Set back for Orkney stoat eradication campaign as species spreads to outlying island

                                                                  

The campaign to eliminate Orkney's stoats has faltered

THERE has been a setback in the campaign to eradicate stoats from The Orkneys.

It emerged last week that  one has been sighted on the island Rousay whereas previously they had been confined to the Orkney mainland and linked isles.

A statement issued by Orkney Native Wildlife Project reads:  "We have some bad news to share.

"Evidence of the Rousay individual came from one of the trail cameras we have on the island.

"This is really concerning news for the community, nature and the whole of Orkney. 

"Even by Orkney’s high standards, Rousay is an important place for nature - from breeding seabirds to birds of moorland, peatland and lochans such as  Curlews, Red-throated Divers, Hen Harriers and Short-eared Owls.

"It is also one of the nine islands in Orkney that is home to the Orkney vole, found nowhere else on earth."

The statement continues: "As part of the response, we have additional traps, cameras including AI cameras and dog searches happening as we work to remove the stoat and get a better understanding of the situation.

"We were able to act quickly thanks to the diligence of visitors, who reported they may have seen a stoat, and because of the landowners that had already granted access as part of biosecurity measures. 

"We are also incredibly fortunate to have trained incursion volunteers on the island who are now part of the response.

"We are now asking all visitors and residents to be extra vigilant and report any potential stoat sightings on Rousay immediately."

Because stoats are strong swimmers, it is thought the Rousay individual may have made its incursion under its own steam.

The invasive Rousay stoat - as captured on trail camera