Rathlin Island mammal eradication efforts ramp up

The ongoing efforts to eradicated rats and ferrets from Rathlin Island are being ramped up this year, with 6,000 bait stations to be laid.

Last year, in a world first, the LIFE Raft project saw non-native mammals such as rats and ferrets trapped in an effort to eradicate them and thus safeguard the island's seabirds. The traps were placed in a grid formation and were pre-baited, meaning the ferrets could explore them without becoming trapped.

Almost 100 ferrets have been trapped and humanely destroyed in the first stage of the project. The team behind the scheme hopes the complete removal of both invasive species will protect internationally significant bird populations.

Puffin is one of several seabird species that breeds on Rathlin Island (Carl Bovis).

Detection dog

A detection dog has also joined the fight to save seabirds on Rathlin Island. Woody, a two-year-old Fox Red Labrador, helps to trace any remaining ferrets on the island.

Finally, in September, more than 6,000 bait stations will be laid across the island, in a last effort to make Rathlin free from the invasive mammals.

Tourism is critical to the economy of the island and the chair of the Rathlin Community Development Association, Michael Cecil, said that made the LIFE Raft project important to everyone.

Protecting seabirds

"Protecting the wildlife means protecting a whole way of life, as well as securing the livelihoods of many of the people who live here," he added. "This project has the potential to protect the future of this historic island."

Fieldwork Manager Michael Rafferty said everyone on the island was excited to welcome Woody.

"It's been no easy feat attempting a world-first eradication, and we knew we needed the best dog for the job to get us over the finish line. Woody's ludicrous energy levels, uncanny sniffing skills, and goofy grin ticked all our boxes."