The Orkney Native Wildlife Project is in its “mopping-up” phase after removing over 7,500 invasive stoats from the Orkney Islands since 2019. Using 8,000 traps and detection dogs, conservation teams aim to eliminate the species to protect native wildlife, including Orkney voles and curlews. The eradication project—costing around £15 million and funded by government and charities—has led to notable increases in native species’ breeding success. Follow-up monitoring will continue for at least two years to prevent reinfestation and ensure long-term ecosystem recovery.
Source: The Times thetimes.co.uk