Mink have colonised large areas of coastline

By John Ross


AGGRESSIVE mink have colonised most of the coastline of Skye and Lochalsh posing a risk to ground-nesting birds, according to volunteers carrying out a monitoring project.

Hotspots have been found in Kyle, Kylerhea, Loch Bracadale and North Trotternish as well as the islands in the Sound of Raasay, the Skye and Lochalsh, Environment Forum's Mink Survey says.


About 50 people have now reported mink sightings, including those that have been trapped, killed on the roads or had footprints recorded in tunnels set with clay pads.

Scores of volunteers, including crofters and members of conservation bodies and fishing organisations, have helped gather the information for the survey, which is funded by Scottish Natural Heritage, the Highland Council and the European Leader programme.

The aim is to develop a policy to help protect native wildlife and biodiversity from the alien species.

Mink were introduced into Britain as a farmed animal for their fur, but escaped, or were released into the wild, where they compete with otters and others of the weasel family. They feed on fish, ground-nesting birds, eggs, and small mammals, and often take poultry from hen houses and runs.

Mammal Society member Roger Cottis welcomed the recent results: "This is an important element in the continuing fight to help indigenous Scottish wildlife under threat."

A project has been removing mink from the Western Isles for ten years during which time almost 1,500 animals have been cleared from the islands.

http://news.scotsman.com/nature/Mink-have-colonised-large-areas.6657245.jp