Stoat removal in Orkney boosts rare wildlife populations

In Scotland, the Orkney Native Wildlife Project launched in 2019 aims to protect endangered wildlife by removing non-native stoats, which were first noted on the islands in 2010. Stoats pose a severe threat to the endemic Orkney vole and various ground-nesting bird species. With their introduction, the ecological balance of Orkney was disturbed, prompting the need for a comprehensive removal strategy. This historic effort is recognized as the largest stoat removal initiative from a populated area globally, underscoring the importance of localized conservation tactics. As of now, the project has successfully eliminated approximately 6,500 stoats through the use of humane traps, directly impacting the health of the island's ecosystems. The results have shown a positive shift, with increasing populations of hen harriers and rare wading birds, signaling that targeted actions can lead to significant ecological improvements. Conservationists report that the Orkney vole is also recovering as the number of stoat predators diminishes. Overall, the project illustrates a successful model for endangered species recovery by meticulously addressing the threats posed by invasive predators, reinforcing the notion that dedicated conservation efforts can help restore natural wildlife balances.