many people had given up. However, many local crofters, encouraged by the positive results of the project are already keeping chickens and ducks again. The project created fourteen full time posts and supplies are purchased locally whenever possible.