RSPB determined to wipe out stoats before they do 'major damage' to Orkney's other wildlife

                                                                  

Orkney - the RSPB wants rid of all its stoats

THE RSPB has pledged to "remove" stoats from Orkney "before they do major damage other wildlife".

The society is currently recruiting for a "monitoring officer" to help oversee eradication of a non-native predator which is thought to pose a threat to the Orkney vole, a species found nowhere else in the world, as well as hen harriers, short-eared owls, red-throated divers, waders and seabirds.

The contract runs until December 31 next year, and the appointee, to be based in Kirkwall, will be paid a salary of between £28,331.00 and £30,415.00 per annum with 26 days' annual leave.

Says the RSPB: "The project works with hundreds of landowners in the local community to undertake the largest stoat eradication of an inhabited area anywhere in the world. 

"It is a partnership between RSPB Scotland, NatureScot and Orkney Islands Council, and it is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, EU LIFE, NatureScot and the Nature Restoration Fund.

"Monitoring sites are spread throughout Orkney Mainland and the outer isles, and the appointee will manage a team of volunteers and seasonal staff.

"Maintaining good relationships with local landowners  is paramount as is the ability to train and enthuse volunteers."

The closing date for applications is Sunday August 27.

                                         

Red-throated diver - its eggs and young are thought to be targets of the stoat