Rathlin Island, off the coast of Northern Ireland, is home to thousands of breeding seabirds, including puffins. However, invasive species such as ferrets and rats pose significant threats to these birds. The LIFE Raft project aims to eradicate these animals and protect the island’s bird populations. Woody, a detection dog, is an important part of the project. The two-year-old Fox Red Labrador is trained to detect the droppings of ferrets and rats. By proving that the island is free of these animals, the project hopes to protect the seabirds of Rathlin Island.
Woody is a vital part of the project, although he does not actually track the animals. His nose is trained to detect their droppings, and it is hoped that he will eventually prove they have left the island. Woody is treated like a member of staff, with his own PPE and breaks after detecting scat. However, when he’s not working, he’s a typical two-year-old Labrador, full of energy and enthusiasm.
The LIFE Raft project has already captured and destroyed 98 ferrets, and there have been no confirmed sightings on the island for months. However, the island cannot declare itself ferret-free until next year. The ferrets were introduced by a farmer in the 1980s to control the rabbit population. Unfortunately, they also began to prey on seabirds, leading to a significant drop in numbers. The island will not be able to recover until the predators are removed.
Rat eradication is an even larger undertaking than ferret eradication. There are an estimated 10,000 rats on Rathlin Island, and about 7,000 bait stations have been laid, including along the island’s steep cliff faces. The rats will ingest the bait and eventually die. It is a significant challenge, but the team is confident that it is achievable. Once the invasive species have been removed, the bird populations can begin to recover.
Rathlin Island is a special place, home to about 150 residents. The islanders are looking forward to a rat and ferret-free environment. By removing these invasive species, they are helping the local ground nesting birds thrive. The £4.5m LIFE Raft project is funded by various organizations, including the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
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