Impact study plan for island mink

Conservationists will study the mink's impact on the islands

A study into the impact of the non-native American mink population on the wildlife of Mull and Iona is to be conducted by Scottish Natural Heritage.

The feasibility study will look at the best ways to control the numbers of the predator, which is said to pose a threat to nesting birds on the islands.

Those behind the project hope that funding will be in place next year to begin a series of control projects.

Mink numbers increased in the area as a result of mink farming in the 1950s.

The islands have become valued heritage sites due to their position as key nesting areas for seabirds.

Andrew Campbell, SNH operations manager, said: "An unfortunate legacy of 20th century mink farming, this unrelenting predator has spread across Argyll, posing a major threat to ground nesting birds by preying on their chicks and eggs.

decimated

"On Mull and Iona mink are becoming a common sight, with many seabird colonies along the coastline being decimated."

Voluntary mink trapping has taken place over many parts of both islands for a number of years.

Mr Campbell said that the complete eradication of the animals was high on the list of priorities for both islands.

He added: "SNH are grateful for the assistance the many local trappers and the Mull and Iona Community Trust have provided over recent years."

To ensure communities are kept up to date on the project SNH will be staging a presentation in the Salen Hotel on 8 May as part of the Mull and Iona Wild Isles Week.