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Lone male stoat captured on Orkney island after seven-month hunt
Overview
A lone invasive male stoat has been successfully captured on the Orkney island of Rousay following a seven-month hunt by the Orkney Native Wildlife Project (ONWP). The animal was first spotted in May, prompting a response involving targeted trapping, dog searches, and AI-assisted trail cameras. Trappers and DNA analysis indicate there are no signs of breeding females or an established population on the island, though monitoring will continue for two years.
Key points
- A lone male stoat was caught on the Orkney island of Rousay after a seven-month hunt.
- The invasive animal was first spotted in May and removed on Friday by the Orkney Native Wildlife Project (ONWP).
- The capture operation utilised targeted trapping, dog searches, AI-assisted trail cameras, and community volunteers.
- Examiners confirmed the stoat was male, matching previous DNA analysis, with no signs of breeding females or an established population on Rousay.
- Monitoring of the island will continue for two years before it can be officially declared stoat-free.