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Matching the strategy to the scenario; case studies of mink Neovison vison management

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Pete Robertson

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Abstract

Abstract. The invasive American mink (Neovison vison) preys on native fauna. The pilot phase ofthe Hebridean Mink Project (HMP) ran from 2001–2006 at a cost of £1.6 million and successfullyremoved the species from 1,100 km2 of the southern islands of the Hebridean Archipelago, the Uists.Mink were also controlled in South Harris to prevent reinvasion. 532 mink were removed, and nofurtheranimals were caught or recorded in the eradication area in the last six months of the project. Theentire archipelago is now being trapped using techniques developed from the pilot phase. The programmeused an adaptive approach, learning as the project proceeded. The lessons learned were alsoapplied to two other scenarios. These included the Isle of Mull, where with limited resources, trappingis carried out by volunteers, and to the development of a national management plan in Ireland, wherethe species is widespread and farmed. The strategies and techniques developed in the Hebrides weremodified to fit these differing scenarios. These are discussed together with an exploration of how wecan increase our capacity to manage the species over larger landscape scales.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Roy S, Robertson PA

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Mammal Study

Year: 2017

Volume: 42

Issue: 2

Pages: 71-80

Online publication date: 01/06/2017

Acceptance date: 12/04/2017

Date deposited: 30/05/2017

ISSN (print): 1343-4152

ISSN (electronic): 1348-6160

Publisher: Mammal Society of Japan

URL: https://doi.org/10.3106/041.042.0201

DOI: 10.3106/041.042.0201

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