Welcome to the seventh weekly stoat snippet!
These snippets will be a short update on progress with both the Orkney Native Wildlife Project and the Orkney Mainland Predator Invasion Biosecurity Project, as well as addressing any concerns that folk have raised with SNH and RSPB Scotland.
Quick update
Orkney Native Wildlife Project
One of the critical things we need to do during the development phase is perfect the method for trapping stoats so we have the best chance of complete success during the full eradication.
We are pleased to announce that Strath Caulaidh Ltd (the expert team of contractors who are conducting the current Orkney Mainland Predator Invasion Biosecurity Project) were successful in getting the contract for the trapping trials. They will be setting up trial traps – in locations chosen to include a variety of habitats to represent the whole of Orkney – and monitoring them over the coming months.
We’ve also had a visit from Biz Bell, from Wildlife Management International Ltd, a New Zealand based firm who are world experts in island restoration work. She has been involved in this area of work for her whole life, and has worked on successful projects around the world, including other UK eradications such as the Isles of Scilly Seabird Recovery Project and the Shiants Island Restoration Project. Her input into the technical aspects of the project will be invaluable and we are excited to have her support and guidance.
Orkney Mainland Predator Invasion Biosecurity Project
The fourth check on the traps will happen next week, so we will have another update the following week. The Biosecurity trapping will continue until the full eradication is up and running to try to prevent stoats reaching the outer isles. Data from the success of these traps will be used to support the data we collect during the trapping trial.
Potential incursion responses
Rousay: No change on Rousay. No stoats have been caught and there have still been no further reports of possible stoat sightings on Rousay, which is positive news.
Hoy: The first check of the traps on Hoy started yesterday and will continue today. A big thank you to the landowners for their support and permission.
Answering your concerns…
Remember, if you have any comments or concerns please contact north@snh.gov.uk or orkney@rspb.org.uk.
And don't forget to keep reporting any sightings of stoats, whether on the mainland or outer isles, as soon as possible, to SNH by calling 01856 886163, by emailing north@snh.gov.uk or through the ‘Stoats in Orkney’ Facebook page.