Mink eradication on track
The complete eradication of American mink from North Uist and Benbecula is expected to be achieved on time and within budget, as recently reported by the Hebridean Mink Project. The remaining population of mink on these islands has become increasingly fragmented. Intense trapping and significant reduction of mink in south Harris is successfully preventing recolonisation from the north. Complete eradication is extremely likely within the remaining year of the project.
The Uists include some of Europe's most important areas for species of wild birds, many of which nest on the ground. Mink are non-native predators, taking large quantities of eggs, chicks and adult birds. They also impact on crofting, fishing, fishfarming and tourism. It’s good news therefore that such progress has been made, much of which is down to a combination of the determination and hard work of the trappers, and of the accompanying research project being carried out to help improve locating and trapping techniques.
The organisations behind the initiative are Scottish Natural Heritage, The Scottish Executive, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Western Isles Enterprise, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, and the Central Science Laboratory. Half of the £1.65m budget for the project has been provided by the EU LIFE 'Nature' Fund, a fund set up to help the protection of 'Natura' sites designated under the EC Habitats and Wild Birds Directives.
The project partners are now setting their sights on "Phase 2", which will take over from the current project to tackle the more ambitious aim of eradicating mink from the whole of Lewis and Harris. This will be a major undertaking, expected to take about six years and cost around £3m.